subject: Black, White, and Green Teas: What Are The Differences? [print this page] Black, White, and Green Teas: What Are The Differences?
All traditional teas come from the camellia sinensis plant. Although three species of this plant are used for tea blends, the tea's flavor is not determined so much by the plant but, rather, how the leaves are processed. All teas go through a process of oxidation after being picked, and this creates a stronger or unique flavor.
Black tea goes through the most oxidation. Although the lowest for antioxidants, black tea is higher in caffeine and has a bolder flavor, and this blend is often a suitable substitute for coffee in the morning. In fact, many popular teas are composed of black teas from India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. English breakfast, Earl Grey, and Irish breakfast all have a combination of various black teas and other ingredients, such as bergamot.
Green tea, on the other hand, has been pushed in recent years as the healthy alternative to caffeinated beverages. Although containing less caffeine than black tea and coffee, green tea is less oxidized and has a high amount of polyphenols. In fact, this aspect has caused green tea to be studied over the past 20 years for its health benefits relating to cancer treatments, heart disease, and weight loss. Green tea, however, is not a medication or treatment and should not be used as such. Nevertheless, if you want a cup of a caffeinated but healthy beverage, green teas come in two basic varieties: Chinese and Japanese.
White tea has also been introduced to western markets in recent years. With a mild taste resulting from minimal oxidation, white teas have the highest level of polyphenols possible. Although white tea has not been studied as extensively as green tea, its health benefits have caused it to be added to face creams, toothpaste, and other beauty products. The mild taste, however, can leave some tea drinkers looking for bolder flavor, and as a result, many white tea blends have flavor infusions of fruit, herbs, or spices.
Of course, what determines the best beverage for you are your preferences. Those looking to kick-start their day should go with black tea, particularly breakfast teas. With a bolder flavor and more caffeine, black teas are an alternative to coffee and have a strong flavor with or without milk and sugar. Green and white teas, however, have a mellow flavor. If you would like your morning or afternoon beverage to have some health benefits in addition to a small amount of caffeine, consider going with a standard or flavor-infused white or green tea blend.
