Tea is the most beloved drink in the world, with more than a billion cups consumed every day. With that kind of popularity, it would be easy to presume that tea drinkers know everything there is to know about this ancient beverage.
Tea is known mainly for its antioxidant benefits, which tend to increase with the fermentation process that leaves black tea fermented over a longer period of time than green tea.
Before we discuss the different types of teas and the way they are made, let’s first understand what makes a tea truly a tea.
Technically, both black and green teas are called “tea” since they both come from the same plant. The plant is called Camellia Sinensis and it grows in parts of Asia and Africa.
But with its popularity came tea recipes for different beverages such as black tea, green teas, oolongs, white teas.
For example, Black teas have undergone the most oxidation which is the conversion of oxygen into another substance. We delve into the many different varieties of tea below where each has its own unique flavor.
Teas come in different variations such as black, green or white. When it comes to color, black is the oldest and most common type of tea. Green is the second-most popular variation of this drink while white doesn’t even rank at all.
All of these types are made from Camellia sinensis plant leaves that are dried and prepared in different ways for people to consume them in a variety of ways ranging from hot through cold and even iced teas.
Now let’s descend into the most popular and widespread types of tea drunk across the world below:
Black tea
Black tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea can be a very dry but also sweet or fruit-based beverage. It has higher levels of caffeine than its counterparts. black tea is made from a leaf that has been withered and rolled for a second time to speed up its oxidation process. It’s bold enough to be enjoyed with or without milk or sweetener and it pairs well with desserts like chocolate cake or apple pie.
Green tea
Green tea is a popular drink that has been consumed for centuries. In recent years, green tea has become the most widely-consumed beverage among adults and children. The antioxidants found in green tea are conducive to health, increase lifespan and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Green tea can also be used as a mild stimulant, which may increase metabolism and reduce anxiety.
Oolong tea
Oolong tea is gaining popularity due to its health benefits because it delivers all these wholesome perks without negative side effects such as drowsiness or nervousness typically associated with other caffeinated beverages like coffee or black tea.
A 2007 study published in the journal “American Family Physician” found that oolong tea had antiviral and antibacterial properties, helps relieve cough and cold symptoms, lowers blood pressure, and balances fluid levels. It can also help to cure sinusitis as well as urinary tract infections.
White Tea
White tea is one of the most gentle forms of tea available. It has a light, slightly sweet taste and subtle floral notes, which white tea enthusiasts attribute to the high quantity of amino acids left in the leaves. White teas are grown in northern China at altitudes up to 450 meters. To make white tea, fresh leaves are withered until they’re soft and pliable but not browned or oxidized. Once this process is complete, they’re steamed briefly to halt oxidation and dried naturally by air-drying or pan-firing before packaging.
Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh Tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis. Pu-erh teas are fermented for a period exceeding 18 months, which gives it an earthy flavor.
The techniques used to process pu-erh tea leaves was derived from Maotai, one of China’s most famous white spirits, which were also left to ferment for long periods after distillation. It was developed during China’s dynastic times in Yunnan and has been consumed in Yunnan since its invention there.
Herbal Tea (Tisanes)
There is increasing interest in the use of herbal teas to maximize nutritional benefit, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and enhance wellness. To define Herbal teas (or tisanes), these teas are fermented plant-based drinks that can be consumed as a beverage or taken internally as a tea or infused in water for cooking, and many people quickly become enthralled with their variety, taste, and potential health effects. Tisanes comprise more than 240 different kinds of plants with flavors ranging from spicy to fruity and seed-based to leafy greens.
Flavored Tea
In order to get people through the long and chilly winter, many tea companies have found a new way to reach out to consumers. You can now purchase teas with flavors that range from sweet fruity citrus and melon, to challenging or unusual notes like lavender and green tea.
It is not just teas: coffee companies are also releasing different sodas, flavored coffees or even ice cream with coffee under the guise of instant coffee for people who don’t drink coffee. This exciting new trend has a number of benefits for tea companies as well as consumers, but it also has its share of both pros and cons.
