Vert ou Noir : Le Secret de la Transformation et de la Fermentation

Green or Black: The Secret of Transformation and Fermentation

Green or Black: The Secret of Transformation and Oxidation

A question we often hear in our shop is: "Do black tea and green tea come from different plants?" The answer is surprising: no. It all begins with the exact same leaf, Camellia Sinensis. The difference lies solely in the artisan's craft. Today, the Maison Boseong Chronicles explain the mystery of oxidation.

Green Tea (Nokcha): Preserved Freshness

Green tea is an "unoxidized" tea. As soon as the leaves are harvested in our gardens, they are quickly heated (pan-fired according to traditional Korean methods). This heat instantly stops oxidation.

The result: It retains its brilliant green color, its intact essential oils, and that taste of fresh grass and toasted hazelnut flavor found in our Artisanal Boseong Sejak.

Black Tea (Hongcha): The Magic of "Fermentation"

To create a black tea, the artisan allows the leaves to wither and then rolls them to break the cells and release enzymes. Upon contact with oxygen, the leaf turns brown: this is oxidation (often mistakenly called fermentation).

  • The Character: This process transforms vegetal aromas into notes of ripe fruit, cocoa, and malt.

  • Our Gem: If you enjoy a rounded profile, discover our Hwangcha (Amber Tea), a partially oxidized tea that serves as the perfect bridge between green and black.


Which One to Choose?

  • In the Morning: Opt for the liveliness of a green tea, brewed in our Light Stoneware Bowls to awaken your mind.

  • In the Afternoon: The comforting warmth of a black or amber tea, served in our Side-Handle Teapot, is ideal for a cozy break.

Whether green or black, Boseong tea always expresses the richness of its soil. The choice of your chromatic journey is yours.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

About the author:Nico Lesage is the founder of Maison Boseong. An expert in Korean teas, he has lived in Seoul since 2011. Every year, he travels to the peninsula’s tea gardens to source exceptional harvests directly from local producers.