Exploring Types of Tea & It’s Health Benefits

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. And for good reason – sipping a hot cup of tea can be a relaxing, healthy daily ritual. Tea comes in many intoxicating flavors and varieties. Understanding the major tea types and their distinguishing features will help you find your perfect cup.

What Are The Different Types of Tea?

While all tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the processing method determines the final color and flavor. Here are the main categories of tea:

Black Tea

Black tea is one of the most commonly consumed types of tea worldwide. It is distinguished by its dark brown to black hue and bold, brisk flavor. The dark color develops as a result of allowing the tea leaves to fully oxidize after harvest.

During this multi-step process, enzymes in the leaves trigger chemical reactions that cause the leaves to darken progressively. Different varieties of black tea results from factors like the cultivar of the tea plant, geography, soil conditions, and production methods.

Some of the most popular types of black tea include Assam black tea grown in the Assam region of India, Ceylon black tea from Sri Lanka, Darjeeling black tea from the Darjeeling district of India, Keemun black tea from China, as well as breakfast tea blends.

The extensive oxidation of black tea leaves brings out more intense, robust flavors and higher caffeine content compared to less oxidized teas. The rich aroma and full-bodied brew of black tea makes it a satisfying beverage ideal for breakfast or to perk up energy levels at any time of day. Served plain or with milk and sweeteners, black tea continues to be loved globally due to its bold yet comforting taste profile.

History of Black Tea 

Black tea originated in China where it was pressed into cakes for easy transport along the Silk Road trade routes. The British later adopted black tea as their afternoon drink of choice. The addition of milk and sugar helped balance the strong tannic taste.

Flavor

Black teas have a robust, earthy flavor with notes of malt and brisk citrus. The oxidation creates a higher caffeine content. Black tea pairs well with milk and sugar or lemon.

Green Tea

Green tea is a lightly processed, minimally oxidized tea that retains its fresh green color and delicate, grassy flavor. After harvest, the tea leaves are quickly heated through methods like steaming or pan-firing, stopping the oxidation process that turns the leaves dark.

This preserves the light greenish hue in the leaves. Well-known varieties of green tea include Sencha green tea from Japan, Chinese Gunpowder green tea that is tightly rolled into pellet shapes, Matcha powdered green tea used in Japanese tea ceremonies, and Hojicha roasted green tea with a nutty, toasted flavor.

Green tea is appreciated for its mellow, subtly sweet taste and numerous health benefits attributed to its antioxidants. It has lower caffeine levels than black tea due to the minimal oxidation. Consumed widely in Asia, green tea continues gaining global popularity as a refreshing, light-bodied beverage full of flavor and wellness benefits.

History of Green Tea

Green tea has been popular in China and Japan for centuries, renowned for its refreshing taste and health benefits. It eventually spread through the Buddhist monks and Asian trading routes.

Flavor 

The delicate, herbaceous flavor has subtle vegetal notes and a touch of natural sweetness. It has less astringency due to lower tannins. Green tea is perfect for sipping pure without additions.

White Tea 

White tea stands apart for its very minimal processing and oxidation. The tea shoots are simply withered and dried immediately after harvest. The young, silvery-white tea buds and leaves are covered in a fine, downy layer of white hairs, which gives white tea its name.

Classic white tea varieties include Silver Needle, a prized white tea made solely from unopened buds and White Peony, which incorporates a blend of buds and downy tea leaves. White tea is valued for its delicate flavor, aroma, and light color.

With the least amount of oxidation, it retains a fresher, smoother flavor than heavily oxidized black teas. White tea contains rich antioxidants, and is considered one of the healthiest tea choices.

The minimal processing also showcases the subtle, nuanced flavors of the tea leaves themselves. Light and fragrant yet refined, white tea is perfect for discerning tea enthusiasts.

History of White Tea

While not as ancient as green tea, white tea has been produced in the Fujian province of China since the Qing dynasty. Its name comes from the silver fuzz on the unopened leaf buds. 

