Tea or infusion? It's one of the most common questions.
In everyday life, we often use the word tea to refer to beverages made from herbs, flowers, fruits, or plants. But, technically, tea and infusion are not exactly the same thing.
The difference is simple: true tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Beverages made from other plants, flowers, fruits, or spices are generally infusions or herbal teas.
In this guide, we explain the difference simply.
What is tea?
Strictly speaking, tea is the beverage prepared from the Camellia sinensis plant.
Different types of tea come from this same plant, such as:
- Green tea
- Black tea
- White tea
- Oolong tea
- Pu-erh tea
Although they have different flavors, aromas, and characteristics, they all have the same origin.
Therefore, when we drink a lemon verbena or chamomile infusion, we are technically not drinking tea.
We are drinking an infusion.
What is an infusion?
An infusion is a beverage prepared by extracting aromas and flavors from plants, flowers, fruits, or other raw materials in hot water.
Unlike tea, an infusion does not have to use Camellia sinensis.
We can find infusions of:
- Lemon verbena
- Mint
- Rosemary
- Chamomile
- Hibiscus
- Linden
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Spices
It is also possible to combine different ingredients to create blends with very different aromatic profiles.
This is where a huge universe of possibilities begins.
And what is an herbal tea?
Herbal tea is a term often used to describe beverages prepared with plants that do not belong to Camellia sinensis.
In common usage, the words herbal tea and infusion are often used interchangeably.
Thus:
Camellia sinensis → tea
Other plants, flowers, and fruits → infusion or herbal tea
Tea vs. infusion: what's the difference?
| Tea | Infusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Camellia sinensis | Other plants, flowers, fruits or spices |
| Examples | Green, black, white, oolong | Lemon verbena, mint, hibiscus, linden |
| Variety | Different types of tea | A huge variety of ingredients |
The fundamental difference lies, therefore, in the plant used.
Why do we call so many infusions “tea”?
If the difference is so clear, why do we say “chamomile tea” or “lemon verbena tea”?
Because, in everyday language, tea has become a generic term for many beverages prepared with hot water and plants.
It is a common and perfectly understandable usage.
But, when we want to be technically rigorous, the distinction remains:
Tea = Camellia sinensis.
Infusion = other plants, flowers, fruits or ingredients.
Tea or infusion: which to choose?
There is no right answer.
If you like the tradition and diversity of tea, you can explore different varieties of Camellia sinensis, from green tea to black, white, or oolong.
If you prefer to discover plants, flowers, fruit and aromatic combinations, infusions offer a much broader universe.
And this is precisely where Portuguese infusions come in.
Discover Portuguese infusions
Portugal has a great diversity of aromatic plants, flowers, and fruits that can be used in infusions.
At Criatura, we seek to explore this potential through 100% organic infusions, working with small farmers and valuing Portuguese ingredients.
Some of our blends combine aromatic plants, flowers, and fruit to create flavors different from the traditional ones.
We believe that an infusion can be more than a beverage: it can be a way to discover ingredients, people, and territory.
Discover Criatura's 100% organic infusions →
Frequently asked questions
Are tea and infusion the same thing?
No. Strictly speaking, tea is the beverage made from Camellia sinensis. An infusion can be prepared with other plants, flowers, fruits, or spices.
What is an herbal tea?
Herbal tea is a term used for beverages prepared with plants that do not belong to Camellia sinensis. In common usage, herbal tea and infusion are often used interchangeably.
Is chamomile tea or infusion?
Chamomile is an infusion because it is not produced from Camellia sinensis.
Is lemon verbena tea or infusion?
A beverage prepared with lemon verbena is an infusion or herbal tea, and not tea in the strict sense.
Do green tea and black tea come from the same plant?
Yes. Both are produced from Camellia sinensis. What differentiates them is, among other factors, the production process.
Are Criatura infusions organic?
Yes. Criatura herbal teas are 100% organic and developed with plants, flowers, and fruit.
Did you enjoy discovering the difference?
Explore our guide on Portuguese tea brands and continue to discover the world of tea and infusions in Portugal.