Which variety of green tea is the best? Some might find this topic redundant, but for those less familiar with green tea, understanding which varieties are considered top-tier can be beneficial for both selecting and appreciating green tea. Below, we introduce the topic of the best green tea varieties.

First, let's address what green tea is. Many people mistakenly believe green tea is simply any tea that is green in color. This is incorrect. Green tea is defined by its unfermented processing method, which results in a clear, greenish infusion. Not all green-colored teas are necessarily green tea.

Green tea is produced by harvesting fresh tea leaves and processing them through fixation (killing the green), rolling, and drying. Examples include Xinyang Maojian, Longjing Tea, Biluochun, and Huangshan Maofeng.

A stricter standard for classifying a tea as green tea lies in the characteristics imparted by its processing technique: in terms of color, aroma, and taste, green tea aims for a tender, bright green color, a fresh, aromatic scent, and a mellow, refreshing flavor.

Simultaneously, brewing green tea requires more precision than any other tea type. Factors like water quality, teaware, even one's mood and brewing technique can affect the taste of green tea. It is considered the most intricate and demanding category within the tea ceremony.

Actually, most people should have a basic understanding of what green tea is. Looking at the history of tea development, the earliest teas mentioned, including historical records, refer to green tea. Other tea categories branched out later. Thus, it can be understood that green tea is the earliest recorded type of tea.

Now that we understand what green tea is, let's discuss the question of which variety is the best. Generally, everyone tends to think their own local tea is the best, which can seem a bit like self-promotion.

From an objective standpoint, it's genuinely difficult to answer which variety of green tea is the absolute best. If we follow the ranking of China's Top Ten Famous Teas, the best green tea variety would likely be Longjing Tea, followed by Biluochun, Xinyang Maojian, and Huangshan Maofeng, in that order.

However, stating it this way might not convince everyone, as every green tea has its own unique characteristics. These very characteristics are the strengths of that particular tea.

Therefore, as you can see from listings of green tea types and varieties, the best variety of green tea is ultimately the one that suits you best and that you most enjoy drinking. The final judgment should revolve around your own preferences.