White, Green, Black, and Oolong Tea: What's the Difference?

Did you know that many different types of tea come from the same plant? It’s pretty amazing, considering the various flavors and colors, but what really sets each tea apart are the chemical changes that happen in the leaves during production. This week on Reactions, we’re going to debunk a couple of myths behind the healthful and flavorful compounds found in each type of tea.

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Credits:
Producer: Sean Parsons
Writer: Kirk Zameiroski
Scientific Consultants: Michelle Boucher, PhD Brianne Raccor, PhD Susan Richardson, PhD Cordelia Running, PhD
Executive Producer: Hilary Hudson

Music: "Gentle Thoughts," By Gold in June/"Quiet Moods 11" By Christian Andersen/"Struck My Heart," By Gold in June

Sources:

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

[bf]

L-Theanine is a compound found in green tea and has some it has mild pharmacological benefits such as mood improvement and anti anxiety effects which might explain the calming effect some people experience with tea despite the caffeine.

[ShirinRose]

It bugs me when people choose green tea as a "caffeine free" alternative to black tea late in the evening, thinking it's like herbal teas in that respect 🤦‍♀️

[BothHands]

In the states most ppl drink artificially flavored sugar water, and call it tea. May as well be soda, tbh.

[steevemartial]

I already watched the today I found out video on this subject, so I knew the difference between those teas. But your infographic brought clarity to the next level. And the added chemical info is a nice bonus. Good job!

[rdu]

I've tasted couple of oolong brands in the market, not sure how they do it but the general flavor profile I got conditioned by drinking them non stop is: light, fresh and fragrant, the general flavor is mild, refreshing and has a hint of sweetness to it even if I steep it for 5 to 7 minutes, the color is mild yellow. Or maybe the oolongs in the groceries generally are the "green" oolongs, the lightly roasted ones, hence the absence of the standard tea bitterness I am expecting.

[Alex-iudl]

I really would love to know the difference in health benefits with everyday drinking various types of tea. Also I wonder why you have so low views cause the video is really informative. You deserve more attention. Keep up good content!

[lvovrpd]

Is white tea a healthy choice that won’t stain your teeth?

[DanielDumbrill]

Hunan Anhua Fizhuang (Brick Tea) is very interesting. Deliberately molded, with its signature spore creating bright yellow spots

[Fcon]

We are also interested in puer and aged White tea ;)

[bryanchang]

I was doing some research on tea leaves and found that online say oolong and black tea has a higher concentration of caffeine but this video states otherwise, can someone please explain to me?

[knibknibknib]

Eastern Beauty and Darjeeling both are uniquely flavored due to chemicals the plants produce in response to intentional infestation with tea leaf hoppers. Also ancient tea trees for use in puerh result in the cooked vs aged vs fresh flavor profiles, all uniquely different than tea bush plantation teas.

[choux]

What white tea has more caffeine than black?

[annjean]

Great video.
Thank you for sharing.

[maman]

great video, went thru a few videos but most of them didn't got the point

[josephgregory]

Would it be possible to explain how the antioxidants are... Well antioxidants and how they are used in the body?

[sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😳 As an Englishman, I ‘worship’ the Chinese Emperor who discovered how to brew tea! (But I have never forgiven the colonists who threw crates of tea into Boston harbour!). PS. My choice of tea is from northeastern india - Darjeeling. Cucumber sandwiches, anyone?

[robertfletcher]

Interesting. I like a good strong black tea.

[anamorphicalan]

What do you think about kombucha? The fermented tea life?!

[maragaretmitchell]

I was told green tea is not good for people with " hypertension " high blood pressure os that true ?

[thecardboardstacker]

Why no mention Yellow or Pu’er? Those are tea, too! A missed opportunity. ;)