Green tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the plant also used to make black and oolong teas. Its processing limits oxidation, helping create a range of flavors and styles.
How green tea is processed
After harvesting, the leaves are heated, commonly by steaming or pan-firing, to limit oxidation. Subsequent shaping and drying help determine the finished tea's appearance and character.
Explore different styles
Green tea styles include sencha, gyokuro, Dragon Well (Longjing), and matcha. These names describe different styles and production traditions, not a list of products necessarily available in our store.
Try different teas to discover what you enjoy. Origin, growing conditions, processing, and preparation can all affect the cup.
What does green tea taste like?
Depending on the tea, you may notice grassy, vegetal, toasted, nutty, sweet, or savory notes. Flavored blends introduce additional ingredients and aromas, so check each product's description and ingredient list.
Caffeine information
Green tea naturally contains caffeine. The amount in a prepared cup varies with the tea, leaf quantity, and brewing method. Do not assume it always contains less caffeine than black tea or that it will have a particular effect on you.
General category descriptions are not tested caffeine measurements for a finished blend. Check the information provided for the product you choose.
Prepare loose-leaf green tea
Follow your tea's directions for leaf quantity, water temperature, and steeping time. There is no single brewing temperature or time that suits every green tea.
Strain out the leaves before drinking. If the taste is more bitter than you prefer, review the recommended temperature, steeping time, and leaf quantity before your next brew.
Prepare matcha differently
Matcha is powdered green tea whisked into water rather than steeped and strained like loose leaves. Follow its preparation directions for the powder quantity and water temperature. The powder remains in the drink.
Store your tea carefully
Keep tea in a well-sealed container away from heat, light, moisture, and strong odors. Follow any product-specific storage guidance.
Learn about tea traditions
Green tea is associated with many distinct traditions. If exploring a particular ceremony or production style, use reliable sources that identify its cultural context rather than treating all tea traditions as interchangeable.
Find a green tea to try
Explore our Green Tea collection and check each blend's ingredients, caffeine information, and brewing directions. Let your flavor preferences guide your choice.
