Tea Varieties

These teas are the most common types of tea consumed globally. There are many varieties of each kind, and it's common for other flavors to be blended with these varieties.

About fermentation and oxidation: Some types of teas are fermented and oxidized, while others are not. To ferment tea, leaves need to wither or be bruised by hand. This process allows enzymes on the leaves to interact with the air, oxidize, and change the chemical compound and color of the leaves. The tea flavor can change greatly depending on temperature, humidity, and other air conditions. Heat treatments, like pan-firing or steaming, will stop the oxidation process.

Black tea, or red tea in China, is one of the most common tea types and is fully oxidized. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are withered, rolled, oxidized / fermented, and dried or fired to produce a strong, full-bodied flavor. Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and Sri Lanka are a few well-known black tea producing regions, and the flavor will vary based on the region and type of black tea.
 

Green Tea

Green tea is the most popular tea globally, is unoxidized, and has less caffeine than black tea. Camellia sinensis leaves are picked, dried, and heat-treated to prevent oxidation. Chinese people often pan-fire leaves, which creates a duller green color, while Japanese people will typically steam them and achieve a brighter green shade.


Herbal Tea

Herbal tea doesn't come from tea leaves like other varieties. It's made from dried herbs, fruits, and flowers, which can create a wide range of delicate flavors. These tea types are caffeine free, making them ideal for customers with dietary restrictions. Rooibos, mate, and herbal infusion teas are all herbal teas. Common ingredients for herbal infusions include chamomile, ginger, lemongrass, peppermint, rosehips, hibiscus, and dried fruits.
 

Matcha Tea

Matcha is made by grinding up green tea leaves into a powder, which is whisked together with a small amount of water. You ingest the whole leaf, which makes this variety extremely healthy, and it's especially popular in Japanese tea ceremonies.