Oolong Tea vs. Green Tea: Comparing The Differences

What’s the difference when comparing oolong tea vs. green tea?

Both teas have unique flavors and aromas that are quite different but are sourced from the same tea plant.

Oolong and green teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant but have distinct characteristics due to their unique processing methods. For example, oolong tea is partially fermented, resulting in a stronger taste that ranges from smoky to mellow and floral. Meanwhile, green tea isn’t fermented, resulting in a clean, light, and much more vegetal flavor profile. Despite the differences, they share some commonalities, such as health benefits.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of these two popular types of tea, including their origin, processing methods, flavor profiles, and health benefits. We’ll also discuss different varieties of oolong and green tea and provide brewing tips.

What Is Oolong Tea?

Oolong Tea is a partially fermented tea that sits somewhere between black and green tea in oxidation. The leaves are typically withered in the sun and then oxidized partially. 

There are several different varieties of oolong tea. Each variety has its unique flavor due to the level of oxidation and how it’s prepared. 

Origin

Oolong tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant – the same plant that produces green tea. It originated in China’s Fujian province and later spread to other regions such as Taiwan and Thailand. Currently, it’s commonly served as a Chinese restaurant tea and can be found in tea shops as oolong milk tea.

Processing Method

The processing method makes oolong tea unique and different than any other tea. Oolong tea is partially oxidized, ranging from 8% to 85%. 

After plucking, the leaves are withered under the sun and then bruised, kickstarting the oxidation process. Once the desired oxidation level is reached, the leaves are pan-fired to halt the process and rolled and dried.

Flavor Profile

Oolong tea offers various flavors and aromas due to its varying oxidation levels.

Lightly oxidized oolong teas have a floral, fruity, refreshing taste akin to green teas. On the other hand, highly oxidized oolong teas have a richer, creamier, and sometimes even toasty flavor.

For example, Iron Goddess of Mercy oolong tea has a floral aroma and mellow flavor. While Wuyi oolong tea has a smoky flavor and a strong aroma due to the oxidation and roasting process.

What Is Green Tea?

Green Tea is one of the most popular varieties of tea known for its light taste. It’s unoxidized and unfermented, which sets it apart from oolong tea. The leaves are typically steamed or pan-fried to halt oxidation, thus preserving their green color and fresh flavor profile. Green tea is known for its delicate, grassy and slightly astringent taste.

Origin

Green tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to East Asia. The same plant is also the source of other tea varieties, including oolong and black teas. Green tea was believed to be first cultivated in China over 3,000 years ago.

Processing Method

The key difference between green tea and other tea types lies in the processing method.

After being plucked, green tea leaves are quickly steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation. This step preserves the green color and distinctive taste that green tea is known for.

In contrast, higher oxidation levels during processing give oolong and black teas their darker colors and richer flavors.

Flavor Profile

Green tea has a light, fresh and vegetal taste with a hint of astringency. Its flavor profile can range from grassy and vegetal to sweet and floral. 

As you explore the world of green tea, you’ll discover various nuances that make each cup a unique experience. There are numerous varieties of green tea, such as matcha powder, hojicha, and genmaicha. For the sake of this article, we’re focusing on traditional Chinese green tea.

Differences Between Oolong Tea vs. Green Tea

Although both oolong and green teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. When comparing oolong tea vs. green tea, some big differences include the color, aroma, processing method and caffeine content.

In this section, we will provide a brief overview of the differences between these two popular types of tea.

Color

Oolong and green tea differ in color due to their varying oxidation levels. 

Oolong tea can either have a light yellow or orange color. The oolong of color tea becomes darker if it’s fully fermented or roasted. Meanwhile, green tea has a light green or yellow hue. 

Green tea leaves are treated immediately with steam within hours of plucking to stop oxidation. This also brings out the green hue in the leaves and the brewed tea.

Flavor and Aroma

Flavors and aromas in oolong and green teas are shaped by their oxidation levels. 

