Guide to Tea Varieties: Types of Tea
Tea has its own culture and traditions in various parts of the world, whether through traditional tea ceremonies or modern tea brands, making it a beloved beverage globally. Understanding the different types of tea can deepen your appreciation for this drink. As a professional tea leaves supplier, Ye Cheng Chang Mim will explore types of tea in this article. Come with us!
Contents
What Is Tea?
Tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, undergoes different processing methods, resulting in various types. Each type offers a unique flavor, aroma, and character. Tea originated in China and later spread to other Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as to countries like India, Sri Lanka, and more.
Why There Are So Many Tea Varieties?
The abundance of tea varieties can be attributed to a combination of factors. Firstly, the type of tea produced depends on the specific variety of tea trees used. Different tree varieties yield leaves with distinct flavors and characteristics, making them suitable for various types of tea, such as green, black, oolong, or white tea.
Secondly, the processing methods play an important role. Variations in processing, including the degree of fermentation (or oxidation), roasting, and temperature, result in different flavor profiles. For instance, green tea is unoxidized, while black tea undergoes complete oxidation, bringing its characteristic flavor.
Lastly, the geographical location where tea is grown is also critical. Different regions have unique environments, soil compositions, and climates that influence the quality and taste of tea leaves. This is why tea from other parts of the world, such as Taiwan, Japan, China, India, and Sri Lanka, produces distinct tea varieties.
The multitude of tea varieties arises from the dynamic interplay of tea tree varieties, processing methods, and growing locations, offering a wide range of teas to cater to diverse preferences and tastes.
Types of Tea
Tea comes in various forms, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of tea:
1. Black Tea
Black Tea’s distinctive characteristic is full oxidation, creating dark brown leaves and a bold, brisk, and sometimes astringent flavor. Oxidation, a natural process initiated by enzymes when the tea leaves are exposed to air, sets black tea apart. While all teas undergo some oxidation, black tea's high level defines its character. Discovered in China in the 17th century, it was the first tea variety introduced to Europe and the Middle East, spurring large-scale production. It's often enjoyed with milk or sugar and is essential in many parts of the world, like India and England.
- Fermentation Level: High
- Production Process: Fully oxidized under hot, humid conditions, producing a bold, red infusion.
- Notable Varieties: Assam, Ceylon, and Sun Moon Lake Black Teas
2. Green Tea
Green tea has leaves that maintain a green appearance due to the firing process that prevents oxidation. Green tea offers a light body, mild astringency, and a vegetal or grassy flavor. However, these characteristics may vary among specific varieties. While often considered lower in caffeine than black tea, this depends on how it's steeped.
- Fermentation Level: Unoxidized or lightly oxidized
- Production Process: Heat-treated to prevent oxidation, preserving the green color and natural compounds.
- Notable Varieties: Jasmine, Longjing tea, Biluochun Tea, and Japanese Sencha
3. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea produced by partially oxidizing Camellia sinensis leaves. It falls between green and black tea in terms of oxidation. It undergoes a unique process of withering, strong sun exposure, and oxidation before curling and twisting. Oolong teas vary widely in flavor, from sweet and fruity to woody and roasted, depending on factors like horticulture and production style.
- Fermentation Level: Partially oxidized, between green and black tea
- Production Process: Leaves are partially oxidized and rolled to induce varied oxidation.
- Notable Varieties: Tieguanyin, Roasted Oolong, Taiwanese High Mountain, Sijichun
4. White Tea
White tea is a minimally processed tea made from the young buds and leaves of the tea plant. It's named for the silvery-white hairs on the buds. The leaves are handpicked and carefully dried, allowing minimal oxidation. This gentle processing produces a delicate, fresh, and subtly flavored tea. It is appreciated for its mildness.
- Fermentation Level: Extremely low oxidation
- Production Process: Tender leaves and buds are minimally processed and air-dried.
- Notable Varieties: White Peony, Silver Needle, Fuding White Tea
5. Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea is an aged and highly fermented tea known for its dark brown-black color, full-bodied, earthy, and satisfying taste. It shares characteristics with black tea and contains a moderate level of caffeine. It's often compressed into cakes or bricks. Originating in Yunnan, China, Pu-erh tea can be aged for several years to enhance its flavors.
- Fermentation Level: High
- Production Process: Leaves are fermented, compressed, and aged for distinct flavors.
- Notable Varieties: Ripe Pu-erh, Raw Pu-erh, Liu Bao Tea
6. Herbal Tea
Herbal teas, also known as tisanes or herbal infusions, are caffeine-free beverages created by infusing herbs, spices, or other plants in hot water. Although called ‘tea,’ They differ from true teas, such as black and green tea from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas consist of a mixture of various herbs and spices.
- Fermentation Level: Usually unoxidized
- Production Process: Made from various plant parts, not traditional tea leaves, often through steeping or drying.
- Notable Varieties: Peppermint, Chamomile, Lavender, Rooibos
Where To Find Tea Leaves Supplier
Ye Cheng Chang Mim has discussed the six main tea types in this article. In conclusion, tea is a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. Exploring these tea types immerses you in nature's soothing aromas and tastes. Tea lovers can explore this diverse world of flavors, from the briskness of black tea to the gentle nuances of white tea and the exotic blends of herbal infusions. The choice of tea largely depends on personal taste and the desired experience. Take a sip, enjoy the journey, and let the beauty of life unfold through each cup of tea.
When finding a tea leaves supplier, Ye Cheng Chang Mim is your ideal choice. Ye Cheng Chang Mim is a professional beverage ingredient and tea leaves supplier founded in 1970. With a strong R&D team, we offer customized services for beverage ingredients, specializing in tea leaves, pearl milk tea, and bubble tea supply.
We provide a selection of nearly a hundred tea leaf flavors, including bubble tea, black tea, green tea, oolong tea, special flavored tea, high mountain tea, and many more for you to choose from. All teas have passed the SGS inspection and can be customized. We also provide professional guidance to help you minimize your startup costs. Consider us your best partner when opening your tea shop!
Want to know more about tea or request a quote? Please do not hesitate to contact us.