Flavor

Extremely light anddelicate with notes of honey and fruity sweetness. The minimal processing retains subtle, fresh flavors. White tea is mellow enough to drink plain.

Oolong Tea

Oolong teas occupy an intermediary space between green and black teas, as they are only partially oxidized. The leaves are bruised and allowed to oxidize to varying extents based on the desired flavor, creating a broad range of oolong teas from light to quite dark.

The partial oxidation creates a unique taste that is fragrant and complex yet smooth. Famous Chinese oolong teas include Da Hong Pao with a mellow, woodsy taste, as well as Ti Kuan Yin, also called Iron Goddess of Mercy, with a floral, fruity flavor.

From Chinese and Taiwanese oolongs to the Hawaiian-grown tea waialua, oolong teas impress with their diversity. The balance of fresh flavors with rich depth attracts many tea aficionados to oolong’s nuanced pleasures. With layered flavors and reasonable caffeine levels, oolong satisfies the palate any time of day.

History of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea dates back to the Ming dynasty in China. The intricate production process was kept a closely guarded secret for centuries. Oolong became especially prized for its medicinal benefits.

Flavor

Oolongs have an enticing orchid aroma and rich, complex taste. They range from light and sweet to bold and spicy depending on oxidation level. The layered flavors unfold during repeated steepings.

Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh tea is a type of fermented tea that originated in the Yunnan province of China. The leaves are first dried and rolled before being piled and left to ferment for months or even years, allowing beneficial microbes to develop. This fermentation process gives pu-erh its signature earthy, smooth, and rich flavor profile.

The aged tea leaves are then pressed into bricks, discs, or left as loose leaf tea. Drinking pu-erh tea has been associated with health benefits such as lower cholesterol, digestive aid, and antioxidant properties.

History of Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh is named after the trading city in Yunnan province where it originated. The tea was packed into bricks for trading along the Tea Horse Road into Tibet. Pu-erh remains a specialty in China. 

Flavor 

The fermentation process gives pu-erh an intense, savory flavor. Young sheng pu-erh is bitter and astringent, while aged shou pu-erh has mellow woodsy notes. The taste also changes across multiple infusions. Pu-erh does well with a touch of sugar or milk.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas are made by steeping various dried fruits, flowers, herbs, roots, seeds, and spices in hot water, creating a caffeine-free, aromatic beverage. Popular herbal tea varieties like chamomile, peppermint, rooibos, hibiscus, and yerba mate each have their own unique flavor and potential health benefits.

For example, chamomile is known for its mild, soothing flavor and ability to relieve anxiety and sleep issues. Peppermint herbal tea can aid digestion, while rooibos contains antioxidants and may help strengthen the immune system.

The wide range of ingredients and flavors makes herbal tea a versatile, naturally caffeine-free alternative to true teas.

History of Herbal Tea

Herbal infusions have been used for holistic wellness across many ancient cultures. Modern herbal tea blends emerged as more of a health beverage than true tea made from the camellia sinensis plant.

Flavor

Herbal teas have diverse flavors depending on the plants used. They range from tart hibiscus to minty peppermint to earthy rooibos. Most are mellow enough to enjoy without sweeteners or milk.

Now that you’re acquainted with the major tea types, it’s time to explore optimal tea pairings…

Pairing Teas with Foods

While delicious on their own, teas can also be elevated by complementary foods that highlight or contrast their flavors. Here are suggested pairings for each style of tea:

Black Tea – pairs well with milk and sugar. Also goes great with lemon, spices, or strong flavored foods like chocolate.

Suggested pairings:

• Chai tea and ginger cookies
• Masala chai and Indian curry dishes 
• English breakfast tea and scones or biscuits
• Earl grey and lemon poppyseed cake
• Darjeeling tea and sweet fruit tarts
• Lapsang souchong and smoked meat or cheeses

Green Tea – pairs well with nutty, vegetal, or subtly sweet flavors. Works nicely before or after Asian meals.

