White Tea vs Green Tea
The primary distinction between White Tea and Green Tea is mainly due to the process used to create these tea leaves. It can be better said that one of the main reasons for the difference we see between white tea and green tea is the oxidation of the leaves after plucking. They are both leaves taken from the same tea plant known as Camellia sinensis. The leaves are harvested at different times. Then, they go through different preparation processes. Green tea leaves are left to oxidize more than white tea leaves. Despite the difference, both have many health benefits and are popular beverages of health-conscious people. Both white tea and green tea have a high amount of antioxidants. Also, they contain a smaller amount of caffeine than black tea or coffee. Since both of these tea types carry important health benefits, their price is also higher than that of black tea.
What is White Tea?
White tea is a variety of tea. This is very light in color. That is why it is known as white tea. When the tea is brewed, it becomes a very pale yellow drink. White tea can only be picked during few days of early spring. White tea is made from the tenderest leaves. They are picked before the buds are fully open and are covered with silver furs. Then, they are steamed rapidly and then dried. White tea is not dried or steamed as much as black tea or green tea. You should know that longer the tea leaves are left to dry, they get more oxidized and darker the leaves become. That pale color of white tea shows that they are dried for a very small time.
White tea has about 30-55 mg of caffeine per cup. White tea consists of more antioxidants than green tea. We all know that fresh orange juice is a great source of antioxidants. It is really surprising to note that some tea manufacturers claim that a single cup of white tea contains 14 times as much antioxidant as a cup of fresh orange juice.
What is Green Tea?
When we focus on green tea, first we have to see how it is harvested. Green tea is harvested later than white tea. Green tea is partially fermented. First, it is steamed. Then, green tea is fired and finally it is rolled and dried.
Green tea has about 35-70 mg of caffeine per cup. Green tea is endowed with antioxidants, and this is the reason why many people opt to consume green tea daily. In fact, it can be said that green tea is enjoying growing popularity these days.
Key Takeaways
- White tea and green tea are both derived from the Camellia sinensis plant but are harvested at different times and undergo different preparation processes.
- White tea has a higher antioxidant content and less caffeine than green tea, while green tea is partially fermented and has a grassier taste.
- White tea is more expensive than green tea due to its more delicate harvesting process and limited production window.
