Green Tea
This is the oldest known form of tea. Once the tea is plucked it is frequently, but not always, laid out on withering trays where it is exposed to air which causes the cellular structure of the leaf to weaken and become more supple. Immediately after withering green tea is pan fired or steamed to prevent the leaf from oxidizing. Finally, it is rolled to achieve its final shape and then dried in hot air convection ovens to reduce the moisture content to less than 6%. It is then sorted to remove broken pieces and stems.
Green and white tea share the distinction of being the healthiest forms of tea. EGCG, an important catechin found in green and white tea is proven to aid in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. For more information on the health benefits of green tea, please see our tea master's article on the subject.