Green Tea- pan fired
Production:
Leaves are withered (optional) then tossed in a hot pan or rotating drum until the natural enzymes are neutralized. Then the leaves are shaped by machine rollers, or by hand pressure in the case of many specialty teas. The leaf in then dried (sometimes drying occurs in coordination with the hand rolling).
Leaf Style:
China pan fired teas encompass probably more unique leaf styles than any other general category: flat and straight (Dragonwell), balled (Gunpowder), curly (Pi lo Chun), bold and twisted (Mao Feng), etc. Some of the finest green teas often utilize only one leaf and a bud. “ Two leaves and a bud” is the plucking standard for fine green tea production.
Cup Characteristics:
Golden-green, vegetal, sometimes nutty (leaking driers in some factories and wood fires in some small cottage industries can sometimes impart a smoky character).
Production Area:
China
Additional facts:
5-10% caffeine content of coffee
Health Benefits:
Assist with lowering cholesterol levels, Assists with lowering blood sugar levels, Suppresses aging, Good for digestion, Assists with cavities and gingivitis, Good for skin, Fights Virus, Detoxifying