Types of Green Tea
Green, black and oolong teas all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What sets them apart is how the leaves are processed. Green tea leaves are heated early, by steaming or pan-firing, and that’s what keeps them green.
Within green tea, there’s a whole world of variety. Where the tea grows, when it’s picked and how it’s handled all change what ends up in your cup.
Compare green tea with other drinks
- Is it herbal? Find out whether green tea counts as an herbal tea.
- White tea: see how green and white tea differ.
- Jasmine: compare plain and jasmine green tea.
- Yerba mate: weigh up yerba mate and green tea.
- Matcha: learn what makes matcha different.
Green tea around the world
- Vietnam: explore Vietnamese green tea.
- Thailand: read about green tea in Thailand.
- Japan: see how sencha, gyokuro and matcha compare in our EGCG guide.
Whichever you pick, our brewing guide will help you get the best from it.
Start here
Is Green Tea Considered an Herbal Tea?Green tea is a true tea from the Camellia sinensis plant, not an herbal tea. Here's how the two differ, what that means for caffeine, and how blends fit.
White Tea vs Green TeaWhite tea and green tea come from the same plant. See how they're made, what studies say about caffeine and catechins, and why neither is proven healthier.
Green Tea vs Jasmine Green TeaJasmine green tea is green tea scented with jasmine flowers. See how scenting works, what it changes, and what it leaves alone, including caffeine.
Vietnamese Green Tea: What It Is and How to Buy ItWhat Vietnamese green tea is, where it grows, how lotus tea is scented, how much caffeine to expect, and what to check before you buy.All guides
Other topics
Blends & add-insFruit, herbs, honey and milk: what pairs well, how to make it, and what it really does.MatchaHow matcha differs from steeped tea, how to make it at home, and how to buy it with care.CaffeineHow much caffeine is in your cup, how decaf works, and how the brands compare.Health questionsWhat the evidence actually supports, and where the claims run ahead of it.Brewing & storageWater, timing, amounts and storage, so your tea tastes good and stays fresh.Brands & bottled teasWhat is really in the green teas you find in stores and cafés.Recipes & other usesFood, baths, plants and other things people do with green tea.