The Consensus 5 Best Green Teas, According To Expert Reviews

Originating in China, green tea has been around for centuries. It is known for its numerous health benefits and is widely consumed for its refreshing taste and soothing aroma. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In addition to its health benefits, green tea also offers a calming effect, making it a popular choice for those looking to relax and unwind. With its delicate flavor and natural goodness, it has gained popularity worldwide and is now enjoyed by people of all cultures and backgrounds. From sencha to matcha, the best green teas are often consumed as well for their lightly caffeinated properties for those looking for a different option than their morning coffee. However, its low caffeine content ensures that it can be enjoyed throughout the day without causing jitters or disrupting sleep patterns.

Of course, green tea has been sporting benefits galore for as long as it’s been around. But, research reveals that green tea may contain an ingredient capable of reducing harmful plaques in the brain that leads to the development of Alzheimer’s. Green tea catechins and resveratrol inhibit the growth of sticky beta-amyloid plaques. When this protein clumps together in the brain, it disrupts neural cells and leads to the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s, such as memory loss and confusion. 

Prior studies show a daily cup may improve brain function and even fight obesity. Now scientists say the traditional Chinese drink could hold the key to beating cancer. According to researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, green tea may switch on a gene called p53, which blocks the development of tumors. The protein destroys damaged cells or stops them from dividing as repairs are carried out. An antioxidant found in green tea, however, improves its efficiency, the study shows.

That’s a whole lot of power in one little tea bag. While studies continue to follow the effects of green tea’s properties and antioxidants on our health, we have researched across numerous expert sources to bring you today’s list of the top five best green teas you can buy now. Our list of the best green teas is based on the most frequently recommended products across 10 expert reviews. Don’t see your favorite on the list? We would love to hear from you in the comments below. 

The List: 5 Green Teas Most Frequently Recommended By Experts

 

1. Rishi Tea Sencha Green Tea

The first spot on our list goes to Rishi Sencha Organic Green Tea. It originates from Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu Island, Japan, a region known for its mountainous terrain and rich agricultural practices. Rishi credits the area’s meticulously maintained tea gardens, which are enhanced by well-developed irrigation systems and strict cultivation methods to produce high-quality tea.

The tea boasts a blend of the finest tea bush cultivars, emphasizing organic practices to deliver its distinctive flavor​. It is certified organic, non-GMO, and 100% green tea.  

VeryWellFit praises the green tea’s “delicate flavor profile with sweet and bright earthy notes, making it an easily drinkable beverage.”  It strikes a perfect balance between a predominantly hearty taste and a light sweetness, making it an easily drinkable beverage throughout the day.

“Mild in both its flavor and its caffeine content, the Rishi Tea Sencha Organic Green Tea is a great choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike. This is a great tea to have on hand for sipping and savoring, whether for comfort on a cold day or iced to help hydrate yourself for a workout session. We love it for the great value, the earthy taste, and the sustainable business practices, right down to the eco-friendly packaging,” adds Active.

2. Vahdam Green Tea

The runner-up spot goes to Vahdam Green Tea, originating from the Himalayas. Vahdam teas are known for their minimal oxidation process, allowing them to retain the freshest flavors. The company prides itself on sourcing its green teas directly from esteemed tea estates in India, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity.

The green teas are carefully handpicked and skillfully blended with over 15 premium ingredients, including Himalayan green tea, to provide a rejuvenating and flavor-packed experience. Their teas are vacuum-sealed at the source in India and shipped directly to fulfillment centers to preserve their freshness

“What set it apart was a very subtle smokiness that half the group could taste and disliked and the other half couldn’t even pick up on (which is just proof that our palates really are so different!). This inconsistency resulted in a lack of unanimity, but a cup we’d all, at the end of the day, put our pinkies up for,” notes Today.

“This product is incredibly smooth with a rich yet mellow taste that even the pickiest tea drinker will love. The leaves are packaged in thin, spacious bags so there’s enough space in the tea bag for the leaves to unfurl, leading to a better infusion and providing a richer taste. The sealed bag is great for keeping the aroma and freshness locked in the tea leaves for longer,” comments Cuisine At Home.

3. Choice Organics Jasmine Green Tea

Choice Organics Jasmine Green Tea has the honor of the third spot on our list, with a perfectly balanced and not-too-overpowering flavor considering its floral and fragrant blend. This tea is described as thriving and flourishing, infused with the beauty and splendor of jasmine flowers, making it a unique beverage option for tea lovers.

Reviewers praise it for its medium caffeine level and the simple brewing process that enhances its natural flavors.​ “The caffeine level is perfect, and after experimenting with steep times, it never becomes bitter like the other green tea brands. Everyone loved the jasmine flavor and agreed that it struck the perfect balance and wasn’t too strong. Some of us preferred to drink it without any additions because the jasmine was the perfect touch, but others found that it tasted even better with lemon and either honey or agave,” notes Eat This, Not That!

The packaging of Choice Organics tea emphasizes sustainability, with cartons using 100% recycled paperboard printed with vegetable-based inks. The staple-free tea bags are compostable once the attached organic string is removed, underscoring the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility. “A cup of Choice Organics Jasmine Green Tea is a lovely way to begin the day (or finish it!),” says The Street.

