Green tea, scientifically called Camellia sinesis, offers many different health benefits due to the high concentrations of antioxidant contained in the unfermented tea leaves, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMM, website. Green tea is used as a treatment for high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, some cancers, diabetes, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, liver disease and weight loss, according to UMM. The various types of green tea depend upon the climate and area of the world that it was cultivated from.
Gunpowder
Grown primarily in Zhejian, China, this variety of green tea is one of the most popular types of Chinese green teas, according to TeaDiscussion.com. This tea variety appears in the shape of pellets that open up during the brewing process.
Dragonwell
Like Gunpowder green tea, Dragonwell green tea is grown in the Zhejian area of China and is one of the more common Chinese varieties. This type of green tea is also referred to as Long Jing in China. The leaves of this tea are flat and have a jade color.
Hyson Lucky Dragon
This premium green tea variety has a more full-bodied taste compared to other types of green tea. Its leaves are yellowish-green in color, and it is a premium green tea, according to TeaDiscussion.com.
Gyokuro
With a smooth taste and very light fragrance, Gyokuro is one of the best types of green tea to come out of Japan, according to TeaDiscussion.com. This type of green tea is harvested a bit differently than other types of green teas. In the final weeks before harvesting the tea leaves, they are taken out of the direct sunlight, which may play a part in its appearance, fragrance and taste.
Sencha
Unlike the Gyokuro green tea leaves, Sencha leaves are exposed to direct sunlight prior to being harvested. Sencha green tea is a common Japanese variety that is called the 'everyday' tea in Japan by TeaDiscussion.com.
Houjicha
A unique Japanese green tea, Houjicha green tea leaves are roasted, which gives them a nutty flavor and brown coloring. The roasting process also lowers the amount of caffeine in this variety, so it may be a good choice for someone trying to cut back on caffeine consumption.
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