This blend has as its base a Sencha-style green tea manufactured in Hunan Province in South Eastern China. Interestingly enough, green and black teas can be produced from the same plants. Green tea is produced by foregoing the fermentation process required to produce black tea. Instead, the leaves are steamed as soon as they are plucked, and then bruised either by machine or by hand. The leaves are then pan-fried or basket fired - a process that gives the tea its distinctive glossy look and feel. Sencha green teas typically have dark green, needle shaped leaves and produce a pale green to yellow, very bright, smooth cup with a sweetish, honey like finish. The natural sweetness of this green tea makes it perfectly suited for blending with dried papaya pieces and natural passion fruit flavorings. You’ll notice that we’ve also added sunflower petals, to enhance the visual qualities of the blend.