Types of Tea

Black Tea

Popular types of black tea: Earl Grey, Assam, Keemun, Darjeeling Tea, Lapsang Souchong, & Dianhong

Black, oolong, green, and white teas, the primary tea types, all trace their origins back to the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Each tea variety's distinctive characteristics and flavors arise solely from the specific processing methods employed on the plucked tea leaves.

Black tea is predominantly sourced from regions such as China, East Asia, India, and Sri Lanka, where the Camellia sinensis plant is cultivated. It undergoes a four-step process consisting of withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. This particular processing method imparts a deep and rich color to the tea's liquor, distinguishing it from other tea varieties. 

Green Tea

Popular types of green tea: Sencha, Matcha, Long Jing, Gunpowder, & Gyokuro

Green tea, commonly sourced from China and Japan, is distinctively known for its vibrant green color and minimal oxidation. Unlike black tea, green tea leaves do not undergo the withering and oxidation process. Instead, freshly harvested leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant are promptly subjected to steaming or pan-firing, which effectively halts any oxidation activity. This preservation of the natural enzymes and minimal oxidation contributes to the characteristic green hue of the leaves and the fresh, delicate flavor of green tea.

Matcha

Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea renowned for its vibrant green color and finely ground powder form. The production of matcha involves the use of only young leaves that sprout during the shading period of the tea plant. The growth of these leaves is carefully regulated by providing partial shade, allowing them to struggle for growth while still undergoing the photosynthesis process. This unique cultivation method causes a significant increase in chlorophyll and antioxidants within the leaves, resulting in a nutrient-rich and flavorful leaf with heightened caffeine content.

Once the leaves are plucked, they undergo a meticulous process that includes steaming, drying, deveining, and grinding. These steps transform the leaves into a fine powdered form that is highly valued and enjoyed as matcha.

White Tea

Popular types of white tea: Silver Needle, White Peony, Tribute Eyebrow, Noble, & DaBaiCha 

White tea derived its name from the young buds that are plucked and left to wither and dry without undergoing significant processing. The unique characteristic of white tea is its young buds, which display silvery white downy fibers. Originally, the term "white tea" referred specifically to the appearance of the young buds. However, as time passed, the term has been more broadly used to encompass any tea that undergoes withering and drying without extensive processing.

Herbal Tea

Popular types of herbal teas: Chamomile, Peppermint, Ginger, Hibiscus, & Lemon Balm

Also known as tisanes, herbal “teas” are an infusion of herbs, spices, fruits, flowers, or other plants. Herbal teas are most often naturally caffeine free and the production process varies significantly depending on the type of herb, spice, fruit or flower being cultivated for use in an herbal blend.