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Not all green teas are the same. If you are an advanced tea drinker, you are already aware of that fact. But, if you are only just starting out your quest for finding the perfect tea, you might be surprised by so many different types and flavors. Depending if you prefer strong green tea or are more likely to enjoy a lighter cup, you might want to avoid some green teas.

(Source: Tea Chronicles ©)

We made a selection of top three Chinese teas from lighter and stronger category.

Light Green Tea

Long Jing

Long Jing or Dragon Well is one of the most popular Chinese green teas. It is pan-fired and has a wonderful light nutty and floral flavor. The original Long Jing comes from Xihu in Zhejiang.

Anji Bai Cha

Anji Bai Cha is said to be somewhere between white and green tea. Although it is technically green tea, it holds the word „white“ in its name. This tea has a wonderful needle shaped leaves and very light, fresh, green flavor. Anji Bai Cha is so delicate it needs to be brewed with care, and most beginners might find it very difficult to enjoy its light flavor.

Kai Hua Long Ding

Kai Hua Long Ding might not be as famous as the other two teas, but it is gaining more and more popularity. This tea has a unique shape – plump sharp leaves that are best brewed in a glass tea ware. Flavor is very delicate, fresh, green with a tiny smokey note.

Strong Green Tea

Zhen Mei

Although the name might sound unfamiliar, Zhen Mei is the popular and omnipresent Chun Mee green tea. This tea is more popular in the West than in the East and it is one of the strongest green teas beginners might immediately stumble upon during their first loose leaf tea purchase. This tea has a heavier green smokey flavor and should be brewed with a lot of care.

Gunpowder

Gunpowder or Zhu Cha is one more, quite generic, strong green tea that can be found in almost any Asian groceries store. Even though Gunpowder is stronger in character and flavor, not all of them are the same. Even some other countries also produce Gunpowder, but the original one comes from China. Gunpowder is the tea of choice for making popular mint tea in North Africa.

Lu Shan Yun Wu

Lu Shan Yun Wu can usually be found under many different names – from Fog Tea, to Cloud and Mist tea. It comes from Jianxi Province. Leaves are small and twisted, darker in color. This tea has a stronger roasted, smooth and brisk flavor, with sweet aftertaste.

What can you learn from our list?

You may notice that all of the lighter green teas have a much lighter pale green or yellow-green liquor, while the stronger ones will be more yellowish. Stronger teas are much more suitable to blend with other ingredients, and you may find them in many different flavored blends. On the other hand, lighter teas should be enjoyed on their own, without compromising the flavor. You can find some of these teas in our online tea shop.