Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
While green tea, black tea, and oolong tea all originate from the same plant species, Camellia sinensis, the processing methods applied to the leaves distinguish them from each other. For green tea production, the freshly harvested leaves are steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation, preserving their green color and characteristic flavor profile. This minimal processing contrasts with black tea, where the leaves are fully oxidized, and oolong tea, which undergoes partial oxidation.
Here's a breakdown:
- Plant Origin: Camellia sinensis
- Processing: Steaming or pan-firing to prevent oxidation.
- Result: Green tea with its distinct flavor and color.
Therefore, to reiterate, the specific leaf that is green tea is the leaf of the Camellia sinensis plant, processed in a way that prevents oxidation.
