The differences between black, green and white tea

One of the most common questions we’re asked in our Tea Talks is what is the difference between black, green and white tea? Well, did you know that they are all actually derived from the same plant – camellia sinensis? What makes them different is how the leaves are picked and processed, which in turn results in varying flavours depending on which tea you are drinking.

Our Plantation Director Tony Poyner talks about the difference between these teas in this short video.

Black Tea

At Nerada we produce single-origin black tea, meaning it is all grown, pesticide free, at our estate in the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland. After the leaves are harvested they are cut and torn, and left exposed to the air. They undergo a natural enzymatic oxidation, which changes the colour of the leaves from green to brown, a similar process to when an apple is cut and left out and eventually goes brown. After further drying, known as firing in the tea industry, the leaves turn black. The result is arguably the freshest Australian black tea on the market, which is good news for you and your cuppa.

Nerada produces a loose leaf tea (with no plastic in sight) so you can brew a big pot to enjoy with friends or for individual enjoyment our black tea bags are incredibly popular.

Green Tea

Renowned for its health benefits as it is very high in antioxidants, green tea originated in China and was the drink of choice for Emperor Shen Nung nearly 5,000 years ago. It is said a few leaves fell into his pot of boiled water and the aroma produced compelled him to drink it, the rest is history. As its name suggests when you brew a cup of green tea, it is indeed pale green in colour. This is because during the production process the oxidation step does not take place. Instead the leaves are steamed, fired and packaged for you to enjoy.

Try our popular green tea or we also have a decaffeinated version.

White Tea

With its delicate flavour and high antioxidant content, white tea is becoming an increasingly popular choice. White tea is the least processed of all the teas. It is also known as Silver Tips as only the unopened buds from the tender, new shoots from the camellia sinensis plant are harvested. It does not go through the oxidation process and is simply air-dried and packaged up. The flavour and colour of white tea is much more subtle than black and green teas.

Try our white tea.