What are the different types of tea, and why you should try them?
As you’re quite aware, there are so many different kinds of teas available in the market. Tea varieties range from the strong black to the subtle white. Here’s a list of the most popular tea types and why you should try them.
Different Types of Tea and Their Benefits
1. Black tea
The most oxidised of all tea types, these are stronger than most teas.
Made in Darjeeling, Assam, Kangra, the Nilgiris and Nepal
Aroma Mellow and clean
Taste Brisk and layered flavors. Floral and citrusy in early season, fruitier and woody as season progresses. The Chinese black, however, is a tea type consumed round the year as it features flavors that include a hint of spice, pepper, malt or other earthy delights.
Seasonal availability Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Caffeine content Medium-High
Why should you try it? The sheer variety of black tea available makes this tea one to try. Every season, there is a new kind of black tea (light to strong, full flavored to mellow) to look forward to. From the famous Assam black tea to the chocolaty Ceylon black tea, there are so many different types of black tea you can try.
Benefits: Among the list of teas, black tea stands out as a great beverage that can boost heart health and may even help fight cancer.
2. White tea
A naturally oxidised non-processed tea. There are four main types of white tea: Silver Needle, White Peony, Long Life Eyebrow, and Tribute Eyebrow.
Made in Darjeeling and the Nilgiris
Aroma Floral and fruity
Taste Soft, clean, delicate, mainly floral and fruity
Seasonal availability Spring, Summer and Winter
Caffeine content Low-High
Why should you try it? It’s a rare, fragrant tea. Once you try it you’ll likely find yourself wanting to have a small stash of it.
3. Green tea
When we list out the different types of herbal teas and their benefits, green tea tops the list with its numerous health benefits. It is the least oxidized of all tea types. Japanese green tea is a beverage known worldwide for being both healthy and delicious. Among the various types of Japanese tea, Matcha and Sencha are the most loved. However, popular types of Chinese green tea would include Biluochun, Chun Mee and Gunpowder tea.
Made in Darjeeling, Assam, Nepal, Kangra and the Nilgiris
Aroma Vegetal and legume-like
Taste Pan-fired greens, taste of roasted greens and grains while steamed green tea tastes of blanched greens and boiled rice
Seasonal availability All year
Caffeine content Low – Medium
Why should you try it? It’s chosen by many for its apparent health benefits but green tea can be enjoyed by those who seek a tea that’s easy and light.
4. Oolong tea
A handcrafted tea made from partially oxidised mature tea leaves. There are several types of oolong tea including those produced in the Wuyi Mountains of Northern Fujian such as the Da Hong Pao, one of the most famous Chinese teas.
Made in Darjeeling and the Nilgiris (originally a Taiwanese specialty)
Aroma Mellow notes of flowers, pulpy fruit, wood
Taste Earthy and floral
Seasonal availability All year, with the best ones made in spring and winter
Caffeine content Low – Medium
Why should you try it? Light, full of soft flavors and yet very enjoyable.
5. Chai
The quintessential Indian tea, made from strong CTC tea and milk, infused with spices and sweetened.
Aroma Creamy, spicy and sweet
Taste Warm, creamy and sweet
Seasonal availability All year
Caffeine content High
Why should you try it? For those who want a strong, milky, sweet-spicy cup, there’s nothing better than chai. It’s almost a snack in itself, full of nourishing qualities. And in winter, it can take the chills off like little else can.
6. Iced tea
Chilled tea, served in a tall glass filled with ice. Originated in southern USA to make tea suitable for drinking in summers. Now available as tea blends through the year.
Why should you try it? It’s a refreshing summer tea. The supermarket ones are made from concentrates and with high sugar content. But an iced tea blend made with tea leaves and other natural ingredients and served chilled is a great summer drink.
Caffeine content Medium
7. Classic tea blends
Most popular classic tea blends English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Russian Caravan, Moroccan Mint, Jasmine Jade
Why are they popular? The flavor combinations and taste have contributed to their universal popularity. Almost every tea brand will have these blends in their repertoire.
Why should you try it? These are classic flavor combinations which have stood the test of time. And there must be a reason why. Each of these tea blends have a marked flavor which has earned them their loyal following. Blends are an easy start for those starting their tea journey.
What are the four basic types of tea?
The top two leaves and bud are hand-plucked and then processed into any of the four main types of tea which are Black, Green, Oolong, and White.
How many types of tea are there in the world?
There are approximately 1,500 types of tea in the world, but if you are talking about categories of tea, there are only 4 main types: green tea / black tea / white tea / oolong.
Different types of teas and their benefits
White tea helps keep your skin acne-free and also has the ability to impede the growth of bacteria that cause infections
Green teas catechins have been found to help inhibit cancer growth. Green tea can also help lower cholesterol and inhibit the increase of blood pressure.
Oolong tea is often recommended for its weight loss properties. It is also helpful in improving symptoms that are associated with weak kidney and spleen energy.
Black tea also contains antioxidants which may help to protect your body from the ravages of ageing. It is also known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
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