Green tea has been around for centuries, and ever since its inception has been an extremely popular drink. What many people don’t realize, however, is that there are many different types of green tea. Primarily, the two major types of green tea are Japanese green tea and Chinese green tea. While the Chinese were the first to assimilate the tea into their culture, the Japanese soon jumped on board, and some would argue that the tea is just as important to Japanese culture as it is to the Chinese.

Here are some of the most popular forms of Japanese green tea.

Matcha

Matcha is one of the more well known forms of Japanese green tea, and is prized for its versatility. Matcha comes in powder form, and can be used not only to brew hot tea but also to add flavoring to such things as sauces and ice cream. In terms of price, matcha green tea is usually on the higher end of the spectrum.

Sencha

Sencha is by far the most common type of tea in Japan, and is prized for its aromatic and floral qualities. It gains its unique qualities from a period of time spent in direct sunlight. Most of the common “house” tea of Japan is of the sencha green tea variety.

Gyokuro

Gyokuro is a high-grade tea made specifically with shade-grown leaves. As a result, the flavor of the tea is lighter than that of normal green tea. Since it is of such high quality, gyokuro green tea usually sells for far more than other types of tea.

Bancha

Bancha is a lower-grade form of sencha. Normally made from the trimmings of the plant (and of the third or fourth harvest), it is generally sold for low prices and is not desired nearly as much as its counterpart. Even though bancha is relatively inexpensive, it isn’t found nearly as much in markets as sencha, the most popular form of green tea in Japan.

Funmatsucha

One of the newest forms of green tea, funmatsucha is a milled tea that is used and prepared in the same way that instant coffee is. While funmatsucha has yet to reach the appeal of other forms of green tea, it is indeed a viable option for those who need to make a quick cup.

Kamairicha

Kamairicha is one of the more interesting types of Japanese green tea available on the market, and is so because of its preparation. While most Japanese green teas are steamed during the preparation process, kamairicha skips this step and is instead pan-fried, which releases a whole new character to this mysterious tea. Most people say that the pan-frying of the tea disguises any bitterness from the final product.

Kukicha

A less common form of Japanese green tea often enjoyed on a budget, Kukicha is made from a combination of the twigs and stems of the tea plant. In general, its flavor is thought to be nutty and even creamy. While some people dislike it, most find it to be a somewhat pleasant, if not odd flavor.

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