Different Types of Japanese Green Tea

Green Teas from Japan

The different types of green tea emerge due to differing locations on where the tea is grown, slight changes in how the tea is cultivated, the differing climate in locations and a whole host of other factors.

Gyokuro : Gyukoro is considered the very best of Japanese green teas. The leaves are flat and pointed, that provide a smooth taste with a light fragrance. During the final weeks before harvesting, these leaves are moved to the shade...out of direct sunlight.

Sencha : Sencha is the "everyday" Japanese green tea. Types and qualities vary widely. Leaves of this tea are exposed directly to sunlight.

Bancha : An unusual green tea that is harvested very late in the season. The leaves are large and rather hard. During the harvesting, the stems and stalks are included in the picking. Known to have a weaker flavor than other green teas.

Matcha : Matcha is a powdered green tea. The is manufactured in the Uji region of Japan. Tea is grown primarily in the shade. This tea is commonly used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Houjicha : Houjicha are green tea leaves that are roasted, hence the brown color. The flavor of the tea tends to be nutty. The roasting process also naturally lowers the caffeine levels of Houjicha green teas, too.

Kukicha : A tea made from white stalks produced by harvesting one bud and three leaves. A very unusual tea, with a taste of chestnut due to the twigs in the tea.

Genmaicha : Also known as the "popcorn tea." This is actually a sencha tea that is pan fired and then blended with toasted hulled rice. During the toasting of the hulled rice, it is not unusual for the rice to "pop," leading to the name of "popcorn tea."

For me, I prefer matcha green tea because it is the most convenient way that I can enjoy green tea. Since it is a powder, I just have to put it in the water both hot and cold. Usually I put the powder in a bottle of cold water and shake it well. Some people say that hot green tea provides more health benefits but I still like to drink iced green tea. I don't think Thailand weather is suitable for drinking hot beverages, I mean the weather is already hot. The only time I enjoy drinking hot green tea is during the winter season which lasts less than a week in Thailand, and during the time whn I have a flu.

Thank you for information  from http://www.teadiscussion.com/types/green-tea-types.php