Difference between Green tea and Black tea

Green tea and Black tea are made from the same plant

Despite their major differences, these two popular teas come from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis. The multiple differences between black and green tea must be sought in the way the leaves of this tea plant are processed.

Oxidation of black tea

Black tea leaves are allowed to fully oxidize before being dried. The result of oxidation is what turns the leaves dark and creates its distinctive flavor. Our Black teas are available in various flavors. For example, black tea is available as Assam tea and Ceylon tea.

Oxidation of green tea

This tea is not oxidized to retains its original green color. Yet this tea is also available in different versions, because it is mixed with other herbs and pieces of fruit. Green tea, in particular, is highly valued for its  health benefits. Once the tea leaves are plucked, they are steamed to prevent oxidation. There is a difference in the preparation process of Chinese green tea Sencha and Japanese green tea. The Chinese green tea is baked instead of steamed and this is the biggest difference between the Japanese and Chinese green tea Sencha. After steaming, the leaves are dried and rolled, making the tea leaves soft and subtle. 

How do the tea leaves get their green or black color?

The difference between these two types of tea lies in their oxidation process. While green tea is not oxidized, black tea does go trough this process. During the oxidation process, the enzyme oxidase in the tea leaves reacts with oxygen, turning the tea leaves brown. The leaves will remain brown as long as they are moist and will quickly turn black when they come out of the oven. This oxidation can best be compared to the browning of an apple after you took a bite of it. The oxidation of a tea leaf also determines the typical taste of tea. 

Preventing the coloring of tea leaves

Green tea retains its color by heating the tea leaves. The tea leaves are heated for a short time, for example by pressing them against the hot walls of a wok or by briefly steaming them. This deactivates the enzyme in the plant cell and this is how the leaves keep their green color and taste. 

Caffeine and theine in tea

Tea does contain caffeine. When we talk about caffeine in tea, we are talking about theine. Caffeine and theine are therefore the same. Tea contains remarkably less of it than coffee. An average cup of tea contains about 30 mg of caffeine, while coffee contains 85 mg of caffeine. The Nutrition Center advises us not to drink more than four cups of coffee a day. If you drink more than four cups of coffee a day, these advantages turn into ... disadvantages. So you can drink more tea than coffee.

When is the best time to drink tea?

When it is best to drink black or green tea depends on several factors. In the first place of the amount of theine. Black tea contains more theine (caffeine) than green and white varieties. Within the different types of tea, there can be big differences. How much theine you really get with a cup of tea does not only depend on the type of tea, but also on:

• The fineness or roughness of the tea leaves.
• The water temperature.
• How strong the tea is. 
• The size of the cup or mug.

Black tea contains more theine than green tea, so if you are sensitive to caffeine, it is better to drink this tea in the afternoon.

Organic loose leaf green tea

Are you a big tea drinker? Then it is wise to drink organic loose leaf green tea or organic loose leaf black tea. This allows you to drink tea in its purest form without added substances. It will also allow you to enjoy all the goodness of the tea. 

Ordering your tea

You can easily buy your organic loose leaf green tea and organic loose leaf black tea online. You will find most varieties and blends here at Embreze. Our teas are made by hand and come from controlled organic cultivation.