Which tea drinker are you? If you’re not an avid enjoyer of this type of hot beverage, you may not have known there was more than one variety. In fact, there are many different types of tea. However, the most popular of these are green tea, black tea, and matcha. These three different varieties are beloved by many for varying reasons.

Tea is a special type of beverage. Each variety of tea offers a distinct flavour profile that is rich in flavour. Plus, as an ancient beverage, tea has been around for centuries, offering intriguing insight into their methods of production. Plus, many don’t simply drink tea for the taste – numerous health benefits are received with each sip of tea.

In this blog, we are going to explore the nuances of flavour, production methods, and health benefits that distinguish these teas. After reading, you’ll have a better understanding of green tea, matcha, and black tea, allowing you to choose the perfect brew for every occasion. 

An ancient Japanese beverage that has seen recent popularity in Western cultures with more and more people being introduced to this intriguing tea. Offering an umami (savoury) flavour, matcha can be described as being both earthy and sweet with a creamy texture that sets it apart from other teas.

Matcha is often described as more intense than green tea with some saying it is an acquired taste for the Western palette. However, you can “take the edge off” matcha with flavoured varieties, such as Ossu’s Organic Ginger Matcha Powder or Peppermint Matcha Powder. Another alternative is to create a matcha latte with the introduction of milk, which can sweeten the taste.

As for the production methods of matcha, it is made from leaves that are picked and then stone-ground into a fine powder. This grinding action is what increases the chlorophyll content, giving matcha its vibrant green colour and unique taste. To prepare matcha as a beverage, the powder is whisked with hot water, allowing you to consume the whole leaf and the nutrients it provides.

This drink is a formidable force in terms of healthy content. Like green tea, matcha boasts high levels of antioxidants. Many choose this tea for the incredible range of health benefits it provides, such as boosting metabolism, improving cognitive function, and enforcing mental clarity. 

Green tea is a beverage that is steeped in history and offers a unique flavour. It must be said that the flavour profile of green tea can vary widely depending on the region where it is grown and the particular process used for its making. Yet, green tea’s general flavour is often described as grassy or even floral and it’s incredibly refreshing to drink.

There are a variety of production methods for green tea. However, the typical process involves steaming or pan-firing the leaves shortly after they have been harvested. Using a particularly minimal oxidation method leaves the tea with its natural green colour and unbelievable freshness. The most popular methods used for making tea include the Japanese steaming process, which results in a tea that is slightly sweeter and more vibrant. And there is also the Chinese pan-firing technique, creating a tea of a more roasted note.

As for health benefits, green tea is a more than ideal choice. Firstly, it’s rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which have been linked to different health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health. Also, the caffeine content found in green tea provides a more gentle energy boost when compared to coffee. 

Offering a robust, full-bodied flavour, black tea can be described as malty, fruity or smoky. The pure strength of its taste and the elaborate flavour profile make it a popular base for a variety of flavoured tea and blends.

To produce black tea, one must fully oxidise the tea leaves – this is what gives the tea its familiar dark colour and that rich flavour. The following steps involve withering, rolling, and fermenting the leaves. This is what intensifies the flavour, giving black tea its strong flavour profile. Plus, with this method, the caffeine content is increased.

Black tea is also rich in antioxidants, specifically theaflavins and thearubigins. These antioxidants are known to improve gut health, lower cholesterol levels, and support heart health. The sizeable caffeine content also provides an uplift in energy that is more likened to energy boosts provided by coffee. 

As we have now discovered, tea is so much more than just a beverage. Further yet, there is more to drinking tea than just taste. So which is best?

It isn’t a case of one tea being superior to the other two. For example, in regards to flavour, i.e., which is the best tasting, can’t be answered as everyone’s sense of taste is different. If you happen to prefer a more vegetal and bitter taste, matcha may be the drink for you. For a more full-bodied and dark flavour, black tea may suit you better.

If you want to drink the tea that offers the most health benefits, we suggest matcha as your go-to drink. The benefits matcha can provide include:

• Boosted metabolism
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Supported heart health
• Supported immune function
• Improved skin health
• Supported digestive health

Matcha is also an ideal choice of tea in terms of preparation and occasion. For centuries, matcha’s tea-making process has been used as a form of meditation and offering time to reflect on important areas of one’s life. 

We are Ossu, providers of organic matcha tea powder. Offering both traditional and flavoured matcha, we’re committed to introducing more people to the wonderful taste and incredible benefits that matcha provides. Explore our range of matcha powder today and discover the love, art, and ceremony of matcha.