Blended Tea
People who love iced tea will always have to drink it on its own. However, if you like your iced tea with a little something extra, blended tea is the way to go. This combination of milk and ice makes for an awesome drink that has a sweet flavor not comparable to any other type of cold beverage. There are tons of ways you can make it, one being with coconut milk.
Scented Tea
Scented tea, also known as tisane has been around for a long time in the world of herbalism. There are many different types of scented teas that come from various cultures and have different properties depending on the herb or flower they come from. Scented tea is a fancy new way to enjoy our favorite beverage without adding calories. The idea of scented tea is still new, but according to the first study on this topic “the majority of participants preferred Scented over Unscented Tea”.
Decaffeinated Tea
Decaffeinated tea is a strange drink to many people. It sounds like something that doesn’t exist and its Instagram pictures typically boast beautiful flowers, not tea. These types of teas have been around for decades and have become very popular in recent years because people want a relaxing activity to take up their time when they’re done with the hustle and bustle of their day.
Bubble Tea
Bubble tea is also known as pearl milk tea, it became popular in Taiwan in the 1980’s. The drink combines a milk or cream base with fruit or fruit jellies, topped with a large tapioca which is chewy on the outside and soft on the inside. Bubble Tea doesn’t just come in flavors though; there are also drinks that come mixed with green tea and red bean paste, white grape juice and dried chrysanthemum petals and much more.You can also order it with fruit or flavored sugar. Bubble tea is commonly served as an iced beverage but is also served hot and can be ordered with or without tapioca balls.
Chai
Chai is a popular drink in India that is made from black tea, milk, and spices. It can be served hot or cold depending on the region and weather in which you live. It can be made with skim milk or cream and is sweetened with sugar, traditionally. It is an inexpensive drink that can be purchased at chai stalls throughout India and in some countries outside of India like Canada and the United States. It is a very popular drink among children and grownups alike. Chai is a very ancient beverage in India, it dates back to the Mughal Empire (1526-1858), according to some scholars. According to Indian culture, there are three main ingredients that make up chai. They are milk, tea leaves and sugar or jaggery.
Earl Grey
With its origin in England and named after Charles Grey, Earl Grey tea is a black tea that has been flavored with bergamot oil. The bergamot oil is obtained by cold-pressing the peel of oranges, hence giving it both a fresh citrus taste and a subtle fruity aroma.
This flavor creates an elegant yet refreshing beverage, perfect for sipping all day long. You can even make iced tea out of this drink by refrigerating it overnight in an airtight container or achieving similar results in your ice cube tray! There are many recipes for adding different fruits to the mix; try strawberries or peach slices for fruitiness that’s just right for you!
Chamomile
Chamomile is used in chamomile tea, but it is also used to treat skin diseases and as a natural remedy for upset stomachs. The cattails known as chamomile flowers are in the daisy family, which makes them related to cosmos and heliotrope flowers. Couples can make their own chamomile bread at home with this recipe by pouring the batter into baking pans covered with greased parchment paper.
The cattails require no heating and can be obtained fresh, fresh in the summer; the dried variety can be found at the local market. The flowers are used to make a tea that helps with digestion, indigestion, upset stomachs and skin problems. Chamomile tea is soothing to drink before bedtime after a stressful day spent outside. It’s also good for relieving headaches.
Rooibos
Rooibos is a plant that has been used in South Africa for centuries to make tea. It is popular not just because it tastes good but also because it has many health benefits. Tea made from rooibos contains minerals such as iron, zinc and fluoride which are good for the immune system.
In addition, rooibos tea contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants that can slow down cell aging. Rooibos also contains lignans that are linked to improved heart health and anti-inflammatory properties which can help with asthma symptoms.
Darjeeling Tea
One of the world’s most popular black teas, darjeeling tea is produced in the mountainous region of India. The tea is made from leaves that grow at high altitudes, and it is prized for its vegetative body and high-toned flavor. Darjeeling can be enjoyed by itself or with milk and honey for a more delicate taste.
The processing techniques used to make darjeeling tea allow for an intense flavor both in the raw leaves as well as when brewed. Darjeeling tea is arguably the most popular tea and one of the more expensive types of tea, but the price is well worth it when it comes to this delicious brew.
