Green tea and black tea: what is the real difference?
Both come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What sets them apart is their processing after harvest.
Green tea is unoxidised: it retains fresh, vegetal notes. Black tea, meanwhile, is fully oxidised — a process that gives it deeper, rounder, and bolder aromas.
This difference directly impacts the flavour, the colour of the liquor, and above all the margin for error during brewing. Discover all the differences between black tea and green tea
Which green tea should you choose to start with?
Green tea has a reputation for being delicate. But some varieties are truly accessible to beginners.
Sencha is one of the best gateways. Balanced between freshness, sweetness, and light vegetal notes, it remains pleasant even without prior experience.
Flavoured green teas are another excellent option. Fruit, citrus fruit, flowers: these pairings soften the flavour profile. The most popular choice remains, for example, the famous spearmint green tea.
For brewing: water between 70 and 80 °C, two to three minutes maximum.
Which black tea should you choose when starting out?
Black tea is generally more approachable for beginners. It is more forgiving of small brewing errors.
Earl Grey is a timeless favourite. The bergamot balances the boldness of the black tea beautifully.
Breakfast teas are full-bodied and enveloping, perfect for the morning.
Flavoured black teas (vanilla, fruit, citrus fruit) soften the tannins while retaining plenty of character.
Green tea or black tea: which is best suited to a beginner?
If you are looking for something gentle and refreshing, opt for a flavoured green tea. If you prefer bolder, more comforting flavours, black tea will be more suitable.
Loose-leaf tea or tea bags: which should you choose when starting out?
This is often the question that naturally follows the choice of tea type. Tea bags offer the advantage of simplicity: no equipment needed, no dosage to measure out. They are a great starting point. Loose-leaf tea, on the other hand, generally offers superior quality — whole leaves release more aromas and yield a richer cup. Yet, with a simple tea ball or infuser, it is very easy to enjoy. To start with, both options work well; the key is choosing the right variety before worrying about the format.
Plain tea or flavoured tea: which to choose when starting out?
To start out, flavoured tea is generally more suitable. The added aromas make the tasting experience more approachable.
Over time, the palate refines and one begins to appreciate purer, more complex teas.
Classic mistakes to avoid
The two most common mistakes: water that is too hot and steeping for too long. Stick to the recommended temperatures and brewing times to avoid bitterness.
Kusmi Tea gift sets: a wonderful way to start
If you are not yet sure which tea to choose, Kusmi Tea tea gift sets are a particularly well-designed option for beginners. The idea is simple: rather than committing to a single tea, you sample several in small quantities, allowing you to discover your preferences without commitment.
The brand offers assortments blending green teas, black teas, and flavoured teas — often crafted around key flavour families such as citrus fruits, vanilla, or spices. Classics such as BB Detox, Anastasia, or Prince Vladimir are frequently featured in these selections, and for good reason: they are accessible, well-balanced teas that easily appeal to beginner palates.
It also makes a wonderful gift — or a treat for yourself — to step into the world of tea in style.