A palatable green leaf tea from Camellia sinensis var. assamica is disclosed. Infusion of 2 g of the leaf tea in 200 ml water for 1.5 minutes at 90.degree. C. produces a beverage comprising catechins in an amount of between 0.01 and 0.1% by weight of the beverage. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the leaf tea product wherein fresh leaf from var. assamica is macerated using a combination of a rotorvane and double-cone processor.