White Tea Versus Green Tea-27 Crucial Differences To Consider

Ever wondered how white and green tea differ? Read my blog about White tea versus Green tea and via 27 crucial aspects learn about the dissimilarities and some similar features of the two teas.

I am a passionate tea blogger and a self-proclaimed tea-lover. I believe tea is an all-time drink and the fact that it is the second most loved beverage after water is a reason enough for tea addicts like me to rejoice. Now, if you are looking for more reasons to fall in love with the drink, do read my blog about 27 practical reasons to love tea. 

White Tea Versus Green Tea- 27 Similarities and Polarities Explained

White tea is a slow-catching trend while green tea has been around for a long time and we might be familiar with a few differences though there is always more than meets the eye. So, the idea to write about how both the tea differ came to my mind. Now, I love to give my readers a smooth read, and thus, a table is an appropriate thing to add that gives an idea about the key points of discussion.

ORIGIN
White Tea China	Green Tea China
SOURCE
White Tea Camellia Sinensis	Green Tea Camellia Sinensis
CUSTOMISATION LEVEL
White Tea Low	Green Tea High
BREWING TIME
White Tea 1-4 minutes	Green Tea 3-5 minutes
IDEAL TIME TO DRINK
White Tea Early morning	Green Tea After workout
FOOD PAIRINGS
White Tea Mild cheese, Indian desserts, berry desserts	Green Tea Chicken, salads, brown rice
CAFFEINE
White Tea 6mg -55 mg	Green Tea 30 mg-70 mg
GLUTEN-FREE
White Tea Yes	Green Tea Yes
SERVING STYLE
Green Tea Without milk and sugar	Green Tea With honey and lemon
FAVORABLE CONDITIONS
White Tea Temperature between 20 degrees -30 degrees	Green Tea Temperature between 12.5 degrees – 13 degrees
OPTIONS TO HAVE WITH MILK & SUGAR
White Tea Not recommended	Green Tea Varies
NUTRITIONAL VALUE
White Tea Calorie free	Green Tea   2-3 calories
TEXTURE AND CONSISTENCY
White Tea Light and smooth	Green Tea Light and nutty
TYPES
White  Tea Silver Needle Gongmei Fujian Newcraft	Green Tea Sencha Hojicha Matcha
DAILY DRINKABLE QUOTIENT
White Tea Yes	Green Tea Yes
SUGAR DEPENDENCY
White Tea No- medium	Green Tea Varies
POPULAR IN COUNTRIES
White Tea China India Nepal	Green Tea India UK Ireland
BENEFITS
White Tea Good for skin Curbs sugar cravings Helps in weight-loss	Green Tea Ideal for weight-loss Aids in digestion Burns Fat
SIDE-EFFECTS
White Tea Not ideal for pregnant women Tooth decay Nausea	Green Tea Insomnia Vomiting A burning sensation
THE TEA WITH MORE ANTIOXIDANTS
White Tea High	Green Tea Low
THE MOST HYDRATING DRINK
White Tea Yes	Green Tea Yes
TOPPINGS
White Tea Not likely	Green Tea Likely
POPULARITY REASONS
White Tea Most delicate tea Known for its immense benefits	Green Tea Rich in antioxidants High level of customization Easy to procure
THE MORE DELICATE TEA
White Tea Yes	Green Tea No
HARVESTING SEASON
White Tea Mid-March to Early April	Green Tea Late April to early May
TEABAGS USAGE
White Tea Low India Russia	Green Tea High America China
OPTIONS TO DRINK HOT & COLD
White Tea Preferred Hot	Green Tea Both hot and cold

Running a tea cafe is not an easy job. One has to be on their game and at the same time understanding your customer’s needs is the top priority. Green tea needs no introduction, but then white tea is a slowly catching trend. So, let us now take the above-mentioned points at a time and get to know about them in detail. 

1.  White Tea Versus Green Tea: Country of Origin

The origin of any food or beverage says a lot about it. So, let us consider the origin of our favorite drinks.

