Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, steeped in history and playing a significant role in many cultures.
But did you know that what we commonly refer to as “tea” actually encompasses a wide variety of flavors, aromas, and processing methods? All of these different types of tea, along with herbal infusions, mean that there is a tea for every palate.
This article explores the main categories of tea and what makes each one unique.
The main difference between the categories of tea – black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh – comes down to how the tea leaves are processed. We’ll also touch on herbal teas, which are technically not “true” teas but are often grouped with them due to similar brewing methods.
The Foundation: Camellia sinensis
All “true” teas come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. There are two main types: var. sinensis and var. assamica.
But where the tea plant grows has a big impact on the tea’s flavor. This is called terroir.
For example, Assam tea, which comes from India, is known for its strong, malty flavor. Yunnan tea from China is often earthy and bold.
Black Tea: The Fully Oxidized Classic
Black tea is what many people think of when they think of “tea.” It’s made through a process of full oxidation, which gives it its signature amber color and robust flavor.
One popular processing method is called CTC, which stands for Crush-Tear-Curl.
Varieties and Origins
Black teas are often classified by where they’re grown. Two well-known Chinese black teas are China Keemun and Golden Yunnan. Indian black teas are known for their varying strengths.
You may have heard of English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast teas. These are blends of different black teas, often from India and Sri Lanka.
Caffeine Content
If you’re looking for a caffeine boost, black tea can provide it. It has more caffeine than most other types of tea, although it still only has about half the caffeine of a cup of coffee.
Green Tea: Fresh and Unoxidized
Green tea is known for its fresh, grassy flavor and light color, both of which come from avoiding the oxidation process that turns other tea leaves brown.
After the leaves are harvested, they’re quickly heated through steaming or pan-firing to halt oxidation.
Japanese vs. Chinese Green Teas
There are two major types of green tea: Japanese and Chinese. The main difference between them is how they’re processed.
Japanese green teas are usually steamed, while some Chinese green teas are pan-fired. Steaming gives the tea a more vegetal, almost seaweed-like flavor, while pan-firing results in a toastier taste.
Examples of Japanese green teas include Sencha, Kukicha, and Gyokuro. Popular Chinese green teas include Dragon Well, Gunpowder, and Chun Mee.
Caffeine Content
If you’re watching your caffeine intake, green tea may be a good choice for you. It generally contains about half the caffeine of black tea.
White tea: The minimalist’s choice
White tea is the least processed of all the teas, which gives it a delicate flavor and a creamy, sweet taste. It’s only lightly oxidized.
Varieties
You may have heard of White Peony, one of the most popular types of white tea. Silver Needle is another favorite.
Caffeine content
If you’re watching your caffeine intake, white tea is a good choice, as it has a very low caffeine content.
Oolong tea: The spectrum of oxidation
Oolong teas are partially oxidized, and the level of oxidation can range anywhere from 10% to 80%. This means the flavor and color of oolong teas can vary quite a bit.
The leaves are withered and bruised, which starts the oxidation process. Then, the tea maker halts the oxidation at a specific level by firing (or heating) the leaves. The leaves are then shaped into their final form.
Milk Oolong is one example of an oolong tea. It’s known for its creamy, milky flavor and aroma, though some find that the flavor is created through additives. Authentic Milk Oolong teas are made from a specific cultivar of tea plant and processed in a way that brings out the creamy flavor naturally.
Pu-erh Tea: Aged and Earthy
Pu-erh (pronounced “poo-air”) is unique because it’s fermented and aged, giving it a rich, earthy flavor that actually gets better over time.
Most pu-erh is aged, sometimes for years, which contributes to its distinctive taste. The fermentation and aging processes are what set it apart from other teas.
Like black tea, pu-erh generally has a medium-high caffeine content. So, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might want to enjoy it earlier in the day.
Beyond the classics: Exploring other tea types
While green, black, white, and oolong teas are the most well-known, there are a few other types of tea you might want to explore.
Yellow tea
Yellow tea is similar to green tea, but it undergoes a slow drying process that gives it a slightly different flavor profile. Many tea drinkers describe it as falling somewhere between white tea and green tea in terms of mildness.
Purple tea
Purple tea is a relatively new type of tea that’s known for its light body, low caffeine content, and high levels of antioxidants. Most purple tea comes from Kenya.
Matcha
Matcha is a powdered green tea that’s popular in Japan. The tea plants are grown in the shade, which gives the tea a smooth, rich flavor.
Not Quite Tea: Herbal Infusions
Herbal teas aren’t technically tea because they don’t come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, they’re a blend of herbs and spices you steep in hot water.
Some popular herbal infusions include chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus.
The good news about herbal teas is that they’re naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy a cup anytime without worrying about it affecting your sleep.
South American alternatives: Yerba mate and guayusa
If you’re looking for something a little different, consider yerba mate and guayusa, two caffeinated herbal infusions from South America.
Yerba mate is prepared in a unique way. The loose-leaf tea is steeped in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla. Guayusa is prepared similarly to other types of tea.
Final Thoughts
From delicate white teas to earthy pu-erh, we’ve explored the main categories of tea and the fascinating ways that processing methods shape their flavor and character.
Now, it’s your turn to embark on your own tea adventure! Sample different types, experiment with brewing techniques, and discover your personal favorites.
Exploring the world of tea is a journey into a rich blend of culture, history, and, of course, delicious flavor. So, steep yourself a cup and enjoy!