The Biggest Differences Between Green Tea And Black Tea

Tea is already popular around the world, and it’s starting to gain even more popularity among coffee lovers. Not only can it give you that morning boost, but tea also provides plenty of health benefits that coffee cannot.

Those who are new to tea drinking will likely be picking between green or black tea. While the two have a lot in common, there are slight differences that may make you want to check out before committing to one or the other.

What They Have In Common

 Even though the end products are different, green and black tea come from the same place. Both are harvested from an evergreen shrub called the camellia sinesis, also known as the tea shrub. Green and black tea both come from the leaves of the tree shrub, but once the leaves are harvested, the process for making different types of tea varies.

Because they come from the same plant, they have some common benefits. Both green and black tea are proven to be healthier options than coffee, but they provide different health benefits. Green and black tea are also roughly equivalent when it comes to caffeination, but that largely depends on the quality and type of tea you purchase.

 Flavor

 One of the biggest differences between black tea and green tea is the flavor. A lot of the flavor comes from the way the two teas are made.

Black tea is made by oxidizing the leaves of a tea shrub. This means that after the leaves are picked, they’re left to dry in the sun, or they’re put in a machine that dries them out. As they dry, the leaves gradually turn black – the same way a fruit turns brown and black as it sits out. This can make black tea taste sweeter than green tea.

Green tea also comes from tea leaves, but the leaves are prepared differently. After they’re picked, the leaves are immediately heated. This keeps the leaves fresher, and it retains the color, and natural flavor, of the tea shrub. Those who drink green tea prefer it because of its natural flavor.

When it comes to superior flavor, it all depends on your personal palette.

Health Benefits

 You’ll be getting health benefits no matter which tea you choose, but there’s much more evidence to back up the benefits of green tea than black tea. While both are stuffed full of antioxidants, green tea is widely thought to be more effective at potentially reducing the risk of cancer and heart problems.

The difference comes from the way the teas are prepared. Since green tea is closer to the natural leaf, it will carry more of the beneficial ingredients. Black tea still retains some of these elements, but green tea has a more concentrated amount.

Which Is Better?

 If you’re shopping purely for flavor, then you should try both green and black tea before making a judgment. But if you’re looking for the added health benefits, green tea is probably the right choice. While black tea is certainly a healthy option, most studies available suggest green tea is better for you than black tea.

5 Go to Teas For The Holiday Season

Holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than make some festive tea blends?

You may already know that green tea is the perfect drink to have during the winter. Not only does it boost your immune system, but green tea might help you fight the flu or the common cold while giving you a warm drink on a cold day.

If you want to create a tasty treat to go with the changing weather, family gatherings and holidays, then try out some of these easy-to-do tea recipes. Not only will you be getting a drink that pairs with the season, but you’ll be getting the same great benefits from green tea that you enjoy!

Crisp Raspberry Tea
Raspberry tea is great year-round, and the sweet flavor and natural ingredients can cheer you up on a cloudy winter day.

To shake things up, add some lemon and stevia to the tea after you prepare. This one is good hot or cold, and it should help keep you feeling stress-free during the busy holidays.

Ginger Tea
Strong, ginger flavors have always been a perfect pairing with a cold, snowy day. Ginger tea is popular for the same reasons.

Start off with some herbal green tea, and about 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for each cup of tea you make. If it’s a little spicy for your taste, add some stevia or honey to smooth it out. This is a wonderful hot drink to warm your body after a long day!

Spiced Cinnamon Tea
As with raspberry tea, cinnamon tea is excellent on its own. You can either purchase naturally flavored cinnamon tea, or you can start from scratch with your favorite green tea blend.

If you want more than just cinnamon in your tea, feel free to add some lemon and honey to the concoction. These add a ton of flavor and make the tea a must-have when you’re craving a hot drink.

Mint Green Tea
Mint reminds people of the candies that you get during the holidays, and it also happens to go really well with green tea – especially when served hot.

When you’re preparing your green tea, add some mint sprigs to your cup. Let them seep for a few minutes and then take them out. You can go ahead and add some stevia as well to improve the flavor.

 Green Tea With Apple Cinnamon
This is a fun, easy recipe that works perfectly with the holidays. Start with green tea, add your desired amount of cinnamon and put a small wedge of a Granny Smith apple in the cup. This tea can come out tasting just like an apple pie! The best part is that you get to eat the delicious tea-and-cinnamon-soaked apple slice at the end.

These are just a few of the many green tea drinks you can make for the holidays. There are plenty of other recipes out there for every palette, and you may be able to think of some yourself. Just start with your favorite green tea and use your imagination!