What Are the Different Types of Green Tea? A Beginner’s Guide to Going Green

What are the different types of green tea? From sencha to matcha, dragon well to genmaicha, green tea comes in many forms — and each one brings its own flavour, feel, and tradition. 🌿

This beginner-friendly guide walks you through the most popular green teas from Japan, China, and beyond — so you can sip smarter, shop wiser, and find your perfect cup 🍵

 

What makes green tea different?

Green tea comes from the same leaf as black tea: Camellia sinensis. However, the magic lies in how it’s processed. Right after harvest, the leaves are either steamed or pan-fired to stop oxidation — the process that darkens the leaf.

As a result, green tea keeps its vibrant colour and fresh flavour 🌿. Even better, this gentle method helps retain more antioxidants, making green tea one of the healthiest brews around.

 

Japanese green teas

Let’s start with Japan. Japanese green teas are mostly steamed, which gives them a vivid green colour and a light, grassy taste. Here are the essentials:

• Sencha – Japan’s most popular green tea. It’s smooth, slightly grassy, and great for daily sipping.
• Matcha – Powdered and whisked, this creamy tea is rich in antioxidants and caffeine. Perfect for mornings or meditative moments.
• Gyokuro – Shade-grown for weeks before harvest. This tea offers deep umami and a luxurious flavour.
• Genmaicha – A comforting mix of green tea and roasted rice. It’s warm, nutty, and totally unique 🍘

 

Chinese green teas

Next up, China. As the birthplace of tea, China offers a huge variety of green teas. These are typically pan-fired, giving them a toasty, chestnut-like character.

• Longjing (Dragon Well) – Flat leaves with a nutty, mellow taste. This one is legendary and widely loved.
• Biluochun – Tiny spirals with floral and fruity notes. Delicate but packed with flavour.
• Mao Feng – Elegant and smooth with a subtle sweetness. Great for first-timers.

If you want to try authentic Chinese greens, check out our green tea collection.

 

Other varieties worth sipping

Of course, green tea isn’t limited to Japan and China. You’ll also find great versions in South Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and even right here in New Zealand 🌏

Many modern blends combine green tea with fruits or flowers. These fun infusions are perfect if you’re just starting out or want something refreshing 🍋

To see how global tea culture stacks up, check out this tea consumption map from World Atlas.

 

Why drink green tea?

Green tea isn’t just tasty — it’s good for you too. Thanks to catechins (powerful antioxidants), green tea supports your body in lots of ways:

• Sharpens focus — especially when drinking matcha, which has both caffeine and L-theanine
• Boosts metabolism, helping with weight management
• Supports heart health and improves circulation
• Improves skin clarity and slows signs of aging

To get the most from your brew, use water at 70–80°C and steep for just 1–2 minutes. Oversteeping can turn your tea bitter, and nobody wants that.

 

Which green tea should you try first?

If you’re new to green tea, start with Sencha for an easy daily option, or Dragon Well if you prefer something roasted and smooth. Feeling bold? Then matcha might be your perfect match — rich, energising, and deeply satisfying ⚡

Now that you know what the different types of green tea are, you’ve got everything you need to dive into the green side. Enjoy the journey, and happy brewing! 🍵