The sheer variety of green teas produced worldwide is overwhelming. Every country and region has its unique offerings, with endless variations.
In the West, only the most in-demand green teas are widely available, but thanks to improved trade networks, it’s becoming easier to source rare and unique green teas.
The vast array of options can challenge tea businesses looking to expand their selection of single-origin green teas. Selecting teas that meet the quality and authenticity standards your customers expect requires expertise and a careful approach.
Every business must tailor its offerings to its clientele. To help you start, here are the must-have single-origin green teas for your tea store.
Sencha Green Tea
Sencha is one of the most popular pure green teas in the West. It’s a favourite among consumers looking for a fresh, vegetal base tea with umami notes.
As a classic representative of Japanese green teas, Sencha offers customers an excellent introduction to this tea category.
Gunpowder Green Tea
Gunpowder tea is characterized by its leaves, rolled into small pellets resembling gunpowder, which is how it gets its name.
This tea, produced in China, is of the highest quality when the pellets are tightly rolled, small, and shiny.
Gunpowder tea is typically an affordable option, appealing to those looking for a straightforward, easy-to-drink green tea.
Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is a classic Japanese green tea presented in powdered form.
Initially, many retailers hesitated to sell Matcha, thinking it was just a passing trend. However, its enduring popularity has proven otherwise.
Beyond traditional tea ceremonies, Matcha is highly versatile, finding its way into modern cuisine and mixology. It appeals to younger consumers and makes it a must-have for stores aiming to attract a diverse audience.
Jasmine Green Tea from China
Naturally scented with jasmine flowers, this green tea is indispensable for its captivating fragrance and smooth flavour. It’s a classic among Chinese green teas.
Add it to your inventory for customers who enjoy aromatic and floral flavour profiles.
Gyokuro: A Shaded Green Tea
Known as “jade dew,” Gyokuro is prized for its exceptionally smooth and sweet flavour, thanks to its shaded cultivation. This method enhances its theanine content, making it sweeter and less astringent than other green teas.
Its exclusivity can attract a premium-seeking market segment.
Kukicha Green Tea
Also called “twig tea,” Kukicha is a unique Japanese green tea made primarily from the stems and twigs of the tea plant.
It offers an exceptionally light and refreshing flavour, with subtle sweetness and low caffeine content, making it perfect for customers seeking milder options.
Other Green Teas for Your Store
We’ve highlighted the essentials for your inventory, but if you have the budget and space, consider adding these to your catalogue:
Indian Darjeeling Green Tea
While Darjeeling is more famous for its black teas, the green version has a unique flavour profile with vegetal notes and a hint of muscatel, offering a different tea experience.
Pi Lo Chun from China
Known for its spiral shape, light body, and a strong floral and fruity aroma, Pi Lo Chun adds a touch of elegance with its delicate flavour and presentation.
Genmaicha
A Japanese green tea blended with roasted brown rice. Its nutty, toasted flavour makes it ideal for customers seeking low-caffeine options with distinctive taste notes. Chinese versions are also available as a more budget-friendly alternative.
