What makes green tea green?

Green tea gets its green color from a pigment called chlorophyll. Here's the breakdown:

* Chlorophyll: This is the primary pigment in plants responsible for photosynthesis. It absorbs light energy, primarily in the red and blue wavelengths, which gives plants their green appearance.

* Tea Leaves: Tea leaves, like all plants, contain chlorophyll.

* Processing: Green tea is minimally processed, which preserves the chlorophyll. Unlike black tea, which is oxidized (fermented), green tea undergoes steaming or pan-frying, quickly deactivating enzymes that would break down the chlorophyll and change the color.

In contrast:

* Black tea: During oxidation, chlorophyll is broken down and the leaves develop their characteristic brown color.

* Oolong tea: This tea falls between green and black tea in processing. It is partially oxidized, resulting in a range of colors from greenish-brown to dark brown.

So, the preservation of chlorophyll during processing is the main reason why green tea maintains its vibrant green color.