Japanese green teas are steamed and taste fresh, savoury and grassy; Chinese greens are pan-fired and softer, with a nutty, toasty note. Use water just below boiling (71–82°C) and steep 1–3 minutes to avoid bitterness. New to green tea? Start with a sencha or a mellow Gen Mai Cha.
Green Tea
Total items: 60
Green tea in Canada: how to choose
Green tea is not one flavour. Japanese green teas are steamed, so they taste fresh, savoury and vegetal. Chinese green teas are mostly pan-fired and taste softer, nutty and toasty. Pick the style you like first, then the grade: sencha for everyday cups, gyokuro when you want something sweeter and richer.
New to green tea? Gen Mai Cha Supreme (with toasted rice) is mellow and easy to love, and Gokujyo Uji Sencha is a bright, balanced sencha. Prefer something toasty with no bitterness? Try Hojicha. For something floral, Jasmine Dragon Pearls, and for a Chinese classic, Long Jing Dragon Well. Prices are in CAD and free shipping is available.
| Type | Taste | Water and time | Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sencha | Fresh, grassy, bright | 71–80°C, 1–2 min | Sencha Tenkaichi |
| Gyokuro | Sweet, rich, umami | About 60°C, 2 min | Gyokuro Kokyu |
| Hojicha | Roasted, toasty, mellow | 90–95°C, 1–2 min | Hojicha |
| Genmaicha | Toasted rice, nutty | 80°C, 2–3 min | Gen Mai Cha Supreme |
| Dragon Well | Smooth, sweet, nutty | 75–80°C, 2–3 min | Long Jing Dragon Well |
| Jasmine pearls | Floral and fragrant | 75–80°C, 2–3 min | Jasmine Dragon Pearls |
Green tea FAQ
Why does my green tea taste bitter?
Usually the water is too hot or the tea steeped too long. Use water around 71 to 82°C, not boiling, and steep for 1 to 3 minutes. Gyokuro likes it even cooler, around 60°C.
What is the difference between Japanese and Chinese green tea?
Japanese green teas are mostly steamed, which gives a bright green colour and a fresh, savory, vegetal taste. Chinese green teas are mostly pan-fired, which gives a softer, nutty or toasty flavour. Dragon Well is a classic example.
What is the difference between sencha and gyokuro?
Both are Japanese green teas. Gyokuro is shaded for several weeks before harvest, which makes it sweeter and richer in umami. Sencha is grown in full sun and tastes brighter and more grassy.
Can I re-steep green tea leaves?
Yes. Most whole-leaf green teas give two or three good infusions. Add 30 seconds to a minute for each new steep.
How do you drink green tea?
Green tea is usually enjoyed plain, without milk. Brew it with water below boiling, 75–80°C (167–176°F), for 2–3 minutes; add honey or lemon if you like.
Does green tea have caffeine?
Yes. A cup of green tea typically has about 20–45 mg of caffeine, roughly a quarter to half of a cup of coffee.
When is the best time to drink green tea?
Many people enjoy it in the morning or early afternoon. Since it contains caffeine, choose a caffeine-free herbal tea in the evening if you are sensitive to it.