White tea can be traced to early 17th century China and under the Qing dynasty. Now, it is also interesting to know that there is a debate about the actual origin and history. The only thing that is common across all findings is that the tea was discovered in China.

Green tea on the other hand is said to be discovered in China under the emperor Shennong in China during the year 2737 B.C. However, history also states that traces of the tea could also be found some 3,000 years ago in Southeast Asian countries. 

2. Knowing The Source of Both The Tea

The source of tea is an important factor and thus, worth mentioning. So, let us know the source from which our drinks. 

White tea is a product of the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant that is plucked when the tea flowers are still covered in white hairs. This is the reason behind it being called white tea. 

Green tea too is sourced from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant that like any true tea doesn’t undergo the withering(frying)process nor does it undergo the oxidation process.

 3. Both the Teas Have Different Customisation Quotients

Another point of comparison between these popular drinks is, which one can be customized more. 

White tea is the most delicate tea offers little scope of customization as its taste can easily be ruined. 

Green tea unlike white tea is quite open to customization and add-one like lemon drops, honey, herbs like mint, basil to spices even like ginger only show how adaptable the tea is. 

4. The Brewing Comparison Between White and Green Tea

The brewing time is yet another important point to consider and thus, let us get familiar with the time our favorite tea takes.

Since white tea is a very delicate tea it shouldn’t be brewed longer than 4 minutes. Now, I am not a white tea fan but, then I am a tea drinker who plans to be able to make her own tea blends, and trying out different tea is a new found hobby. 

Green tea on the other hand should be steeped for 3-5 minutes though it would depend on the texture and consistency you want. 

5. White Tea and Green Tea: The Ideal Time To Drink

Both the tea are enjoyed at different times and we shall learn about these characteristics.

White tea is best when drunk early in the morning though not on an empty stomach as it might cause gastric problems.

Green tea can be drunk in the mornings though I recommend drinking the tea after workouts. 

6. White and Green Tea Can Be Paired With Certain Accompaniments

The two teas white and green can be served with ceratin food pairings.

White tea owing to its sweet yet delicate notes is best when paired with white meats like salmon or chicken, It can also be paired with tea-time cakes, desserts that are high on berries like strawberry shortcakes. I suggest lemon tarts for not only are they light but, the tartness will perfectly compliment the sweet taste of the tea.

Green tea on the other hand is best when paired with citrus salads, cheese slices, stir-fry vegetables, rice noodles, quinoa, brown rice, pizzas that are high on vegetables, etc. I recommend adding chocolates as the sweetness will help balance the taste of the tea.

7. Caffeine Content in White Tea Vs Green Tea 

Tea and coffee both contain Caffeine. This not only helps us to stay awake but also aids in opening sleepy eyes by giving an instant energy booster.  Therefore, let us consider the caffeine level in both the teas.

White tea, contrary to popular belief is quite high on caffeine and a typical serving contains 6 milligrams to 55 milligrams of caffeine. 

Green tea too contains caffeine and an average serving has 30 milligrams to 70 milligrams of caffeine. 

8. Considering The Gluten-Free Nature Of White and Green Tea

Let us compare the gluten-free nature of both the tea.

White tea is completely gluten-free and thus, can be enjoyed even if you are gluten intolerant.

Green tea too is gluten-free and thus, can be enjoyed by all. 

9. White Tea and Green Tea Are Both Served Differently

Let us now evaluate our favorite teas for the way they are generally served.

Let us consider the serving style of white tea first. The tea is best enjoyed when served plain ie, without the addition of milk or sweeteners. 

Green tea, too, is best enjoyed without the addition of milk and sugar. I am a milk tea fan, but I wanted to know why the world is crazy about green tea and found the taste quite bitter. I then added honey and this trick worked. Thus, I highly recommend it.

10. White and Green Tea Are Both Grown In Different Climatic Conditions

Let us get to know the conditions that are responsible for giving us our daily cup of our favorite teas.

