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What Is The Difference Between Green, White And Black Tea?
Tea is one of the most consumed beverages today. In India, tea is not just a beverage but acts as the mood enhancers, boredom buster, energy giver, late night partner, early-morning-eye-opening drink and much more.
With the increasing popularity of tea, there have been a lot of discoveries made with respect to the varieties of tea. There are now so many varieties of tea that it is hard to differentiate one from another. Still, the most famous kinds of tea are Green, White, and Black tea. It would be interesting to know what is the difference between these tea types. Let us know more about them in this blog -
Green, white, and black tea may seem different but surprisingly, they are all products of the plant “Camellia sinensis”, leaves and buds to be exact. The only difference between them is the process they undergo. The nature of the Camellia sinensis plant, along with the weather and soil conditions determine the final flavor of the tea. The main factor that determines the colour of the tea is the level of oxidation that the tea leaves are made to undergo after being plucked.
Read on to know more differences between the three types of tea -
What are the processes they undergo after plucking?
Green tea -
After plucking, they are steamed, after which they are rolled into different shapes before starting the process of drying.
White tea -
White tea leaves are picked early in the year before the bud opens. They are then left to dry in the sun. Unlike other types of teas, white tea is not steamed or pan-fired, giving it a light and subtle taste.
Black tea -
As soon as the leaves are picked they are left to dry in the sun. This makes the leaves wilt slightly. They are opened by rolling them. This allows the chemicals inside the leaves to react with air and begin the process of fermentation. During this process, the leaves turn black. After the process of fermentation, the leaves are dried.
Do they undergo Oxidation after Plucking?
Green tea -
It is unoxidized, which allows it to maintain its natural green color, vitamin C, and minerals.
White tea -
Least processed of all types of tea.
Black tea -
Heavily processed of all the tea types and are fully oxidized.
Amount of caffeine present in each -
Green tea-
It contains low levels of caffeine. 25-35 milligrams of caffeine per 8 oz. cup is the amount of caffeine present in green tea. This can be attributed to the lack of oxidation.
White tea -
They contain the least amount of caffeine of all tea types. It contains 10-15 milligrams per 8 oz. cup.
Black tea-
It contains 40-60 milligrams of caffeine per 8 oz. cup. This is the maximum amongst the three types of tea in discussion. This can be attributed to the fact that they are fully oxidized.
What is the ideal brew time for each?
Green tea -
To get the herbaceous grassy flavour from the green tea, bre it for about 45 seconds to 1 minute at 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
White tea -
176 to 185 degree Fahrenheit for about 2 minutes would be ideal to brew white tea.
Black tea -
The deep aroma and bold flavour of black tea can be achieved when it is brewed for 2 to 3 minutes at 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
What colour can you expect after brewing?
Green tea -
Brewed green tea leaves produce a light green to golden coloured drink.
White tea-
The brew from white tea leaves is usually very pale and clear.
Black tea -
A reddish to brownish hue can be expected when black tea is brewed.
What taste can you expect after brewing?
Green tea -
The taste of green tea can vary from roasted, sweet, or grassy to almost oceanic in flavor.
White tea-
The taste of white tea is almost bland.
Black tea -
Black tea is characterized by a range of flavors. It can include roasted, tannic, smooth, or biting flavours.
These were some of the major differences in the three types of tea - Green, White and Black.
You may want to taste all the three different types of tea. If you are looking forward to this experience, Samaara tea can help you. Check out www.samaaratea.com to have a look at the various teas we offer.
Our tea comes from the finest tea estates of Assam. You will get the authentic taste of tea with Samaara.
