Green, Black, White, or Oolong? a Tea Comparison

Teatime is no longer just for the British. With anti-cancer properties and antioxidants, Americans have begun to realize the health benefits that tea has to offer. Yet that long list at the café has some people confused. Green tea or black tea? How can tea be white? And how do you pronounce oolong? This article will help you become a tea connoisseur.

Black Tea

Black tea is the most popular type of tea, accounting for over 90% of tea sales in the West. Because it is the most oxidized out of the four types of teas, it does not have as many antioxidants as the other types. Black tea, however, contains the most caffeine if you are looking for an energy boost. In addition, it has the strongest flavor, which is often compared to chocolate. If you like to buy in bulk, black tea has the longest shelf life out of all teas, retaining its flavor for several years. Don't be confused if some people refer to black tea as red tea, because this is the known name in several Asian countries.

White Tea

White tea is the rarest of all teas. Because it is made from new growth buds, it is very different than other teas, which consist of mainly leaves. Because white tea is made with buds and very young leaves, it is the least processed and is not oxidized at all. White tea is left to air dry instead in a process called withering. It is believed that the caffeine level of white tea is higher than green tea, although some research conflicts. In addition, studies have shown that it contains more anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities than green tea. The taste of white tea is described as grassy.

Green Tea

Green tea is close in family with white tea. It is also non-oxidized and has a similar taste, but it uses rolled leaves, instead of buds. Green tea has been studied far more than any other tea and contains several claims from scientists on its nutritional benefits. Most of these studies revolve around its role in preventing cancer and stress.

Oolong Tea

The final type of true tea is oolong tea. In comparison with the other teas, it falls between green and black with moderate oxidation. It has neither the rosy aroma of black tea or the grassy taste of green tea. Instead, oolong tea is described as bitter with a sweet melon-like aftertaste. While it hasn't been scientifically praised for its health benefits, you have encountered oolong tea in any Chinese restaurant you have been to.

With your knowledge of tea expanded, you now have the power to conquer any café's tea meanu.