White tea is best grown when it meets climatic conditions like the rainfall should be between 150 centimeters to 300 centimeters and which is evenly distributed the whole year. Also, the temperature shouldn’t drop lower than 10 degrees Celsius or rise above 35 degrees.

Green tea on the other hand requires an average summer temperature that should be between 12.5 degrees Celsius to 13 degrees Celsius or more. Talking about rainfall it should be evenly distributed during the harvesting season.

11. White Tea Vs Green Tea: Option To Have with Milk and Sugar

Let us now check if milk and sugar can be added to both the tea.

White tea is known for being sweet and thus, adding more sugar or any other form of sweeteners will ruin its texture and thus, advisable to avoid milk and sugar.

Green tea tastes best when consumed without milk or sugar. However, you can add honey if the taste does not appeal to you. Now, if you are a vegan, I suggest adding Stevia, sugar-free, Splenda, or any other form of sweeteners. 

12. Nutritional Value of White Tea Vs Green Tea

Let us now compare the nutritional value of both the teas.

A cup of white tea has no calories and thus, one can say that white tea is completely fat-free.

Green tea unlike white tea isn’t fat-free and an average serving of the tea can be attributed to having 2-3 calories approximately. 

13. Consistency and Texture Are the Defining Factors That Differentiate Both the Teas  

The most important factor in differentiating between white and green tea is the consistency and texture offered.

One of the features that have made white tea so popular is its light texture with sweet honey like taste.

Green tea on the other hand has a smooth texture though its grassy, vegetal notes make the tea bitter to taste. 

14. White & Green Tea Are Both Available in Different Versions

The next factor I would like to compare these drinks on is how many types each tea can be attributed to.

White tea generally comes in 5 varieties. Silver Needle(Yin Zhen Bai Ho), White Peony(Bai Mu Dan), Tribute Eyebrow(Gongmei), Noble Long Life Eyebrow(Shou Mei), and Fujian New Craft(Da Baicha or Da Haocha). 

Green tea is also available in several versions like Sencha which is a lightly steeped tea, Genmaicha, Tencha and then there are deeply steeped tea options like Fukamushi Sencha(Fukamushi Ryokucha), Gyokuru et

15. Attributing White and Green Tea Based On Their Daily Drinkable Quotient

Let us compare the two teas based on their daily drinkable quotient.

White tea is a tea that can be drunk daily though in order to gain maximum benefits it is advisable to drink it at a certain time(early morning).

On the other hand green tea too is drunk on a daily basis for reasons best discussed above. 

16. Comparing The Sugar Dependency Of White & Green Tea

Sugar adds sweetness to drinks and this is the sole reason why people add it to their tea. However, let us compare the two teas based on sugar usage.

White tea is a naturally sweet tea and tastes like honey. Now, adding sugar will only make it sweeter and thus, make for an unpleasant tasting liquid. So, one can say that it is best to drink tea for all the build-in goodness it offers.

Green tea on the other hand is often sweetened or tweaked with additions and lemon drops, honey, spices, mint, honey or other sweeteners are added at times to make the tea more appealing in taste.

17. White and Green Tea Are Both Popular In Different Countries

Let us now compare the two teas based on the countries they are popular in.

White tea has originated in China so this makes it obvious for the tea to be immensely popular in China though it has its grounds set firmly in countries like Nepal, India(slowly getting there), the UK, USA, Europe, Canada, etc.

Green tea on the other hand has its fair share of takers in countries like India, China, Ireland. Japan, Canada, and Brazil are amongst some popular countries.

18. White Tea Versus Green Tea: Comparing Them For Their Benefits

Benefits define tea and are amongst the many reasons that add to its popularity. Thus, it is important to get acquainted with some benefits the said teas offer.

White tea is a naturally sweet tea that stops any cravings that one might have towards sweet foods and thus, is beneficial for diabetics. It is also rich in antioxidants, good for glowing skin, hair, and oral health.

Green tea is not one to take the jab lightly and has its benefits ready. Weight loss, burning belly fat, stops bloating are some credible aspects that make the tea popular.

