White Tea Versus Black Tea-23 Myths Broken Via Reasonable Reasonings

Ever considered how White tea and black tea differ? Read my 23 vital points & learn about the differences yourself. 

I am a passionate tea-blogger and a tea lover. Apart from running a tea cafe in Kolkata city, I also wish to be able to make my own tea blends & if you are like me, then this blog is apt for you. 

 White Tea Versus Black Tea: 23 Attributes Explained With Logical Reasonings

Running a tea cafe can be quite demanding at times and more so when you plan to be able to make your own tea blends. In this case, a thorough idea of the intricate details should be the top priority. This is why I decided to include some points in my blog. Now, so that you have a clear idea about the points that will be discussed I have drawn a table below. 

CLASSIFICATION
White Tea The most delicate tea	Black Tea The highly oxidized tea
TASTE
White Tea Sweet with notes of honey	Black Tea Bitter
CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
White Tea Well distributed rainfall	Black Tea Tropical and sub-tropical climate
CAFFEINE
White Tea 6mg-55 mg	Black Tea 47 mg-90 mg
BENEFITS
White Tea Good for skin Stops sweet food cravings Immunity booster	Black Tea Aids in weight-loss Keeps sugar levels in control Prevents kidney stones
SIDE EFFECTS
White Tea Dizziness Vomiting Anxiety	Black Tea Restlessness Insomnia High blood pressure
ORIGIN
White Tea China	Black Tea China
SOURCE
White Tea Camellia Sinensis	Black Tea Camellia Sinensis var. China
BREWING TIME
White Tea 4-7 minutes	Black Tea 3-5 minutes
OPTION TO ADD MILK AND SUGAR
White Tea No	Black Tea Sugar can be added
SHELF LIFE
White Tea 6 months to a year	Black Tea 18-24 months
POPULAR COUNTRIES
White Tea China Nepal Taiwan	Black Tea China India America
TYPES
White Tea Silver Needle White Peony	Black Tea Ceylon Assam
THE MORE OXIDIZED TEA
White Tea The least oxidized	Black Tea Highest oxidized
MAKING PROCEDURE
White Tea Combine tea leaves to hot water	Black Tea Let the water steep till it turns dark brown
THE SWEETER TEA
White Tea Yes	Black Tea No
IDEAL TIME TO DRINK
White Tea Mornings	Black Tea After meals
THE MORE ACIDIC TEA
White Tea No	Black Tea Yes
THE MORE EXPENSIVE BUY
White Tea Yes	Black Tea Moderately priced
ABILITY TO BLEND WITH OTHER TEAS
White Tea Yes	Black Tea Yes
GLUTEN FREE
White Tea Yes	Black Tea Yes
SOME UNIQUE VARIETIES
White Tea Silver Needle White Peony	Black Tea Da Hong Pa Wuyi Tea
OTHER NAMES
White Tea Japanese Kanayamidri Baicha	Black Tea Red tea Laal Cha

I hope that the above table was able to tell you what to expect in the blog. So, without delay let us now take one aspect at a time and get to know about them below.

1. The Classification Is The Prime Aspect That Sums Up Black & White Tea

We all know about black tea but little is known about white tea. Thus, before we move ahead let us understand what exactly is white tea. 

White tea is considered the most delicate tea and the only reason is that the tea is the least processed or the only tea that doesn’t undergo the oxidation process.

Black tea on the other hand can be attributed with a bitter taste that is a result of the high oxidation level it undergoes. Also, unlike white tea it is quite a common tea and often forms the base of a strong tea. Thus, we can consider it as a True tea.

2. White Tea Versus Black Tea: Comparing Them on The Basis of Taste

Let us understand the unique taste profile that’s synonymous with both the teas in talk.

White tea lovers will tell you the taste ranges from having light vegetal notes with a sweet honey like taste and a delicate aroma that makes for a great drinking experience.

Black tea on the other hand, is known for its bitter taste and often people add honey or lemon drops to it so as to make the tea appeal to their taste-buds.

