So, when it comes to the question of whether or not black tea is better than green tea, we’ve decided answering the question is impossible. Instead, let’s just accept they are both delicious, take a look at the differences between the two, and consider the occasions when we might enjoy each.
Green and Black Tea: What’s the Difference?
You might be surprised to discover that green and black tea both come from the same Camellia Sinensis plant. Why they have such a different look and flavour comes down to how they’re processed, as whilst the tea leaves may be picked at the same time, they’re treated differently from then on.
Green tea leaves are heated soon after being picked, which prevents oxidation. They retain a green colour, and fresh, grassy flavours. Green tea ultimately has a subtle bitter taste and astringent finish.
Black tea leaves are left to oxidise before they’re dried out. This results in a tea that’s rich and dark in colour. It has a more full-bodied, malty flavour, that can sometimes even taste sweet, especially in black tea varieties used for breakfast-style blends.
Black Tea vs Green Tea: Caffeine Content
As they're derived from the same plant, both green and black tea contain caffeine. Green tea tends to contain less than black tea, however caffeine content in either will depend on the ratio of leaves to water used, and on the brewing method (more time brewing can result in higher caffeine content). To avoid the impacts of caffeine, minimise the number of cups you enjoy daily, or opt for weak brews.
Are All Black and Green Teas the Same?
The flavour of your green or black tea will vary depending on the time of year in which the tea is harvested, as picking leaves in different seasons produces different tea flavours. For instance, to make a superior quality green tea, producers may harvest the youngest buds and leaves. High-grade black tea may also be made from young leaves, whereas more mature leaves will produce a different black tea flavour. Processing methods also make a difference. For example, Gunpowder green tea is rolled into small pellets, giving it a distinctive appearance and flavour.
The region in which a tea is grown also has an influence on flavour, as does the soil, altitude, climate, rainfall, and cultivar. The favoured growing and processing methods in particular areas and cultures also contribute to differences in tea flavour profiles.
Black Tea or Green Tea: Which to Choose?
Whether you choose a black tea or a green tea will depend on either your personal preference or on the kind of mood you’re in. Some people are stalwarts for just the one tea flavour, while others happily enjoy both green and black tea at different times and in different settings.
First thing in the morning: Black tea is traditionally served with English and continental breakfasts. You can enjoy it with or without milk, and add sweetener if you need it. It offers a small dose of caffeine, and makes a warming start to the day. Of course, if you like a lighter flavour in the morning, green tea is also a valid choice.
Mid-morning tea: You can go two ways here. Green tea offers a refreshing option in the mid morning, but if you’re one to dip a biccy into your tea, black tea is a classic pick.
High tea: There’s a reason why high teas always include black tea. It’s because it goes so well with baked treats like cakes, scones and biscuits. English Breakfast and Earl Grey are favoured high tea options, but these days you’ll often encounter chai tea and green tea on high tea menus too.
With meals: Green tea, brewed from loose leaves, is commonly served alongside hot meals in Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants. Its clean, astringent flavour can work well between dishes. Depending on the cuisine, you might be served fragrant jasmine green tea, Japanese sencha or a Vietnamese green tea.
At bedtime: Some people just can’t finish the day without a cup of tea. If you prefer a milder brew in the evening, try brewing your black or green tea a little weaker. (Alternatively, leave the green and black teas aside for the following day, and opt for a caffeine-free herbal evening tea instead.)
Tea Tonic Teas With a Black or Green Tea Base
You might be drinking black or green tea without even realising it! Check out Tea Tonic’s teas with a black or green base.
Black Tea-Based:
- English Breakfast (plain black tea)
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Vanilla Breakfast (black tea with vanilla flavour)
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Earl Grey (black tea with bergamot)
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French Earl Grey (black tea with lavender blossoms and rose petals)
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Traditional Chai (black tea with warming spices)
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Chocolate Chai (black tea with cacao, monk fruit and chai spices)
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Mint Choc Chai (black tea with peppermint, natural chocolate flavour and warming spices)
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Dark Chocolate & Black Tea (black tea with cacao nibs and chocolate flavour)
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Blood Orange & Dark Chocolate (black tea with cacao, orange and natural flavour)
Green Tea-Based:
Green Tea (plain green tea/sencha)
Berry Green Tea (green tea & black tea with strawberries, raspberries and red currants)
Lemon Zest Green Tea (green tea & lemon)
Oriental Twist (green tea with jasmine flowers and lychee)
Golden Fortune (green tea and marigold blossoms)
New Flower Fairy (green tea and jasmine)
Pink Princess (green tea, thousand day blossom, jasmine flower)
Lemon Zest Green Tea (green tea with lemongrass and lemon balm)
Celebration Cake Tea (green tea with butterfly pea, monk fruit and natural flavour)
Matcha (powdered Japanese green tea)