Black and green teas make up the majority of the tea consumed around the world. Black tea is considerably more popular in Europe and North America. Countries in the Eastern Hemisphere, particularly China and Japan, tend to favour green tea.

Green tea and black tea are prepared differently, which accounts for their differences. Green tea is made when tea leaves are dried and steamed very soon after harvest. Black tea is made using oxidized tea leaves. This means they’re allowed to wilt and brown after being picked. The oxidation process causes the formation of two compounds: theaflavins and thearubigins. These compounds give black tea its distinctive taste and colour, and also its possible health benefits.