3. Learning The Climatic Conditions That is Required For A Good Yield of Black & White Teas

Let us get to know how the two teas differ in terms of climatic conditions so required for the two tea to give a good harvest.

White tea requires a temperature between 20-30 degrees celsius. Also, a temperature that is below 10 degrees celsius will destroy the crop. Apart from the temperature, it also requires even rainfall distribution ranging from 150 cms-250 cms.

Black tea on the other hand can grow in both tropical & subtropical climatic zones and this is why it is grown worldwide unlike white tea. Moreover, its requirement of a hot and humid climate makes it the most preferred tea type of the world.

4. Comparing White and Black Tea Based on Their caffeine Level

Caffeine is a natural stimulant that is present in both tea and coffee and this helps us to stay awake when sleep is what we want. Thus, it is important that we compare the two teas based on their caffeine content. 

A typical serving of white tea(240 ml) isn’t caffeine-free as it is thought to be and one can expect a range from 6 mg-55 mg approximately. 

On the other hand, a typical serving i.e. 240 ml of black tea offers 47 mg-90 mg of caffeine. This when compared with white tea is on the higher side. 

5. White Tea versus Black Tea: Contrasting The Teas on The Benefits Offered

Let us now compare the benefits as another reason that has paved way for the popularity for the two teas.

White tea is good for the skin, its sweet taste helps keep your cravings for sweet foods at bay and this makes it an ideal tea for diabetics. The tea is also rich in antioxidants, helps fight cancer, prevents kidney stones, is good for hair and is also beneficial if you are looking to lose weight or are calorie-conscious. 

Black tea on the other hand apart from being rich in antioxidants helps to shed extra kilos as it is a tea that is best enjoyed when had without the addition of milk or sugar, beneficial for oral health, gives you a problem free skin, ability to help fight cancer are some other meritorious sides to consider.

6. Getting To Know The Negative Sides of Black and White Tea

Like everything tea too has its own flip sides and after having learned about the benefits both black and white tea offers it is time to reveal their dark side.

White tea owing to its caffeine isn’t an option for pregnant & lactating women. Also, when drunk right before bed can cause restlessness, insomnia, tooth decay, dizziness and vomiting too at times. 

Black tea isn’t far behind when it comes to disadvantages and some known side-effects are nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping when drunk right before bed due to its high caffeine content, restlessness, anxiety. Now, if you are looking for teas to help you sleep well, opt-in for herbal drinks like mint tea, chamomile tea, turmeric tea.

Just for your knowledge, I have written a blog about 27 reasons to love tea and learn about some varieties that will help you sleep like a baby.

7. The Origin of The Tea Is an Interesting Read and Another Point That Sets Them Apart

Let us now understand the origin of the two teas. 

White tea was discovered in the 17th century in China’s Fujian district and another story takes us to the early Chinese dynasty when tea was a flourishing trade. Rare or white teas were paid as a tax to the emperor and which resembled how the tea is harvested. 

Black tea on the other hand was discovered in early 17th century China in the Fujian district when an army had entered the region and decided to set their camps near a tea factory. Being a non-planned setup it delayed the tea production and the leaves had to be left in the sun to dry. This led to high oxidation and resulted in a red-colored drink. 

8. Have You Considered The Source Behind Black and White Tea?

Getting to know the source of any tea is important and hence, let us compare the source of the two teas.

White tea is sourced from the buds and leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant that is still in its growing stage. Simply put, the leaves and the buds are plucked when they are still growing and have white hair on them. This can also be attributed to how white tea got its name. 

Black tea too is derived from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Now, here lies the difference that the tea undergoes the method of oxidation and drying so a deep color is attained. This is also how black tea got its name. 

9. The Brewing Comparison Between White And Black Tea

The brewing time is an important aspect that brings the desired color and consistency to a drink. Therefore, we must compare the steeping time each drink takes.

White tea requires 4-5 minutes of steep time for leafy varieties and if you are using tea leaves that still have traces of white hair or buds then for every teaspoon add 2 minutes extra steep time. Thus, the ideal time is 4-7 minutes. 

