White tea and green tea are both types of tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, but they differ significantly in processing, resulting in distinct characteristics. White tea is characterized by its subtle, sweet flavour and pale yellow brew, while green tea undergoes minimal processing and has a fresher flavor.
Key Differences Between White Tea and Green Tea
| Feature | White Tea | Green Tea |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Minimal processing; young buds and leaves are withered and dried. | Minimal processing, but more than white tea; fresh leaves are withered for a few hours. |
| Oxidation | Little to no oxidation | Does not undergo the oxidation process. |
| Appearance | Pale yellow brew | Color varies from light green to deep green. |
| Flavor | Subtle, sweet flavour | Fresh, vegetal flavour |
Detailed Look at White Tea
- Minimal Processing: White tea is the least processed of all tea varieties. It's made from young tea buds and leaves that are simply withered and dried.
- Subtle Flavor: This minimal processing results in a light, delicate, and often sweet flavor profile.
- Pale Brew: When brewed, white tea produces a pale yellow, almost clear, liquor.
- Examples: Popular white teas include Silver Needle and White Peony.
Detailed Look at Green Tea
- Fresh Leaves: Green tea is made from fresh tea leaves that undergo minimal processing immediately after harvesting.
- No Oxidation: The leaves do not undergo the oxidation process, meaning they are not allowed to ferment like black tea.
- Fresh Flavor: This lack of oxidation is the reason for the fresh, vegetal, and sometimes grassy notes often found in green tea.
- Color: Green tea brews a variety of greens, from light to deep.
- Examples: Popular green teas include sencha, matcha, and gunpowder.
Summary
In summary, while both white and green teas boast numerous health benefits and originate from the same plant, their differences lie in their processing methods. White tea undergoes the least processing, leading to a subtle, sweet flavor and pale yellow brew, whereas green tea, though also minimally processed, is withered more, resulting in a fresher, vegetal taste.
