Tea drinkers will know that white and green tea are very different. But what is it that makes them so?
Location
White and green tea come from the same plant, called Camellia sinensis, and both contain a distinctively large amount of caffeine and antioxidants. While us Brits tend to prefer black tea varieties, it’s green tea that is most popular worldwide.
Did you know that white tea is mostly found in China, whereas green tea is grown pretty much anywhere?
Processing
White and green tea are not as processed as dark varieties, which means they have a more delicate taste if brewed correctly. Green tea goes through a different process than white during preparation, which is what leads to its natural earthy colour. It’s also a much more reliable variety – yet another reason why white tea is not sold in many tea-drinking countries. Surprisingly though, white tea can contain far more caffeine despite it being an almost translucent liquid!
Taste
Both can taste sweet or spicy and are equally fresh on the palette. Importantly though, much of the taste is down to the way it has been prepared. In the west, we brew tea by pouring slightly cooled hot water from a kettle or teapot onto the tea leaves and leave to mellow for 2-3 minutes before straining. In the East, the leaves are steeped in water multiple times to achieve the final drink. The key is not to scorch the tea leaves as this will kill all flavour.
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Green or white?
Until you have tried both, it is impossible to know which one you will prefer. Perhaps you’ll be drawn to the vegetal or nutty flavours of green tea or maybe you’ll fall for the gentleness of white tea. Some people are more sensitive to herbs than others, so what your friends like might not taste as good to you.
Go and experiment!
