tea plants near Mr. Fuji

Both green and brown tea come from the same plant: the thea sinensis. Western "brown tea" is fermented, while Chinese oolong is partially fermented.  Green tea, however, is steamed and roasted dry to prevent fermentation.  It therefore retains its natural color, as well as natural vitamins. In fact, before green tea was enjoyed for its taste, it was often used for its medicinal properties.

tea being stored at 41 degrees from May to November

Matcha, the powdered tea of the tea ceremony, traditionally was harvested on the 88th day of the lunar year (usually early May). After processing, the leaves were placed in a jar and allowed to sit until early November; today, though, it is usually stored in refrigeration. When ready, the leaves are milled into a green powder, which then is mixed with hot water--never with sugar, milk, lemon or anything else--and served in the tea ceremony.