No, green tea is not the same as all tea, but it is a type of tea. Think of "tea" as an umbrella term.
Here's a breakdown:
While green tea and black tea both come from the Camellia sinensis plant, the crucial difference lies in their processing.
- Oxidation: Black tea is fully oxidized, meaning the leaves are exposed to oxygen after harvesting. This process darkens the leaves and develops its characteristic flavor.
- Oxidation Prevention: Green tea, on the other hand, is not oxidized. Immediately after harvesting, the leaves are either steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation. This preserves their green color and lighter, often grassy flavor.
Because both come from the Camellia sinensis plant, they are both considered "tea." However, the processing methods make them distinct types of tea.
In summary: green tea is tea, but it is not the only kind of tea.
