Tea Blog

I’m drinking green tea again.

No, there’s probably no need to alert the national news media, and I’ll refrain from scheduling a press conference. Still, for those who know my long-standing devotion to black tea, this development feels noteworthy.

You see, I’ve never made a secret of my preference for black tea. If I were somehow stranded on a desert island and permitted only one type of tea, the choice would be easy: black tea, without hesitation.

Yet for many years, my tea-drinking habits followed a predictable cycle. After an extended period of enjoying black tea, I would eventually find myself craving green tea. After a while, I’d switch back to black tea again, and the pattern would repeat itself.

A Long Black Tea Phase

Then something changed.

Without really planning it, I entered what can only be described as an extended black tea period. Weeks turned into months, and months kept rolling by without any serious desire to return to green tea.

I began to wonder whether my tastes had changed permanently.

At the time, I suspected the cooler weather might have been partly responsible. Black teas often feel especially comforting during colder months, offering the kind of rich, warming character that’s hard to resist.

Whatever the reason, green tea simply wasn’t calling my name.

The Return of Green Tea

Fast forward to late spring.

The temperatures were climbing, summer was approaching, and one day I found myself reaching for green tea again almost without thinking about it.

After such a long absence from my tea rotation, it felt like reconnecting with an old acquaintance.

The experience was entirely pleasant. The fresh flavors and lighter character of green tea reminded me why I had enjoyed it in the first place.

For a moment, I wondered whether my old cycle had resumed.

Still a Black Tea Drinker at Heart

Yet something remains different.

Even after rediscovering green tea, I still find myself reaching for black tea far more often. In fact, I can be sipping green tea and simultaneously thinking about the next pot of black tea I’d like to brew.

That wasn’t always the case.

There was a time when switching to green tea felt like a complete change of pace. Now it feels more like a pleasant detour before returning to familiar territory.

Perhaps my palate has evolved. Perhaps years of tea drinking have gradually strengthened my preference for the rich, complex character of black teas.

Or perhaps I’m simply in another phase that will eventually give way to the next.

Do Tea Preferences Change?

One of the fascinating things about being a tea enthusiast is that tastes are rarely fixed.

A tea you once disliked can become a favorite years later. Likewise, a tea you once drank daily may slowly lose some of its appeal as your preferences evolve.

Factors such as:

• Seasonal weather
• Brewing methods
• Life experiences
• Changes in taste perception
• Exposure to new tea styles

can all influence what we find ourselves craving at any given time.

That’s part of what makes tea such an endlessly interesting hobby. There’s always something new to discover, revisit, or reconsider.

Black Tea vs. Green Tea

The contrast between black tea and green tea helps explain why many tea drinkers enjoy both.

Black teas often provide:

• Richer body
• Malty and robust flavors
• Darker infusions
• Excellent pairings with milk and sweeteners

Green teas are often appreciated for their:

• Fresh vegetal character
• Sweet or nutty notes
• Lighter body
• Refreshing qualities

Both styles offer unique pleasures, which may explain why many tea drinkers rotate between them throughout the year.

The Bottom Line

So yes, I’m drinking green tea again.

The reunion has been enjoyable, and I’m glad to have reintroduced it into my tea routine.

That said, black tea remains firmly established as my first tea love. Even after months away from green tea, my loyalty to black tea appears as strong as ever.

Whether this marks the beginning of a renewed appreciation for green tea or merely a brief stop along my tea journey remains to be seen.

As with so many things in the world of tea, only time—and perhaps a few more pots—will tell.

See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea commentary, reviews, and tea culture articles.

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