Black Tea vs Green Tea

Black tea vs green tea is a big debate. The two teas are made from the same plant but the difference lies in how the tea leaves are processed and oxidized.

Black tea vs green tea starts with the leaves! The leaves of green tea are heated to halt oxidation and keep the leaves green. Black tea is fully oxidized, allowing the leaves to turn brown or black. While black tea is rich and stronger with a dark appearance, green tea is lighter in body and typically has less caffeine. Each tea has its own benefits.

Read on to discover all the benefits of black tea vs green tea.

Is Green or Black Tea Better?

There are approximately 25,000 cups of tea consumed every second in the world.  That number is likely to increase in the coming future, with it already ranking in the second position as the most consumed beverage in the world today. So, what kind of tea should you drink? Black tea vs green tea is a heated debate that takes time to go through the details and make the right choice for you.

Over the years, key differences have manifested in the consumption of green tea and black tea. In 2019 alone, 84% of the consumed tea in America represented black tea, while 15% represented green tea. 

The following points explain the increase in tea consumption. 

• The tea sells at a lower price compared to other beverages such as coffee
• It’s simple and easy to prepare
• It blends well with different flavors and herbs
• Flavonoids, also known as antioxidants, can provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Simply put, tea is a drink prepared by adding hot water to tea leaves. There are six different types of tea globally, ranging from green, black, white, yellow, post-fermented, and oolong. Despite originating from the same plant known as camellia Sinensis, each of these teas have a different taste, aroma, color and composition.

The many existing varieties of tea may confuse a newcomer to the tea world. The fact is it’s all personal preference when deciding between black tea and green tea. This post will outline the benefits of black tea and green tea by explaining the difference between these types of tea so you can make your own personal preference decision.

Difference Between Green Tea and Black Tea

Many factors differentiate these two types of teas. We break it down for you below.

Taste and Appearance

• Black tea has a stronger flavor with a special feeling of malt, honey, and spice.
• Green tea tends to be lighter with a unique milder taste and oceanic appearance.
• Black tea portrays a brewed reddish copper-colored theme while green tea possesses a pale golden color to a mossy green when brewed.

Preparation

• To prepare black tea, you will need to boil the water, allow to cool for 1 minute, then steep it for about 3-5 minutes.
• To prepare green tea, you should bring water to a boil, allow to cool for 1 minute, pour and brew for 1-2 minutes.

Processing

The leaves used in the manufacturing process originate from the same plant, the camellia Sinensis, but the difference is the processing procedure.

The leaves in black tea undergo a complete oxidation process, while those in green tea do not. The process entails first drying the black tea leaves after harvesting to reduce the moisture content.

The tea leaves undergo rolling using hands or a machine to create little breaks that allow enzymes to interact with oxygen. During the oxidation process, leaves turn black during the firing process in ovens and are finally packed for sale.

Green tea does not undergo any form of oxidation. Instead, its leaves are slightly steamed or pan-fired after harvesting to stop oxidation and withering, which gives it a bright green color and vegetal taste. After this, the leaves are rolled into their final shape and dried.

Different Varieties of Camellia sinensis

The primary producer of green tea is Camellia Sinensis var. Sinensis, while black tea is either Camellia Sinensis var. Sinensis or Camellia Sinensis var. assamica.

Health Benefits of Black Tea vs Green Tea

Another difference between these two types of tea is their health benefits. Both teas claim to be good at addressing different health conditions depending on their chemical composition. Green tea, for example, has been known to help with your stomach and digestion, while black tea has been known to provide an energy boost.

Chemical Structure of Green Tea and Black Tea

The black tea vs green tea debate rages on in the amount and kind of flavonoids they each contain.

• For instance, black tea is rich in the complex flavonoid chemical known as the theaflavins due to its complex oxidation process.
• Green tea, on the other hand, possesses the simple flavonoids chemical compounds known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

How Much Caffeine in Black Tea vs Green Tea?

Several factors such as the brewing time and temperature, tea grades, blends, and tea varieties influence the caffeine levels in these two types of beverages. Black tea caffeine is typically higher than green tea caffeine, but you should check with the manufacturer to get exact caffeine amount numbers.

Which Is Healthier Green Tea or Black Tea?

Both green tea and black tea contain antioxidants that can help the body. It’s a personal preference which tea you decide to drink and how it may help your health!

Is Black Tea Better for You Than Regular Tea?

The truth when deciding on the suitable tea for you comes down to your personal preferences regarding taste, flavor and purpose of taking the beverage. Black tea will always have a stronger flavor than other types of regular tea due to the complex oxidation process. Other types of regular tea include white tea, oolong tea and herbal teas.

Black tea has caffeine and works as a great energy booster. Therefore, it will serve you best if you are looking for something to uplift your moods.

Settling on the correct tea for you calls for a prior in-depth experiment to differentiate the flavors, taste, and stimulation offered by each type of tea.

Which Tea Has the Most Antioxidants?

Black or green tea for antioxidants? Green tea comes out on top and contains high levels of EGCG antioxidants that have been known to help your body. Green tea also contains antioxidants that aid in your health.  

Does Green Tea Have Oxalates vs Black Tea?

Green tea has different amounts of oxalates depending on how long you steep the tea and the duration of diffusion. Oxalates are organic compounds found in many plants that bond to minerals. Many types of food and beverages with oxalates are tasty and are synthesized during digestion.

Is It OK to Drink Black Tea Every Day?

Drinking moderate amounts of black tea every day is typically fine for most adults. What is a moderate amount? While it varies for most people, typically two to three cups of black tea are considered moderate.

Try Red Rose Black Tea Today

Now that you know everything about black tea vs green tea, we encourage you to try some delicious black tea. Red Rose Original Black Tea is a wonderful choice for a cup of black tea that is steeped in tradition since 1890. You can also try Red Rose Mellow Tea, Red Rose Decaf Black Tea and Red Rose Iced Tea products! Explore all our Red Rose products today to learn more and get ready to enjoy some delicious tea.