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Green Tea is created with leaves of the Camellia Sinensis that have undergone minimal oxidation during the processing of the tea. Green Tea originated in China and has become widespread in the West, where black tea is traditionally consumed. In the Asian cultures, the word "tea" has always meant Green Tea.

For over 5000 years, Green Tea has been a preferred and afforded beverage among the wealthiest and most educated Chinese. After the fall of the Mongolian empire in 1368 A.D., during the Ming Dynasty, tea drinking spread to the common man. As China began to dominate the seas with export during the 15th Century, tea was among the essential supplies for seaman. Since China had been using Green Tea as a medicinal beverage for both body and mind, the amount of vitamin C in the tea consumed by the seafarers helped prevent scurvy which had killed many European sailors.

Freshly plucked tea leaves were used immediately for tea brewing or lightly heated to preserve the healthy ingredients if not drank immediately. Historically, using about one teaspoon of green tea per cup of water is noted as the appropriate brewing method. Brewing time and temperature can vary with individual tea leaves based on their quality. The most common brewing instructions for the hottest brewing temperature are 180 F (82C) of water with a steep time from 2 to 3 minutes. The acceptable lowest brewing temperature are 140F (60C) of water with a steep time of not exceeding 30 seconds. If the Green Tea leaves are of poor quality they should be steeped longer and hotter, whereas the premium leaves should be steeped cooler and shorter. Superior Green Tea leaves can be steeped multiple times. To prevent a bitter tasty tea drink, do not steep the Green Tea leaves too long or too hot.

Green Tea contains two different types of Caffeine like substances, theophylline, which is actually stronger than caffeine, and theobromine, which is slightly weaker than caffeine. This allows Green Tea to have a quarter the caffeine content than coffee. Because Green Tea does contain a large amount of caffeine, it may cause problems for people with the following conditions: kidney disease, high blood pressure, nervous disorder and hyperthyroidism.

After the popularity of the Tea Ceremony during the 15th Century, from Asia to Europe to Africa to the United States, tea has become more socially acceptable and chosen drink. With advancements in medicine and the evolution of herbal medicines as an alternative, the use of Green Tea for other than vomiting, diarrhea, stomach disorders, to prevent dental cavities and to lower cholesterol, has arisen. Green Tea is now being used as an antioxidant, to reduce different cancers, and as a stimulant. The prolonged and heavy consumption of Green Tea maybe linked to esophageal cancer.

With the rise in documented health benefits, Green Tea has become appealing to tea lovers as well as non-tea lovers. The aroma of Green Teas are very inviting and pleasing to the palette. Some of the top Green Teas are: MatCha, Gyokura Imperial, SenCha, Dragonwell, and Gunpowder. With the concern of the caffeine, Americanized Green Teas has been offered in decaffeinated forms by companies like Lipton, Celestial, and Tazo.

Learn more about this author, Rosanne Sloane.
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