Suggested pairings: 

• Sencha and edamame 
• Matcha latte and green tea mochi
• Genmaicha and roasted brown rice or nuts
• Houjicha and udon noodles or soba salad
• Jasmine green tea and light floral desserts

White Tea – pairs well with fresh, light flavors that won’t overpower its delicate taste. Enjoy with fruits, sweets, and seafood.

Suggested pairings:

• Silver needle tea with melon or berries
• White peony and rose macarons  
• White tea and vanilla cake or custard 
• White tea granita lemon sorbet
• White tea sangria

Oolong Tea – pairs well with fresh fruits and nuts to balance its rich flavor. Baked goods and dim sum also complement oolong nicely.

Suggested pairings:  

• Almond milk oolong with orange rolls or biscotti
• Ti Kuan Yin and fresh peaches
• Iron Goddess and mooncakes
• Milk oolong panna cotta 
• Oolong and veggie or pork dim sum

Pu-erh Tea – pairs well with strong flavors like dark chocolate and aged cheeses. Hearty stews and dim sum also stand up to pu-erh. 

Suggested pairings:

• Young sheng and semi-sweet chocolate 
• Aged shou and blue cheese
• Pu-erh and rich French onion soup
• Yunnan pu-erh and mushroom stew
• Chrysanthemum pu-erh with savory muffins

Herbal Tea – pairs well with ingredients that highlight its dominant flavor. Bake herbs into dishes or add tea infusions into recipes.

Suggested pairings:  

• Lemon balm tea and citrus cake
• Lavender tea and shortbread cookies 
• Chamomile tea and vanilla custard 
• Mint tea and chocolate mousse
• Rosehip tea and berry tarts
• Ginger tea and gingersnaps

Sipping Your Way to Wellness: Exploring the Benefits of Tea

A hot cup of tea isn’t just a comforting daily ritual, it also confers a host of health benefits. Tea contains antioxidants and other powerful plant compounds that can positively impact your body and mind. Understanding the perks behind different tea types can help you choose the best options for your needs. Read on to learn how drinking tea can be a delicious way to support your overall wellness.

Benefits of Teas

The Camellia sinensis plant contains thousands of beneficial phytochemicals and nutrients. The most notable are:

Antioxidants – Tea, especially green tea, is packed with antioxidants like EGCG and theaflavins. These help neutralize free radicals and reduce cellular damage related to aging and disease.

Theanine – This amino acid boosts alpha brain waves promoting calm, relaxed focus. It pairs with tea’s caffeine for an energizing but non-jittery lift.

Polyphenols – These micronutrients have anti-inflammatory effects that protect heart health and lower diabetes risk. Black tea is especially high in heart-healthy polyphenols.

Fluoride – Tea contains fluoride which promotes healthy teeth and bones when consumed in moderation. But overdoing very high fluoride teas could cause dental fluorosis.

Hydration – While not as hydrating as water, the mix of caffeine and antioxidants in tea makes it a great mild diuretic beverage. Opt for herbal blends to avoid caffeine-induced dehydration.

Popular Blended and Scented Teas

Basic tea leaves also serve as the base for artisanal blends and infusions using herbs, spices, oils, and natural flavors. Here are some notable options:

Chai Tea

Chai is black tea infused with an aromatic blend of warming spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and clove. Other spices like fennel, nutmeg, and star anise are also popular. The spicy intensity provides a flavorful caffeine boost. Add foamed milk for a traditional Masala chai latte.

Earl Grey Tea

This beloved flavored black tea gets its namesake bergamot citrus aroma from the oil of the bergamot orange fruit. The unique citrusy, floral note balances the briskness of black tea. Lavender and other herbs are sometimes added too. Enjoy plain or lightened with milk.

