When it comes to tea in Japan and China, the one that has been popular for hundreds of years is green tea. In addition, people in the west have discovered the smooth flavor this Chinese herbal tea offers, as well as medicinal benefits. Green tea is often associated with alternative medicine, used by people that want traditional healing properties but without putting harmful chemicals in the body. Some of the benefits of this healthy tea still need to be validated but for thousands of years, documentation has been maintained that does confirm many therapeutic properties.
Buying green tea from any country other than China or Japan could result in buying low quality or even an imitation. The only exception to this rule is that quality green tea is also found in India. People that enjoy drinking this type of tea often buy from tea companies located in these countries, knowing it will be authentic and delicious. A few of the favorite choices include Hou Kui, Piluochun, and Longjing from China and Sencha from Japan.
When looking at options at your local grocery store, you will find all kinds of brands and even generic green tea products. Unfortunately, most of these are made from green tea dust and the tea is poor quality. Instead, if you want fresh leaves that have the full flavor and benefits, you can buy tea online at specialty stores or locally at herbal or health food stores.
Throughout Japan, the tea ceremony is a very important part of the culture. Because of this green tea is very popular. For this ceremony according to Buddhist tradition, the tea would be made for the people at the ceremony, served hot and fresh. The people that attend a Japanese tea ceremony do not necessarily know much about the process but they are allowed to participate regardless.
Just as with the Japanese culture, green tea is also a key component of the Chinese culture. Interestingly, premium green tea is often used as a form of communication, one where sentiments are exchanged but without words. In other words, a Chinese person could say, “thank you” or “I’m sorry” simply by offering green tea. Because of the culture and rich history surrounding tea and Asian countries, people in the western world appreciate drinking green tea even more, as if being a part of a beautiful tradition.
