Green Tea vs. White Tea

Green Tea

Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike black or oolong teas, green tea is made by heating the leaves soon after picking to prevent oxidation. This keeps the leaves green and gives the tea its fresh, grassy taste. It originally came from China but is now popular across East Asia, especially in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. There are many kinds of green tea, depending on where it's grown, how it's processed, and when it's harvested. For example, Japan’s sencha is steamed, giving it a bright green color and a sweet flavor, while China’s longjing is pan-fired, making it more toasty and mellow. Making a cup is simple: just steep the leaves in hot water, but not boiling—usually around 70–80°C (160–175°F)—for a couple of minutes. If the water is too hot or you steep it too long, the tea can taste bitter. Green tea has been linked to many health claims, but the evidence is mixed. It does have some caffeine, though less than coffee, and contains a...

White Tea

White tea is a type of tea made from the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant—the same plant used for green and black tea. What makes white tea different is how little it’s processed. The leaves are just picked, withered, and dried. There’s no rolling or heavy oxidation like with black tea, which gives white tea a lighter, more delicate flavor. It’s often described as smooth, slightly sweet, and floral. The name "white tea" comes from the fine, silvery-white hairs on the unopened tea buds, not the color of the brewed tea. When you steep it, the liquid usually comes out a pale yellow. Most white tea comes from China, especially the Fujian province, though other places like Taiwan, Nepal, and parts of India also produce it now. There are different grades of white tea, depending on what part of the plant is used. The highest quality is called Silver Needle (made from just the buds), while others like White Peony or Shou Mei include more leaves. White tea usually h...

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Reviewed on 3/2/2024

Too much caffeine for me :(

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Reviewed on 2/25/2025

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Gentle1
Non-oxidized1
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