Black tea is a drink I serve at my cafe all the time and I love making it too. One just needs to add 1-2 teaspoons of the tea leaves to boiling water and let it steep till the liquid has reached the desired consistency. Let me tell you, that the quantity of the tea leaves and the water should be proportional to the quantity you are making. I generally steep it for 3-5 minutes and if you are not a fan of a bitter tea make this as an ideal steeping time. 

10. Sugar & Milk Usage In White Tea Versus Black Tea

Sugar adds sweetness to a drink and elevates the taste. Let us compare white and black tea based on their sugar dependency. 

White tea has a mild vegetal taste with a hint of sweetness and as we have seen in its advantages that it curbs sugar cravings you can skip adding sugar. Also, it tastes best without milk. 

Black tea on the other hand is a drink that is enjoyed without milk and sugar. In my city, this is a popular variety of tea and adding lemon drops to the tea is a more preferred way of drinking the tea. When a hydrating drink is on my mind, I add 1-2 drops of lemon to my hot brew and nothing relaxes me better. 

11. The Longevity In White Tea Versus Black Tea

Let us now compare the shelf life or best before date of the two teas.

White tea is good for a year from the manufactured date but, it is advisable to consume it within six months for a refreshing taste.

Black tea when compared to white tea lasts for 18-24 months. This is also a reason why black tea is most extensively found and preferred the world over. 

12. White Tea and Black Tea Are Loved In Different Parts of The World

White tea is the latest and a fast-catching trend. While black tea has been there for as long as I can remember and the places where they are popular need to be considered. 

White tea owing to its delicate way of harvesting and as an expensive tea, there are a few countries where the tea is popular. Since it was discovered in China, it is natural for it to be popular here and you can find it in Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India.

Black tea, on the other hand, is the most common tea and since it was first discovered in China it is natural that the tea will be popular in the country. Apart from China, India, Nepal, America, UK, Thailand. Singapore, Malaysia, France, and Finland are some places where the tea is drunk. 

13. White Tea versus Black Tea: Comparing The two On The Types Offered

Every tea offers different varieties and we shall now check them out on the basis of the varieties they offer.

White tea offers varieties like Silver Needle(Bai Hao Yinzhen), White Peony(Bai Mu Den), Gongemei(Tribute Eyebrow), Shou Mei(Long life eyebrow) & Fujian New Craft.

Black tea on the other hand offers varieties like Ceylon, Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Blue Lady Grey Tea, Genmaicha Tea, Keemun, Turkish, Lapsang Souchong, Golden Monkey Tea.

14. The More Oxidized Tea Between White And Black

I hope by now, you know quite a lot about some points of similarities and differences in the nature of the two teas though there is still a lot to know. Let us now get to know the more oxidized tea.

White tea is a very delicate tea that is harvested when the leaves still have white hair on them and this makes it a tea that isn’t oxidized at all. 

Thus, one can say that white tea is the least oxidized tea variety in the world.

Black tea, on the other hand, is known to receive a high level of oxidation like any other tea in the world and thus, when compared to white tea it is the tea with the most oxidation level.

15. The Ideal Method of Making The Two Teas

Making tea is no rocket science & I started making tea at quite an early age. However, what is important is to keep certain aspects in mind that will give you an enhanced and uniform taste throughout.

White tea is best when prepared using filtered water(not refrigerated water). Now combine the water and 2 teaspoons of tea leaves. Allow 4-7 minutes of steep time and pour into warm cups.

Now, if you think that black tea will just sit and let white tea enjoy the show, let me tell you that it will not take the jab silently & it has its own tricks ready. To make an ideal cup of black tea all you need is good quality water(normal filtered water is the best) to which you have added tea leaves. Now, allow 3- 5 minutes of steeping time and pour into cups without milk and sugar.

16. The More Sweeter Tea in White Tea versus Black Tea

Let us now compare the tea that is sweeter naturally.

White tea is described as a tea with sweet honey-like notes with a vegetal taste and thus, it won’t be wrong to call it a sweeter tea.

Black tea on the other hand has no such merit to it and the high oxidation level has made it earn the name of the most bitter tea. Thus, we can say that by far and near it cannot be called a sweet tea at all. 

