Tea, a beverage cherished for thousands of years, is globally adored. Green tea and black tea, as two jewels in the tea family, have won the hearts of countless tea enthusiasts with their unique flavors and abundant health benefits. Although they originate from the same plant, their distinct manufacturing processes result in entirely different characteristics. How should we choose between these two types of tea?
01. Basic Information on Green and Black Tea
Green tea has a simple manufacturing process, involving pan-firing, rolling, and drying, which preserves many natural components such as polyphenols and vitamins. Representative varieties include Longjing, Biluochun, and Maofeng. Longjing tea, from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, is flat and smooth with a green color; Biluochun, from Taihu Lake,su Jiang, is curled into a spiral shape with visible white hairs; Maofeng tea, grown in Huangshan, Anhui, has a plump bud covered with white hairs.
Black tea has a complex manufacturing process, including withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. Fermentation causes polyphenols to oxidize, creating a unique color and aroma. Zhengshan Xiaozhong, from Wuyi Mountain, Fujian, has a rich pine smoke aroma; Keemun black tea, from Qimen, Anhui, has a high and long-lasting aroma with a hint of rose; Dianhong, grown on the Yunnan plateau, has a bright red infusion and a rich taste.
02. Health Benefits of Green and Black Tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which can effectively eliminate free radicals, slow down cellular aging, and has strong antioxidant capabilities. Its caffeine content can stimulate the central nervous system, enhancing attention and mental agility, making it suitable for those who need to concentrate. Catechins promote fat metabolism, reduce fat absorption, and assist in weight loss.
Black tea, after fermentation, has less irritation to the stomach and can form a protective film on the gastric mucosa, making it suitable for those with weaker stomachs. The warm nature of black tea can promote blood circulation, increase body heat, and warm the body when cold. Theanine can relax nerves, alleviate anxiety, and promote the secretion of serotonin, leading to a calm and relaxed state.
03. Choosing Green and Black Tea Precisely
Choose by season: In spring, when everything revives, the fresh taste of green tea matches the atmosphere and can invigorate the mind. In winter, the warm nature of black tea can warm the body and dispel cold, making it an ideal choice. However, when the indoor environment is dry in winter, green tea can be appropriately consumed to moisturize the skin.
Choose by constitution: Those with a hot constitution who are prone to inflammation should drink green tea to clear heat and reduce inflammation. Those with a cold constitution who are afraid of the cold can drink black tea to warm the body and improve blood circulation.
Choose by need: For those who focus on health and anti-aging, green tea with strong antioxidant capabilities is a good choice. For those who pursue stomach care, black tea nourishes and protects the stomach, suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
04. Precautions for Drinking Green and Black Tea
Green tea should not be consumed on an empty stomach to avoid irritating the stomach. When brewing, it is recommended to use 3-5 grams of tea with 150 milliliters of water to avoid over-concentration that can affect sleep and nutrient absorption.
Avoid drinking black tea 2-3 hours before bedtime to prevent sleep disturbance. It is not advisable to brew tea in a thermos cup as it may destroy the nutritional components; instead, use ceramic or glass cups.
In conclusion, green tea and black tea each have their unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different seasons, body types, and needs. Green tea, with its antioxidant, energizing, and fat-reducing properties, is an ideal choice for spring and those with a hot constitution. Black tea, on the other hand, with its stomach-nourishing, warming, and mood-soothing effects, is more suitable for winter, individuals with a cold constitution, and those with sensitive stomachs.
In daily life, we can flexibly choose between green tea and black tea based on seasonal changes, our own constitution, and specific needs, making tea a good companion for a healthy lifestyle. Also, by drinking tea reasonably, we can better enjoy the beauty of tea.