19. White Tea Versus Green Tea: Comparing Them For Their Side-Effects

Anything, when had in excess, is bad and we shall see some effects that the teas have when the moderation line is crossed.

White tea can cause tooth decay, is bad for expecting and lactating mothers, nausea, vomiting, and uneasiness are some factors that come in the way of a great experience.

Green tea too can cause dehydration or a burning sensation, headaches, dizziness, Insomnia amongst other known side effects.

20. White Tea and Green Tea: The Higher Antioxidant Tea?

Let us now compare the two teas based on the tea that offers higher antioxidants(elements that prevent cell damage).

White tea owing to its harvesting method, delicate notes, and the way it is drunk is a tea that is high in antioxidants.

Green tea is known to contain antioxidants though when compared to white tea lags behind and thus, one can say that white tea is a better option. 

21. White Tea and Green Tea: The Better Hydrating Tea?

Tea after water is known to be the most hydrating drink and thus forms a key point of differentiating when it comes to the two teas.

A typical serving of white tea has 2 main components white tea leaves and water. However, its caffeine level as discussed don’t account for it being a completely hydrating drink and I suggest you opt in for the caffeine free range.

Compared to white tea, green tea is known to be amongst the hydrating teas as it is high on water level with a hint of nutty flavor that adds to its grassy taste. Moreover, the addition of honey and lemon drops makes it a strong contender

22. Comparing White and Green Tea for Toppings 

I love the cute little additions called toppings that sit so comfortably on a drink and I recommend trying them with your teas.

White tea is a tea that leaves little to no scope of using toppings as it is low on customizable quotient and any enhancements will ruin the delicate taste of the tea.

Green tea on the other hand is quite open to customization and additions like mint, basil, ginger, lemon, honey, spices, organic and edible flowers, chocolate milk are some tweaks that are a favorite.

23. Comparing What Makes These Teas Popular

Have you ever wondered about the reasons why these teas in the discussion are popular?

White tea has a delicate flavor profile with a sweet honey like taste, its benefits and the way it is harvested have all made the tea popular.

Green tea is drunk all the time and is known as a great workout drink. Moreover, its hydrating nature along with its benefits have all paved way in making the tea popular.

24. White Tea Vs Green Tea: The Tea With A More Delicate Profile

Let us now compare the tea that is more delicate.

When we talk about the most delicate tea in terms of flavor or the way tea is harvested, without any doubt, white tea is the winner.

Green tea, on the other hand, enjoys no such benefits, as being called a delicate tea.

25. Comparing The Two Teas Based on Their Harvesting Seasons

The harvesting time plays a pivotal role and thus, it is important that this is discussed.

White tea is harvested from Mid-March to early April when the weather is neither rainy nor humid.

The first crop of Green tea begins in late April and lasts till early May. The first harvest is called Shincha, which in Japanese literally means the first tea. The second harvesting season is June-July. 

26. Tea Bag Usage in White Tea Vs Green Tea

Teabags are small pouches filled with tea and are used in most tea-loving countries. All you need to do is just dip it in hot water till the desired color is reached.

White tea isn’t traditionally made using tea bags as being an expensive tea it isn’t easily available and thus, doesn’t offer the convenience of tea bags.

However. when we talk about green tea, tea bags are very commonly used in most countries to brew the perfect cup when in a hurry or otherwise.

27. White Tea Vs Green Tea: Options to Serve

The next point of comparison between bubble tea and milk tea is the options to serve hot or cold.

White tea tastes best when served hot and poured in pre-warmed cups. Also, using water that is a little below room temperature is recommended.

Green tea can be served both hot and cold. I recommend traveling the road less taken by ditching your everyday green tea and sipping on an amazing green tea latte. Trust me, when topped with cream this is one drink you will hate putting down. 

This brings me to the end of this blog and I would love to hear your opinion about these teas. Which one do you prefer as a tea lover and why? Feel free to drop your views on the subject in the comments section below. 

Also, to read more about all the aspects of tea head to my site for your weekly dose of tea.

Happy Sipping!