Loose Leaf Green Teas to Celebrate Springtime

It’s spring again, and suddenly everything’s green! It’s a time of rejuvenation and renewal, with tender, young buds and shoots bursting upon the scene. If you are longing to feel revitalised too, after the grey winter months, why not embrace the spirit of spring with an uplifting and refreshing green tea? Whether you choose a sweet and light Sencha, a smooth, vibrant Matcha, or a delicious green tea blend, the clean flavours and fragrant aromas found in Tea-Direct's wonderful selection of green teas will be sure to energise.

As with other teas, green teas are processed from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, but unlike black, white, and oolong teas, the leaves and buds of green teas are not oxidised or fermented. As a result, they retain their green colour and, when infused, yield a pale liquor. The type of green tea produced is dependent on the method of cultivation and processing. Sencha tea leaves are grown in the sun and once harvested, steamed to prevent oxidation. The taste of Sencha teas may vary; some have subtle grassy notes and others are quite vegetal. Matcha is a powdered tea that is dissolved in water, rather than steeped. Its shade-grown leaves produce a delightful mix of savoury and sweet flavours, and its higher chlorophyll content gives it a bright green appearance.

There are a number of health benefits associated with drinking most teas but green teas are thought to contain higher amounts of protective antioxidants, partly due to the dehydration methods used when the leaves are processed. They are also thought to contain higher levels of iron and vitamins, but less caffeine than in black tea or coffee.

Here are some suggestions for delicious green teas you may like to try:

Earl Grey Green Tea is made from fine China green tea and citrusy, aromatic bergamot oil; a lovely tea for a warm spring afternoon.

Pinhead Gunpowder Green Tea is so named because its leaves are rolled into small round pellets, resembling gunpowder grains. This method helps preserve its wonderful well-rounded flavours and nutrient content.

Sencha Japanese Cherry Tea is a glorious blend of Sencha green tea, delicate rose blossoms and the slightly sweet, juicy flavour of cherries.

Izu Japanese Green Tea Matcha is in a class of its own, being made from the finest quality green tea and gyokuro leaves. It produces a light and refreshing beverage with a jam-like smoothness.

The above are just a few examples, but you can check out our full range of green teas here for other varieties.