Oolong tea presents a broader spectrum of tastes, from floral to fruity, even creamy or roasted. Green tea has a fresher, grassier profile with underlying vegetal notes. It also has a stronger astringent aftertaste compared to oolong tea.

Tea Processing and Oxidation

During tea processing, the crucial distinction between oolong and green teas lies in their oxidation levels.

For oolong tea, leaves are partially oxidized (8-85%), whereas green tea undergoes no oxidation. This results in a more diverse flavor profile for oolong tea than green tea’s lighter, fresher taste.

Tea Type	Oxidation Level
Oolong Tea	8-85%
Green Tea	0%

Caffeine Content

The caffeine content in oolong and green teas depends on processing and steeping time. 

An eight-ounce serving of oolong tea has 37 mg of caffeine. While green tea contains 30-50 mg of caffeine in the same serving size. Generally, oolong tea has moderate caffeine compared to black tea or coffee. Either tea is suitable for those seeking a lower caffeine beverage.

The amount of caffeine in either tea depends on the brewing temperature, water-to-leaf ratio and brewing method.

Comparing Health Benefits: Oolong Tea vs. Green Tea

Drinking either oolong or green tea is enjoyable and is good for your health. Let’s check out some of the common and different health benefits.

Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help combat free radicals. This may lower your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

Oolong tea is also known for boosting metabolism, aiding in weight loss, and improving heart health. Its anti-inflammatory properties might help in cancer prevention.

Health Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea contains a high amount of a type of antioxidants called catechins. These antioxidants support the body in fighting free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. 

Drinking green tea might also help regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure. It has been shown to lower the likelihood of stroke and improve cholesterol levels. In addition, many people consume green tea regularly for weight loss purposes.

Similar Health Benefits Between Oolong Tea and Green Tea

Despite some differences in flavor and aroma, oolong and green tea share some common health benefits.

• Improves Brain Function: Both oolong and green tea have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. They contain L-theanine and caffeine, which helps with mental clarity, focus and sustained energy.
• Weight Loss: Both oolong and green tea support weight loss and boost metabolism. They act as an appetite suppressant, which can help you feel fuller for longer. Additionally, research has shown that tea can increase metabolism.
• Lowers Cholesterol: Both teas can lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. They also contain polyphenols that reduce inflammation in the body.

Weight Loss: Oolong Tea vs. Green Tea 

Weight loss is a common reason someone drinks oolong or green tea. Both teas have an insignificant amount of calories when brewed by itself, which is ideal for losing weight.

Both are equally beneficial when comparing oolong tea vs. green tea for weight loss. They’re both sourced from the Camellia sinensis plant and share similar health benefits.

Oolong tea contains antioxidants and catechins, which help boost metabolism and burn fat more efficiently. Additionally, it can aid in reducing unhealthy cholesterol levels. On the other hand, green tea is rich in EGCG, a potent antioxidant known to enhance fat oxidation and increase energy expenditure.

Try incorporating oolong and green tea into your daily routine for optimal weight loss results. Consuming them with a balanced diet and regular exercise will increase their effectiveness.

Comparing Brewing Methods: Oolong Tea vs. Green Tea

Both oolong tea and green tea are easy to brew. All you’ll require is the right brewing tools, hot water and quality tea.

The big differences between oolong vs. green tea are the water temperature and brewing time. Generally, oolong tea requires a higher water temperature and is steeped for 1-2 minutes longer than green tea.

Brewing Oolong Tea

When brewing Oolong tea, it’s common to use traditional methods like Yixing pots or Gaiwans. 

If you’re unfamiliar with what a Yixing pot is, here’s a photo of mine below. It’s a Chinese teapot made of special clay that can hold the temperature well, and each brew imparts its flavor into the teapot as well.

To begin, preheat your teaware with hot water.

Add the tea leaves and rinse them with a quick infusion. This helps open up the leaves and enhance the tea’s flavor.

