The Origins of Green Tea: Where are the Best Places to Get it From?

Renowned and adored globally, Green tea holds a prominent position among tea enthusiasts. Its consumption is particularly widespread throughout Asia. In 2015, a report revealed China as the foremost producer and consumer of green tea, contributing to 70% of worldwide production. Astonishingly, China crafted 47,000 tons of green tea that year. The appeal lies in the green teas myriad health advantages, such as weight reduction, blood pressure regulation, and bolstered cardiac wellness. Delve further into the fascinating world of green tea to uncover its origins and pinpoint where the finest varieties can be savored.

What Are the Origins of Green Tea? 

The exact origins of Green tea are unknown. The earliest records trace the drink back to China during the Z Han dynasty in AD 79. The first document detailing the production of green tea dates back to the Song Dynasty of China when it was recorded that bamboo leaves were used to make the tea. A variety of other leaves were also used, but Chinese tea was picked to be the most common in the West. The most likely explanation for this is that the Chinese were the first to domesticate and cultivate tea, as well as the first to process it into a beverage. This makes it easier for tea to have first been used in China than in other Asian countries. 

Japan: The Birthplace of Green Tea 

The Japanese are the most passionate about green tea. The beverage is part of their everyday life and culture. In fact, green tea is so important to the Japanese that it became the country’s national beverage in the 1890s. The beverage is therefore often referred to as “Japanese tea.” The Japanese have cultivated and consumed green tea for hundreds of years. While green tea is known as “the national beverage of China,” it is actually the first beverage consumed by the Japanese. 

Japanese green tea garners admiration for its nuanced taste and scent. Cultivated uniquely, the leaves are frequently harvested manually and crafted by proficient artisans. This tea boasts a wealth of health advantages, brimming with abundant antioxidants and polyphenols. Moreover, Japan's traditional tea ceremony, known as "cha-no-yu," encompasses the intricate preparation and presentation of tea in a ceremonial manner. This age-old cultural practice persists, widely embraced in contemporary times.

India and China: The Largest Producers 

Ranked second globally, India's green tea production is substantial. In recent times, the nation has experienced a surge in annual tea leaf harvests, a notable portion of which is green tea. Key cultivation areas include Assam, West Bengal, and Darjeeling, which also yield a popular black tea variant enjoyed worldwide.

China, the world's largest green tea producer, outpaces all other countries combined, with Japan, India, and Indonesia trailing. A long-established history of cultivating the tea plant, China holds the distinction of being the earliest nation to produce this beverage on a grand scale. 

China Green Teas

Esteemed for its historical depth and cultural import, Chinese green tea is among the most ancient tea forms, with origins in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). The wide spectrum of flavors and aromas, from vegetal and grassy to floral and fruity, sets it apart.

Chinese green tea is also hailed for numerous health benefits, such as reducing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes risks, while promoting weight loss and mental acuity. The Chinese tea culture, intricately woven into history, art, and tradition, highlights the nation's deep connection to this treasured beverage.

Indian Green Teas

Indian green tea captivates with its singular flavor and aroma, often characterized by robust, grassy notes and a touch of astringency. The hilly regions of India, with their ideal climate and soil, nurture tea cultivation. Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri are primary states producing this much-loved tea.

Affordability and availability contribute to Indian green tea's widespread appeal. As a cornerstone of Indian culture, tea serves not only as an everyday beverage but also as an integral part of traditional ceremonies.

Indonesia: A New Promising Producer 

Indonesia is the world’s fourth-largest green tea producer. The country’s production of tea leaves has been growing annually in recent years because of increased cultivation and the use of modern technologies in harvesting and processing. The majority of Indonesian tea is produced in the island of Java, which is known for its rich soil and climate. The largest producers of green tea in Indonesia are the small family-owned plantations. These plantations grow their own green tea leaves and produce the beverage in a large amount. 

Time To Get Uure Green Teas!

Tea has been enjoyed by people all around the world for centuries. The most common type of tea is green tea, which is produced in many Asian countries. It’s easy to find green tea in stores, gas stations, and even vending machines. Despite how easy it is to purchase green tea, many people don’t know its origins. The best place to find green tea is in China, followed by India and Indonesia. These are the three countries that produce the most of the beverage, and each has its own unique flavor. If green tea isn't your cup of tea, check out all our other amazing teas!