What is the Difference Between White Tea and Green Tea?

White tea and green tea are both made from the Camellia sinensis plant, but they differ in processing, flavor, and caffeine content. Here are the main differences between white tea and green tea:

1. Processing: White tea is minimally processed, with the leaves being plucked and air-dried until they reach the ideal moisture level. White tea oxidizes naturally while it dries, and the only source of heat it receives is from the sun. In contrast, green tea is withered slightly and then either roasted, steamed, or pan-fried.
2. Flavor: White teas tend to have a mild flavor, often described as having apple-like and hay-like notes. Green teas, on the other hand, have a more robust flavor with grassy, vegetal, and sometimes nutty notes.
3. Caffeine Content: While both white and green teas contain caffeine, white teas are generally lower in caffeine content than green teas. Shade-grown green teas can have a higher caffeine content.
4. Color: White teas brew up into a light, gold-colored liqueur, while green teas typically produce a yellowish-green to deep emerald color when brewed.
5. Origin: White tea is primarily produced in China, with some specialty white teas coming from countries like Nepal. Green tea can be derived from any of the hundreds of different varieties of the Camellia sinensis plant, including Jiu Keng, Bai Ye, Tu Cha, and Mei Zhan.
6. Health Benefits: Both white and green teas contain antioxidants and share many health benefits, but some sources claim that white tea contains more polyphenols due to its minimal processing. However, the differences in health benefits between the two types of tea are not well-established.

Comparative Table: White Tea vs Green Tea

Here is a table comparing the differences between white tea and green tea:

Both white and green teas are derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant and share many health benefits. However, the key differences lie in their processing methods, caffeine content, and flavor profiles. White tea undergoes minimal processing, is air-dried, and tends to have a lighter, mellower taste, while green tea is steamed or pan-fried, resulting in a deeper flavor with grassy and vegetal notes.