Chinese Green Tea vs. Black Tea – What’s the Difference?

🌿 Intro: Two Teas, One Country, Very Different Worlds

When it comes to Chinese tea, green and black are the most popular—and also the most misunderstood. Many tea lovers outside China associate black tea with strength and green tea with health, but the true difference goes much deeper.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Chinese green and black teas are made, how they taste, and how to choose the right one for your taste or travel adventure.

🍃 What Is Green Tea? (绿茶)

Green tea is unoxidized, meaning the leaves are heated soon after picking to stop fermentation. This preserves a fresh, grassy, vegetal flavor.

🌱 Key Features:

• Processing: Pan-fried or steamed to halt oxidation

• Color: Pale green or yellow brew

• Flavor: Light, fresh, sometimes nutty or floral

• Caffeine: Lower to medium

🌿 Famous Chinese Green Teas:

• Longjing (Dragon Well) – Hangzhou – Smooth, nutty, famous worldwide

• Biluochun – Jiangsu – Delicate, floral, hand-curled

• Huangshan Maofeng – Anhui – Slightly sweet, high-elevation tea

Ideal for: Morning energy, meditation, light meals, or summer sipping

🫖 What Is Black Tea? (红茶 – Hóngchá)

Surprise! In China, black tea is called “red tea” because of its reddish-brown liquor. It’s fully oxidized, giving it a richer, deeper flavor profile.

🔥 Key Features:

• Processing: Rolled and oxidized for full-bodied taste

• Color: Amber to dark red brew

• Flavor: Malty, sweet, fruity, sometimes smoky

• Caffeine: Medium to high

🧨 Famous Chinese Black Teas:

• Dianhong – Yunnan – Malty, bold, great with milk

• Keemun (Qimen) – Anhui – Wine-like, floral, used in English Breakfast blends

• Lapsang Souchong – Fujian – Smoky, pine-roasted leaves

Ideal for: Afternoon focus, colder seasons, pairing with food or sweets

🔍 Green vs. Black – Side-by-Side Comparison

🍽 Tea Pairing Tips for Food Lovers

In China, tea is often served with meals, and pairing matters!

• Green Tea 🟢: Cleanses the palate, pairs well with fish, dim sum, or veggies

• Black Tea 🔴: Stands up to hearty dishes like roast duck, braised pork, or mooncakes

Want to take it up a notch? Join one of our tea + food pairing experiences in Hangzhou or Fujian!

👉 Explore Tea Tours

🌍 Can’t Visit Yet? Try Them at Home

We source authentic green and black teas directly from farmers in China.

🛒 Shop Now:

• Longjing (Green Tea)

• Dianhong (Black Tea)

Worldwide shipping. Fresh from China.

#chinese green tea vs black tea #difference between green tea and black tea