Tea

The differences between black and white teas are like night and day. There is such a vast number of differences that this could be quite lengthy. So, for my sake and yours, we will focus on the most obvious. Then, we can explore each at length. I will explain the differences in processing so you understand the most basic differences. We can then move to the differences in health benefits gained from the processing methods. Of course we shall end with the difference in taste of white and black teas.
The processing of white tea is quite simple, young Camellia leaves are picked, briefly steamed, then dried. Black is more lengthy; Camellia leaves are picked then allowed to wither. Next is a rolling stage, where the leaves are rolled to break apart the cell membranes to allow the next step; the leaves are then allowed to ferment fully, last they are fired and dried. During the rolling process the cell membranes release oils, which give the tea a unique aroma. White tea is only produced in China, and it is not sold through public auctions. Many high quality white teas are only picked once a year and some are even picked only at twilight thus making it very rare!
The health benefits differ between the two teas significantly. It is a common misconception that green tea is the healthiest for you. In fact, all teas have different health benefits. White tea is the highest in anti-oxidants, and black tea is the lowest. Conversely black tea has the most caffeine, yet white tea has the least. White tea (having the most anti-oxidants) is great for your skin and complexion. Many cosmetic companies use white tea extract in their products due to their “anti-aging” effect. Black tea, having the most caffeine makes a good breakfast tea, acting as a gentle stimulant. Black tea also is very good for the heart. It helps prevent heart disease and stroke, and lowers blood pressure. Black tea is also very good to help regulate blood sugar and prevents absorption of cholesterol.
Drinking tea is not just the taste, but the aroma, the warm feeling it brings as you swallow, the sense of serenity. The taste is only half of the journey, albeit, an important half. The first step is the smell, as you bring the cup to your nose, you exhale, then inhale through your nose bringing the scent into your nasal cavity, let it linger before exhaling. Next you sip or “slurp” the tea, bringing in air and tea at the same time, allowing the tea to make contact with all of your taste buds at once. This enables you to really taste all the subtle nuances the tea has to offer. Once again, you should be able to taste the tea in your nasal cavity as well as in your mouth, as the scent and taste meld. Then of course, you swallow, concentrating on the undertones left lingering in your mouth. The reasons for me teaching you proper tasting is because without it I hear many people say white tea tastes like warm water. Yet if they tasted properly, they would know instantly that it has a delicate, pure taste. It is not exactly the same with black teas. Depending upon the region in which the tea was grown, (as well as the elevation, other plants in the vicinity, and temperature) it will have differing overtones, whether they be malty, smooth, nutty, smoky or cocoa notes. But black teas, when tasted properly, have many subtleties to be enjoyed as well. The body of black tea can be described as light, medium, or heavy; the light bodied blacks being referred to as “the champagne of teas” and more heavy bodied black get descriptions of burgundy. There is much more that could be said of black teas, but the basics (and maybe more) are there.
So, the next time you see that Snapple® commercial about white tea, you can think something like (to yourself): “white tea is good for my skin, and has a plethora of anti-oxidants. Not to mention it's quite rare.” Likewise, next time you are waking up to a nice cup of Darjeeling black tea, you may be attentive to the muscatel notes, and the orchid aroma, and of course rest assured that your tea was most likely picked by hand, and that it is good for your heart. My only wish is that you share this knowledge with someone, or, merely contemplate it over a nice cup of tea.