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How do green and black tea come from the same plant?
CultureFood
Quick Answer
Both teas come from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. The difference is in how the leaves are processed, especially how much they are oxidized.
The Full Story
Tea plants are the same species, but the processing after picking changes the final drink. Green tea is heated quickly to stop oxidation, which preserves a fresh, grassy flavour and green colour. Black tea is allowed to oxidize much more fully, which darkens the leaves and creates stronger flavours. Oolong tea sits between the two, with partial oxidation. Tea cultivation and processing spread from ancient China and became a major global trade in the 17th to 19th centuries.
Key Facts
1.Green and black tea come from Camellia sinensis
2.Green tea is minimally oxidized
3.Black tea is fully oxidized
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"How one plant can become two very different teas"