Green and black tea are among the most popular drinks in the world - but just what are the differences between them? Despite both coming from the same plant, they have quite contrasting qualities that emerge from the moment they are picked.
Processing the tea
Green and black tea originate from the camellia sinensis plant, but the leaves for black tea are fully oxidised once they have been picked. Green tea, on the other hand, is lightly steamed before the drying process gets underway. As a result of these different treatments, the two varieties are able to take on their own identities, which are determined by the level of oxidisation they have undergone.
Differences in flavour and arona
Black tea tends to be hailed for its full-bodied flavour, while green tea is much lighter. It is not uncommon for milk to be added to black tea to reduce some of the bitterness and balance out the flavour, but the same can't be said for green tea. Words such as grassy and fresh are often used to describe green tea - it's a perfect summer drink due to its refreshing qualities. Black tea is more of an everyday choice, as its deep flavours vary quite a lot between the different varieties and it's a great way to warm up on a cold day.
Similarities between the types of tea
Although these types of tea are processed in contrasting ways, this doesn't mean they are totally different. Both are believed to be varieties of health tea, as they contain high levels of antioxidants that help to keep the body in top condition. Studies into both types have been carried out, showing that tea is effective at reducing serious health problems such as stroke, heart disease and even diabetes.
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