Where to start
There are a large variety of teas out there to choose from, each with its own benefits. They generally fit into 6 generic categories based on the plant they are derived from, the production process, and the brewing methods. Most are derived from the mother plant – Camellia Sinensis. Here’s just a little information to help organize your options.
Making a choice selection
Teas are often categorized by color designation and generally included in 6 distinct types: Green, White, Black, Oolong, Pu-erh, and Yellow.
1. Black tea (Red in China) is fully oxidized which changes the natural green color to a dark copper. They are then fired to reduce moisture, making them appear almost black. It commonly yields a hearty, amber-colored brew. Some of the most popular types of black teas are bold breakfast teas (e.g. English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast) and the bolder Indian teas - Darjeelings.
2. Green tea production typically bypasses the oxidation process in order to retain its natural green color and fresh flavor. In Japan, the leaves are steamed, while other countries will pan-fire or dry it through other methods. This type of tea has a more delicate flavor than black tea and often brews up pale green or golden in color, having a more "Vegetal" rich flavor with milder caffeine content.
3. Oolong tea is produced mainly in China and Taiwan and is only partially oxidized, falling in between Black and Green teas. They often have a pale yellow- to a rich amber-like liquor flavor.
4. White tea is one of the rarest teas in the world. Produced in China, it is harvested from the fresh, tender buds - covered with white hairs - that appear before the tea leaves are fully opened. They are steamed or fried, causing a very light oxidation. Its flavor is most similar to that of green tea, but is usually more creamy, soft and sweet.
5. Pu-erh (also spelled pu'er) comes exclusively from China and is famous for its distinctively earthy flavor. Pu-erh is tea that has been fermented, often stored underground for several years. Traditionally, pu-erh is compressed into round cakes and can be very expensive.
6. Yellow tea is similarly processed like green tea, but is more slowly dried to make the leaves take on a yellow color. The taste of the tea is mild, often described as being somewhere between white and green tea.
PLEASE NOTE: Tea is not to be confused with herbal infusions. While herbal tea, or infusions, are packaged like tea, infused like tea and enjoyed like tea, they actually do not contain any tea leaves. Herbal tea is simply the combination of boiling water and botanicals like fruits, flowers, barks, herbs, mints, spices, roots, berries and seeds.
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