Mondo Knows Facts
Leaf oxidation levels define major tea categories
Black green and oolong teas come from the same plant species processed differently
All traditional teas originate from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Green tea leaves are steamed or pan-fired shortly after harvesting to deactivate polyphenol oxidase enzymes, preventing oxidation. Black tea leaves are bruised and fully oxidized, developing dark colours and rich tannins, while oolong teas undergo partial oxidation.
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Tags: tea, camellia sinensis, oxidation
Leaf oxidation levels define major tea categories: the short answers
- Where does this come from, and can I check it?
- Black green and oolong teas come from the same plant species processed differently. The figure is taken from Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.
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