Use a water temperature between 185-205°F and steep the tea for a duration based on your preference. Oolong tea is steeped for 2-3 minutes for the first infusion. Darker varieties of oolong tea can be steeped up to 5 minutes.

Brewing Green Tea

Use a lower water temperature of 175-180°F for green tea because it helps preserve the delicate flavors. 

Green tea is typically brewed in porcelain or glass teaware. I like that green tea is simple and easy to brew, so you can even use a mug with a strainer.

Start brewing by preheating your teaware, then add tea leaves and hot water. Allow the tea to steep for 1-3 minutes before enjoying.

Different Varieties of Oolong Tea and Green Tea

Did you know there are a handful of different varieties of both oolong and green tea? Each has its unique flavor profile and aroma that’s distinctly different from the rest.

Popular Varieties of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized tea with a flavor profile ranging from light and mellow to strong and smoky. Some popular varieties include Iron Goddess of Mercy, Milk Oolong and Dong Ding Oolong.

• Tie Guan Yan: Also known as Iron Goddess of Mercy, this variety of oolong tea originates from China. It has a floral aroma and a smooth and mellow taste with a hint of sweet aftertaste. 
• Dong Ding Oolong: Also known as Frozen Summit, it grows at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level. This high altitude has nutrient-rich soil, producing strong flavored oolong tea. It has a strong, fresh, sweet taste with subtle hints of honey.
• Milk Oolong Tea: As the name suggests, milk oolong tea has a creamy, sweet and flowery flavor with hints of sweet milk. 
• Wuyi Oolong Tea: This variety comes from the Wuyi Mountains in China’s Fujian Province. It has a unique smoky flavor and a rich, complex taste. The tea leaves are oxidized and roasted, which imparts a smoky flavor and complex taste profile.

Popular Green Tea Varieties

Green tea is less oxidized than oolong, which leads to a light, fresh and much more vegetal taste. Notable varieties include Sencha, Chun Mee, Gunpowder tea, and Genmaicha. 

• Sencha: A Japanese green tea with mature leaves grown in full sun. This imparts a bolder flavor and less sweetness. Sencha has a light, grassy, vegetal flavor. 
• Chinese Chun Mee: Also known as Zhen Mei, this tea is characterized by finely rolled green tea leaves. It has a sweet and flowery flavor with a hint of plum.
• Genmaicha: A blend of Japanese green tea and roasted brown rice. Combining roasted brown rice and green tea leaves gives genmaicha a nutty and roasted flavor. 
• Matcha: A powdered green tea often used for ceremonial purposes. It has a vibrant green color and smooth, creamy texture. 

What Is Better Green Tea Or Oolong Tea?

When deciding between green tea and oolong tea, it mainly depends on your individual taste and preferences. Green tea has a light, fresh flavor, while oolong tea has a more complex, robust taste.

Characteristrics	Oolong Tea	Green Tea
Color	Light yellow or orange color	Light green or yellow color
Flavor	Floral to fruity, creamy or roasted	Refreshing, light, vegetal, astringent
Aroma	Floral	Vegetal
Oxidation	Semi-oxidized	Lightly oxidized
Caffeine	37 mg per 8-ounce serving	30-50 mg per 8-ounce serving
Water Temperature	185-205°F	175-180°F
Steeping Time	2-3 minutes (darker varieties: 5 mins.)	2-3 minutes

You may enjoy the more diverse flavors of oolong tea or prefer green tea’s fresh and grassy taste. No matter which one you choose, you can enjoy knowing that both offer various health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Oolong tea and green tea are both equally flavorful in their own regard. While they come from the same plant, their processing methods, flavor profiles, and health benefits differ.

Oolong tea is partially fermented, resulting in a more complex taste, while green tea is unfermented, offering a fresh and grassy flavor. Additionally, there are various oolong and green tea varieties, each with its unique flavor and aroma.

Ultimately, the choice between oolong tea and green tea comes down to personal preference.