White Tea: How is it Different from Black Tea?

All tea comes from one singular plant - Camellia sinensis, but why are there so many teas like white tea, black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and so on?

The main difference lies in the processing of the tea leaves.

There is one major factor that causes the difference - oxidation level.

Oxidation Levels in Teas

The oxidation level in white tea is very low. White tea is one of the least processed types of tea, and it undergoes minimal oxidation compared to other types of tea such as green, oolong, or black tea.

Green tea is known for its minimal oxidation compared to other types of tea. The oxidation level in green tea is very low, typically ranging from 0% to 15%. The key characteristic of green tea is that it is not allowed to undergo the same level of oxidation as black or oolong teas.

The main difference between green tea and white tea is the type of leaves used. Green tea uses baby leaves whereas white tea uses matured leaves.

Oolong tea falls between green tea and black tea in terms of oxidation levels. It is partially oxidized, typically ranging from around 10% to 70% oxidation, depending on the specific variety and processing techniques used. The degree of oxidation can vary widely, which is why you can find a range of oolong teas with different flavor profiles, aromas, and colors.

Black tea is fully oxidized, which means it undergoes a significant and deliberate oxidation process during its production. The oxidation level in black tea typically ranges from 100% to around 90%. This level of oxidation is responsible for the dark color, robust flavor, and rich aroma that are characteristic of black tea.

Which tea should I choose? Black or white?

Flavor: White tea is known for its delicate and light flavor. It often has subtle floral and grassy notes with a natural sweetness. If you enjoy milder, more nuanced flavors and a gentle tea experience, white tea might be a better choice. Black tea offers a bold and robust flavor profile. It can have malty, earthy, fruity, or even spicy notes, depending on the specific type of black tea. If you prefer a stronger, more full-bodied tea with a brisk character, black tea is a good option.

Caffeine Content: White tea generally contains less caffeine than black tea. If you are sensitive to caffeine or prefer a lower caffeine content, white tea might be a better choice. Black tea typically has a higher caffeine content than white tea. If you're looking for a tea that provides more of an energy boost, black tea may be preferable.

Health Benefits: Both white and black teas are known for their potential health benefits due to their antioxidant content. White tea is often considered to have a higher concentration of antioxidants than black tea due to its minimal processing, but both can be part of a healthy diet.

If you are looking for good white teas, then our Kumari Gold has won numerous awards in international tea events including the AVPA Paris award. You can find it here.