Chinese vs Japanese green teas – they are both green teas, right? Yes, but that’s broadly everything they have in common these teas.
The two countries produce green teas of great quality, but very different in terms of aspect, aroma and flavour. Here are some of the key differences.
- China produces much more tea than Japan, which comes as no surprise given its size and favourable and diverse terroir.
- Almost all Japanese tea is machine harvested and produced, while in China there are still many places where tea is handmade and shaped in various forms.
- Many Chinese teas are unblended and disclosed to the public by their place of origin, plucking method and season. This allows us to choose from a variety of tastes. On the other hand, Japanese teas are mostly blended to produce standard teas of consistent quality.
- Chinese teas are panned, that is the leaves are exposed to dry heat over woks or ovens. This method turns the leaves brownish and gives the tea a toasty flavour. Japanese teas are steamed, that is the leaves are exposed to wet heat using machines. Steaming retains the green colour of the leaves and their concentrated vegetal taste.
- In general, Japanese teas (Matcha in particular) contain more antioxidants and amino acids because they are less processed than Chinese ones and also shaded before harvest. More information can be found here.
- Japanese teas must be brewed for a very short period (0.5-1.5 minutes) compared to Chinese teas which can be brewed for longer (up to 3 minutes).
Considering all these aspects, it’s easy to deduct that making Japanese tea is less labour intensive and faster. However, that isn’t necessarily reflected in lower prices. Chinese teas are still much cheaper, on average, due to the high supply and competition in the market.
It’s worth noting that some Japanese teas – Kamairachi and Hojicha – are roasted, while some Chinese teas go through both steaming and panning – Gunpowder tea.
This comparison is not meant to judge which teas are best. That depends on the taste of each one of us. But what I know for sure is that we are so lucky to have the opportunity to choose from such a variety of flavours.