17. Comparing Them On The Ideal Time When The Tea Should Be Consumed

Tea in my opinion should be consumed when the heart desires and shouldn’t be time-bound. However, that is not the case always and tea experts will say that all teas should be drunk at a fixed time to draw maximum benefits and this forms another point of difference.

White tea, owing to its nature, is best when drunk in the mornings and after every meal. Now, there is also a condition and that is the tea shouldn’t be consumed more than 3 cups in a day, and drinking it on an empty stomach is a BIG NO.

Black tea on the other hand should be consumed ideally after every meal and if you are accustomed to drinking it first thing in the morning pair it with a light cracker. Drinking the tea on an empty stomach might cause acidity depending on the tea leaves used and thus, having it with a biscuit or cracker is a good habit to follow.

18. The More Acidic Tea Amongst White Tea and Black Tea

Let us now compare the tea that is more acidic.

White tea is the least oxidized tea and the leaves aren’t boiled but steamed. This process ensures that the tea receives little to no oxidation. 

On the other hand, black tea is known to be the most acidic tea. It is boiled and undergoes all the processes like any true(strong-bodied) tea. 

So, when this aspect is taken into account, white tea would be the winner by a large number. 

19. Let Us Now Compare The Tea That Is A More Expensive Buy

Both white and black tea is quite popular owing to many favorable reasons and we have discussed some points above. Having said this, let us now see the tea that is considered a more expensive buy. 

White tea owing to its climatic conditions is a tea that cannot be grown everywhere and the harvesting requires utmost care and patience. Thus, the tea is not easily available and this can be taken among the many reasons that make it an expensive buy.

Black tea can easily grow in both tropical and subtropical climates and is easily available anywhere across the globe. I buy black tea all the time and it is the most economical tea I have and will come across. I also love the tea for the varieties it offers in terms of the price range. 

20. Comparing The Nature of The Two Tea To Blend With Other Teas

Let us now take the ability of the two teas to be able to blend with other tea.

White tea owing to its delicate flavor and taste can be paired with Orange Blossom tea, Rooibos tea, Green tea, Purple Tea, any herbal tea, and Mint tea.

Black tea is my go-to option as this gives me the option to blend with other tea varieties. Iced tea, fruit teas, Earl-Grey, English Breakfast, Arabic, Turkish, Masala Chai, Kahwah, milk tea, Assam tea, Ceylon, Darjeeling, Nilgiri are some popular choices. 

21. Comparing The Gluten-Free Nature Of White & Black Tea

Let us now weigh them based on their gluten-free nature.

A typical cup of white tea has water and tea leaves that is poured into pre-warmed cups. Thus, one can be assured that the drink is completely gluten-free and is safe to consume.

Black tea too is completely gluten-free and a typical serving can be expected to have boiled water that has been steeped with tea leaves which is then poured into cups.

22. Getting To Know Some Never Before Heard Varieties of The Two Tea

Let us now get to know some uncommon varieties the two varieties offer.

Silver needle, white peony, Ceylon white, African white tea, Imperial Himalayan White Tea, Darjeeling White Tea are some unheard and best varieties that white tea has to offer to its patrons.

Black tea isn’t going to take the blow easily and names like Lapsang Souchong, Da Hong Pao, Panda Dung tea, Wuyi, Tieguanyin are some stalwarts of black tea.

23. White Tea and Black Tea are Known By Different Names

The last point to consider in white tea versus black tea is how they are called in different parts of the world.

White tea is called Silvery Tip Pekoe, Japanese Kanayamidori(in Japan), Baicha(Chinese).

Red Tea, English Breakfast Tea, Lal Chai(India) are some names that are synonyms to black tea.

 

This concludes my blog. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I had writing it down for you. Tea is my elixir and I love writing about it. You can get your daily tea-fix by subscribing to my newsletter(without being spammed) by just clicking on the about me tab on the homepage and ensure you do not miss out on your favorite tea snippet. 

Also, if you want to ask me something do drop them in the comments section below and I will gladly answer them for you.

Happy Sipping!