by Krista Tannahill

Created on: July 04, 2010

Green tea, black tea, white tea and oolong tea are antioxidant rich drinks that support a healthy body and immune system. 

Tea originates from the Camellia sinensis plant and is one of the most popular drinks consumed around the world.  While black tea, green tea, oolong tea and white tea are all derived from the same plant they are processed differently.  The way in which a tea leaf is processed will determine the type of tea that is created. The key is in the oxidization of the tea leaves. Some teas are highly oxidized while others are not and this greatly impacts the type and taste of the tea.

Black tea is a highly oxidized tea with a very distinct, rich and robust flavor. The oxidization process turns the color of the leaves from green to black which is why the tea is commonly referred to as black tea.  There are several varieties of black tea including  Assam tea, Darjeeling tea, Earl Gray tea and Orange Pekoe tea.

Green tea is essentially non-oxidized and therefore the leaves retain their green hue. This is why it is referred to as “green” tea. The leaves are rolled up during processing to retain the rich and natural flavor of the leaves.  There a several varieties of green tea including matcha tea, Gyokuro tea, Longjing tea, Chun Mee tea and pearl tea.  Green tea has a sweet earthy flavor and is enjoyed for its fresh and invigorating taste around the world.

White tea is made specifically with tea buds rather than tea leaves. The tea is referred to as white because of the small white hairs on the leaf buds during harvesting. Minimal oxidization of the tea buds occurs during processing which results in a very natural and organic grassy flavored tea.

Oolong tea is partially oxidized, semi fermented tea. The processing is minimal and occurs immediately after the tea leaves are harvested. Oolong teas range in color from bright shades of green to darker richer shades of green.  Oolong tea is also referred to as Wu Long tea and is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to accelerate weight loss by increasing the body’s metabolic rate and thereby burning more calories than other popular types of tea. Wu Long tea is often referred to as a “slimming tea”.

The oxidization and fermentation process will determine the type of tea that is being created from the Camellia sinensis plant and directly influences the taste of the tea.

Black is by far the most popular tea enjoyed around the world followed by green tea, oolong tea and white tea. White tea is a more expensive and rare type of tea due to the harvesting and processing method involved in creating the tea.

Green, black, white or oolong; most people have a favorite tea they like to drink and as a result of this tea itself is a coveted drink enjoyed by millions of people on a daily basis.

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