Orthodox & Green Tea: A Comparative Flavour Guide

Freshly brewed tea being poured into a teacup to be sipped and enjoyed.

In Assam, where mist floats over the tea gardens at dawn and sunlight kisses the dew-drenched leaves by mid-morning, something truly special is taking root. Here, in the heartland of Indian tea, farmers are hand-plucking leaves with quiet devotion, a rhythm passed down through generations. These are the very leaves that will later become equifarmtea’s high-quality orthodox and green teas.

To understand the subtle but beautiful differences between these two teas, we must begin not in the cup, but in the field. Because at equifarmtea, our tea is not just a product. It’s a process. A promise. A partnership.

What Sets Orthodox and Green Tea Apart?

The journey of both orthodox and green teas begins the same way, with a leaf plucked carefully by hand. But from there, the path diverges.

Orthodox tea, true to its name, is made using traditional methods. Once the leaves are harvested, they are gently withered to reduce moisture content. They are then rolled, either by hand or using simple machinery, in a way that preserves the integrity of the whole leaf. This process encourages the release of essential oils and enzymes, which start a slow and deliberate oxidation.

Green tea, on the other hand, is the guardian of freshness. After plucking, the leaves are quickly steamed or pan-fired to halt oxidation. This immediate intervention locks in the bright green colour of the leaf and preserves its grassy, vegetal character. Where orthodox tea is allowed to deepen and evolve, green tea captures the leaf’s raw essence.

At equifarmtea, both processes are carried out with reverence- nothing is rushed, nothing is wasted. The teas are handled in small batches, allowing farmers to give each lot the attention it deserves. And because equifarmtea operates on a traceable, farmer-led model, the people behind your tea are never far removed from your cup.

A Taste of Place: The Flavour Journey

Let’s talk about taste. This is not just what hits your tongue, but the experience it creates.

Orthodox tea is said to offer a rounded, full-bodied profile. You may encounter notes of malt, wood, honey, or dried fruit, depending on the harvest and terrain. In contrast, green tea is generally described as crisp, refreshing, and vibrantly herbal. There is a natural sweetness that lingers, often with hints of spring vegetables, light citrus, or toasted nuts.

What’s remarkable is how these two teas, which are siblings in origin, can express such divergent personalities, all thanks to the way they are nurtured.

More Than Flavour: The Ritual of Preparation

There is a quiet intimacy in preparing tea the right way. It’s a ritual many overlook in a world ruled by speed, but equifarmtea reminds us that true quality lies in the care behind every step.

For Orthodox tea, steep for three to four minutes using water just off the boil (around 95-100°C) to let the liquor develop its rich amber hue and full-bodied complexity. Green tea, being more delicate, needs a gentler approach—steep for two minutes with water just off the boil to preserve its bright, fresh notes. 

Integrity in Every Cup

equifarmtea operates on principles of transparency, equity and sustainability. Farmers aren’t nameless suppliers; they’re stakeholders. Their names are known. Their work is valued. Every purchase supports not just a product, but a community- one that is fiercely protective of its land and proud of its craft.

Each batch of tea is traceable, not just to a region, but to a group of growers. This means you’re not just buying tea- you’re participating in a movement to restore fairness and quality to the Indian tea industry.

When to Choose What: Mood and Moment

Orthodox tea, with its deep, mellow notes, invites moments of calm, pairing beautifully with a quiet pause, a favorite book, or a sweet treat. Green tea, light and invigorating, offers a refreshing lift, cleansing the palate and sharpening focus for creative or thoughtful pursuits. Both are versatile, both nourishing in their own way. Neither is better- they’re simply different, two expressions of the same leaf, shaped by the same soil. Choose the one that resonates with your mood and moment.

A Final Sip

To compare orthodox and green tea is not to set them in opposition, but to explore their shared roots and unique evolutions. They are like two siblings raised in the same home, each reflecting the character of their environment in different ways.

At equifarmtea, this diversity is celebrated. By focusing on quality over quantity and tradition over shortcuts, Grassroots Tea Corporation has created something rare- a tea that is honest. A tea that invites you to be part of its story.

So whether you find comfort in the robust embrace of orthodox tea or the lively freshness of green tea, know this: you are holding in your hands more than just a beverage. You are holding a connection- to the land, to the farmer, and to the timeless joy of a well-brewed cup of equifarmtea.