What Are the Different Types of Green Tea? A Simple Guide for Beginners
If you’re just starting your journey into green tea, it can be a bit overwhelming. Sencha, Gunpowder, Dragon Well, Matcha… sounds more like a fantasy novel than a drink menu, doesn’t it?
So let’s keep things simple. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the main types of green tea you’re likely to come across, how they’re made, how they taste, and which one might be the best starting point for you.
– Mike I, founder of Twyford Tea Company
Why Green Tea?
Green tea has been enjoyed for centuries – not just for its fresh taste, but for the calm focus it brings. It’s less processed than black tea, so the leaves keep more of their natural character. Different countries and regions have developed their own styles, so the variety is huge – and that’s where it gets interesting.
1. Sencha – Japan’s Everyday Favourite
Probably the most common green tea in Japan, Sencha is steamed after harvesting, which locks in its bright green colour and slightly grassy, umami-rich flavour. It’s clean, refreshing, and pairs beautifully with food.
Sencha is what I drink right after lunch every day – strong, hot, and slightly sweet with a bit of sugar. If you’re new to green tea, this is a solid place to start.
Best for: Everyday drinking, anyone who likes a clean, energising brew.
2. Dragon Well (Longjing) – The Iconic Chinese Classic
This tea is pan-roasted instead of steamed, giving it a nuttier, toastier character. You’ll notice notes of chestnut and a smoother, rounder taste compared to Japanese styles.
Best for: People who want something mellow, soft, and slightly sweet.
3. Gunpowder Green Tea – Rolled for Freshness
Originating from China, Gunpowder tea gets its name from the way the leaves are tightly rolled into little pellets. When brewed, they unfurl dramatically in the pot. It’s bold, slightly smoky, and holds up well to mint or citrus if you like experimenting.
reat green tea to start your journey with teas. It's a natural baseline with very distinctive taste of pure Green Tea. Smoky, strong and powerful. I come back to it very often just to remind myself what real green tea is about. It's like a good steak across all processed food - just fried with no extras. Bold and real.
Best for: Anyone who likes stronger, brisker teas with a bit of attitude.
4. Matcha – Green Tea, But Powdered
Matcha is a fine powder made from shade-grown Japanese tea leaves. Instead of steeping the leaves, you whisk the powder into hot water and drink the whole thing. It’s vibrant, grassy, and packed with caffeine and antioxidants.
Best for: Lattes, smoothies, baking – or serious tea lovers after a focused energy boost.
We don’t stock Matcha just yet, but we’re looking into high-quality ceremonial blends for our next range.
5. Jasmine Green Tea – Flavoured with Fragrance
This one’s a blend: green tea (often a basic Chinese variety) is scented with real jasmine flowers. The result is aromatic, floral, and slightly romantic. It’s not for everyone – but for some, it’s love at first sip.
This is my personal favourite - our family starts with it every single day, no skip. We make it strong and add a bit of sugar or sweetener. Bold and bright, aromatic and powerful. It opens my eyes better than any coffee and kicks my day off straight away!
Best for: Those who enjoy floral teas or want something soothing in the evening.
So… What’s the Best Green Tea for Beginners?
If you’re unsure where to start:
• Go for Sencha if you want something fresh and typical of Japanese teas.
• Jasmine Tea is perfect if you like a bit of natural and flowery taste.
• Fancy something stronger and keen to get a pure green tea experience? Gunpowder is your friend.
Final Thought about Green Tea
Green tea isn’t just one thing – it’s a whole world. And it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Explore a bit, sip slowly, and let your taste guide you.
If you’re not sure where to start, just drop us a message – we’ll help you choose something that fits your taste (or your mood).