Green Tea vs Pu’erh: What’s the Difference?
Green tea and pu’erh both come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is in how the leaf is processed.
- Green tea is heated soon after picking to stop oxidation: fresh, grassy and light.
- Pu’erh is aged and fermented: earthy, smooth and darker.
- Caffeine: both contain caffeine; amounts vary by leaf and brew strength, so treat both as caffeinated.
Brewing table
| Tea | Water | Time | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green tea | 75–80°C | 2–3 min | 1 tsp / 250 ml |
| Pu’erh | 95–100°C | Quick 10-second rinse, then 3–5 min; can be re-steeped several times | 1 tsp / 250 ml |
Which to choose
Green for a light daytime cup; pu’erh for a richer, coffee-like cup.
Further reading: Green Tea: What the Research Really Says and What Is Pu’erh Tea?