4. Bigelow Classic Green Tea

A well-known classic, the fourth spot on our list goes to Bigelow’s Classic Green Tea. The Bigelow family says it prides itself on selecting high-quality tea ingredients and applies unparalleled skill to produce green teas that offer a superior flavor, devoid of any bitterness. Their teas are crafted using hand-picked leaves from high-elevation gardens, ensuring a distinct taste experience that stands out from other green teas. 

If you’re looking to go with a truly safe option for your tea jar, Bigelow is always a trusty pick. Even better, you’ll likely find it on the shelf of your local grocery store. “Green tea can be expensive, depending on the variety and brand. Bigelow Classic Green Tea offers an affordable alternative … and each tea bag is packaged in a foil packet to protect it from air, moisture, and other aromas that might affect the flavor,” explains VeryWellFit.

In a review by TODAY, Bigelow Classic Green Tea was noted for being one of the more potent options, characterized by a distinctive nuttiness and slight bitterness. This profile makes it an excellent choice not only for drinking but also for baking purposes where green tea flavor is desired. Despite its strength, the tea’s forwardness in delivering a pure green tea taste was appreciated​

5. Twinings Green Tea 

Last but certainly not least is another big name in the tea industry. Twinings Green Tea, which sources 80% of its green tea from China, stands out for its method of processing, where, unlike black tea, the green tea leaves are not oxidized. This difference in processing, involving either pan-frying or steaming the freshly picked leaves before rolling, allows the leaves to retain their green color and deliver a lighter-tasting tea. Their meticulous process ensures that their green tea preserves its fresh taste, smooth flavor, and enticing aroma.

“This green tea is sourced directly from Zhejiang Province, which is located on the southeastern coast of China. This province has a humid subtropical climate with the perfect combination of sunshine and rain to yield smooth, fresh, and natural-tasting tea. So, with this pick, you know you’ll be getting something special,” according to Cuisine At Home.

 

The Twinings brand offers a variety of green tea products, including those made solely from tea leaves as well as blends incorporating other botanicals. Among the popular products are gunpowder green tea, pure green tea, mint green tea, and jasmine green tea. “The classics stay classic for a reason, and this tasty blend is no different. If you are looking for the grassy, slightly tannic flavors that are associated with a strong green tea, then this is your best bet,” says Delish.

What makes a quality green tea?

So you might be left wondering why some green teas are considered higher quality than others? There are plenty of factors that separate these higher-end teas from others.  The best green teas often come from regions with ideal climate and soil conditions. Traditional areas in China and Japan, for instance, are renowned for their high-quality green tea.

The way the tea leaves are processed significantly affects quality too. Handpicked leaves, gentle steaming (for Japanese teas) or pan-firing (for Chinese teas), and careful drying are signs of high-quality processing. Good storage conditions are vital to maintain quality. Exposure to air, light, or moisture can degrade the tea. Freshness also plays a role – the sooner the tea is consumed after processing, the better its quality.

Generally, but not always, higher quality green teas are more expensive due to the care in cultivation and processing.

Here are some additional tips to consider if you’re looking to become a true green tea connoisseur:

• Whole Leaf Wonders: Ditch the dust and broken bits! Look for loose leaf teas with whole, vibrant leaves. They offer superior flavor, aroma, and antioxidant potential.
• Freshness First: Time is of the essence! Green tea loses its magic over time. Seek out recently harvested teas, ideally within a year, for peak flavor and potency.
• Origin Story: Explore the world! Different regions produce vastly different green teas. Japanese Sencha offers grassy notes, Chinese Dragonwell boasts nuttiness, while Gunpowder from China delivers a smoky punch.

Brewing Brilliance:

• Temperature Talk: Respect the delicate leaves! Use lower water temperatures (70-80°C) for Sencha and Gyokuro, slightly higher (80-90°C) for Dragonwell and Gunpowder.
• Steeping Secrets: Time matters! Shorter steeps (30-60 seconds) for lighter teas, longer steeps (2-3 minutes) for bolder varieties. Over-steeping leads to bitterness, so keep an eye on the clock!
• Water Wisdom: Pure, filtered water is your friend. Hard water can negatively impact the taste and color of your tea.

The Sensory Symphony:

• Color Cues: A vibrant green or jade hue is a good sign. Brown or yellow leaves indicate age or improper processing.
• Aromatic Allure: Breathe deep! Fresh green tea should offer subtle aromas of grass, seaweed, or even fruitiness. Avoid musty or pungent scents.
• Flavor Fireworks: Each sip should be a unique journey. Look for complex, layered flavors like fresh grass, toasted nuts, seaweed, or floral notes. Avoid bitterness or astringency, which can indicate over-steeping or poor quality.

Beyond the Basics:

• Organic Matters: Consider organic, ethically sourced teas. This supports sustainable farming practices and ensures higher quality leaves.
• Flavor Fusion: Experiment! Green tea pairs beautifully with fruits, herbs, even spices. Discover your own signature blend.
• Mindful Moments: Make brewing a ritual. Savor the process, the aromas, the warm cup in your hands. Green tea is more than just a drink; it’s a moment of mindful escape.

Sources :

• VeryWellFit
• Active
• The Spruce Eats
• Cuisine At Home
• Today
• MBG Food
• Delish
• Eat This, Not That!
• The Street
• Sporked

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