Matcha
Matcha is a powdered green tea that is grown, harvested and processed in Japan. It has many more antioxidants than average green tea because the whole leaf is consumed instead of just the water-soluble caffeolids. Matcha has a rich, earthy taste and provides as much caffeine as coffee.
Matcha typically comes from Japanese bushes of the shade grown variety of Camellia Sinensis. The leaves are ground by stone wheels into a fine powder before they are used to make the drink. Matcha can be used both hot and cold but it’s traditionally prepared with hot water (at about 160°F).
Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is a type of herb that is grown primarily in South America and the Canary Islands. It’s been regarded as the beverage of choice among Argentinian natives for centuries.
This plant is native to Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. In fact, it’s been used by indigenous tribes such as the Guarani for centuries before being introduced to Spanish settlers in 1770. The drink also has a long association with Catholic ceremonies where it has served as a symbol of life-giving properties from its natural properties during weddings and baptisms.
Mint Tea
Mint tea is not only refreshing but it has so many health benefits. It can help with nausea, indigestion, fatigue, and joint pain. This article will explore the properties of mint tea and give you tips on how to make a great cup of this beverage.
Did you know that mint tea is more than just a delicious and calming beverage? In addition to being a tasty drink that provides relief from stomach discomfort, this herbal infusion has been used for decades to treat various medical ailments such as allergies, headaches and sore throats. It’s easy to add fresh mint leaves into hot water or milk for a quick way to get these impressive health benefits – especially if you’re prone to morning sickness.
Sencha Tea
Sencha Tea is a Japanese green tea and the most popular type of tea in Japan for daily drinking. Sencha is made from withered leaves that are steamed or pan-fried to stop fermentation, then ground into a fine powder. It has an aromatic, refreshing taste that can be blended with other teas and served as iced tea.
Sencha is produced in many countries, including Japan (where world production is estimated at over 3 billion kilos), China, Taiwan, and Korea. Though it is a frequent ingredient in Japanese tea ceremonies.Tea plants grow naturally in the shade of shorter leaves at higher altitudes than other green teas. Because of their unique growing environment, most sencha tea plants today are grown on shaded hillsides with stone walls or buildings underneath to keep out the hot summer sun and cold winter winds.
Jasmine
Originated in China, Jasmine tea is one of the most popular types of black tea and is made from the flowers of jasmine plants. It can either be brewed or served cold. It has a sweet and flowery taste, with a hint of citrus. Jasmine tea is often used as a base for many other blends, and even finds its way into fruit teas and iced teas.
The tea is supposed to be especially good for women, as it’s rich in antioxidants and helps to purify the body. Drinking jasmine tea after eating greasy food is also a good idea. It helps the body break down fatty acids and absorb nutrients more effectively. For those who have an extra sensitive bladder, try drinking jasmine tea, as it’s both soothing and healing.
Lapsang souchong
Lapsang souchong is a type of black tea which comes from Fujian Province, China and is known for its smoky flavor. It also has an intense aroma of pine, smoke and bergamot. Lapsang Souchong is commonly sold in a tin or bag, often the latter being referred to as “Lapsang”. The fresh leaves are curled with a twist at the end formed by hand. Its liquor is dark amber with a hint of red when brewed, and has a smoky, earthy flavor that may take some getting used to. It can be served hot or iced.
The best Lapsang Souchong is made of whole leaves that have been roasted over pinewood fires and then tightly wrapped in pine needles to preserve its distinctive smoky flavor. Although it originates from the Wuyishan area of northern Fujian, today most Lapsang Souchong is produced in the Xikou region of southern Fujian Province on the island of Xiamen.
While we have mentioned a wide variety of tea above, hopefully you want to try out many of them for yourself. After all, there is tea for every person fitting his/her preferences. Well, after you have done so, the odds are very high that you will find a tea type that you will have a penchant for a long time or maybe lifetime! That is why, we urge all tea lovers to try out all existing and upcoming varieties of tea with a varied infusion. A true tea lover must invariably have a vast compilation of tea in the cupboard!