Matcha Tea

Matcha is made from ground whole-leaf green tea powder. It provides very high antioxidant levels and caffeine concentration. Matcha has an earthy, vegetal taste that works nicely blended into lattes and baked goods. Try matcha with milk and sweetener for a creamy pick-me-up drink. 

Genmaicha (Brown Rice Tea)

This Japanese green tea incorporates toasted brown rice kernels and has a lovely nutty, savory flavor. The rice boosts gamma oryzanol, a compound that lowers LDL cholesterol. It has less bitterness than straight green tea, with a pleasing roasted note. 

Jasmine Tea

One of most famous scented teas, jasmine tea has a light, perfumed aroma. The base black, white, or green tea leaves are naturally scented with fresh jasmine blossoms through repeated layering. Floral jasmine tea makes a fragrant, soothing nighttime sip.

Tea Forte Tea Infuser

Instead of loose tea, Tea Forte offers artisan whole leaf tea blends packaged into infuser bags. Varieties like Moroccan Mint, Raspberry Nectar, Coconut Matcha, and Wild Raspberry are designed to brew full-flavored cups that showcase quality ingredients. The pyramid-shaped infusers allow leaves to unfurl fully.

Premium Grade Rooibos Tea  

Rooibos (meaning “red bush”) is a popular herbal tea made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub native to South Africa. Here’s an overview:

Flavor – Rooibos has a smooth, mildly earthy taste. It’s naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins, making it flavorful yet mellow. Subtle woody notes with a hint of vanilla sweetness come through.

Benefits – Rooibos is high in antioxidants like aspalathin and quercetin that boost heart health, soothe skin and digestive issues, and fight cell damage. It’s also low in calories and sodium.

Types – Traditional rooibos have an earthy red color. Green rooibos undergo less oxidation, retaining grassy chlorophyll notes. Flavored varieties like chai, peach, and mint are also common.

Brewing – Use 2-3 grams per 8 oz cup brewed at 212°F for 5 minutes. You can brew it stronger for iced tea. Milk, lemon, spices, fruit, and sweetener all add nice complementary notes.

Grades – Premium “organic” grade has higher antioxidant levels and a smoother taste. “Superior grade” offers even more meticulous production for the best flavor, though any rooibos is naturally low in bitterness.

Consider keeping some tasty, antioxidant-rich rooibos stocked for a soothing caffeine-free alternative. 

Final Sips

This deep dive into the world of tea clearly illustrates why tea is so highly regarded globally both for its taste and health-enhancing qualities. Take advantage of the diverse options to choose your optimal everyday teas.

Keep experimenting with different varieties, blends, and preparation methods to highlight subtly unique flavors and benefits. Soon you’ll become a tea connoisseur while doing your body good with each soothing sip.

Frequently Asked Tea Questions

What’s the healthiest type of tea?

All non-herbal teas made from Camellia sinensis provide polyphenol antioxidants. But green tea has the highest levels, especially when consumed fresh. Matcha also packs more antioxidants by using the whole leaf.

Does adding milk reduce the benefits of tea? 

The proteins in milk may bind to and slightly reduce the antioxidant availability in tea, especially green tea. But milk also enhances flavor and balances bitterness. For max benefits drink tea plain, but creamy tea can still be nutritious.

Is drinking tea unsuitable for any health conditions?

Those sensitive to caffeine should limit intake, especially at night. Excess fluoride from tea could be a concern for young children. Otherwise tea is suitable for most people. Just avoid bold brewing methods that extract more caffeine and tannins.

Can you drink too much tea daily?

It’s fine to drink several cups of tea per day given the benefits. But excessive intake to the point of over-caffeination can cause anxiety, insomnia, irritability and diarrhea. Max out at around 5 cups daily, and opt for decaf varieties in the late afternoon and evening.

How should you store tea to retain freshness? 

Store tea in an airtight container away from heat, air, light, and moisture that cause it to degrade. Refrigeration can help prolong the lifespan of delicate green and white teas. Most teas last up to a year stored properly.