Though all tea originates from a single plant, it is capable of producing a wide variety of flavors and aromas. The look of its leaves also vary so much that they appear to be of different species. However, differences between tea types result from variations in varietal, region of production, time of harvest and style of crafting. Still, an overwhelming 2600 varieties of tea plant have been identified. It is easier to become familiar with most of these varieties when they are broken down into seven general types:
Green
A green tea is a tea leaf that has not been allowed to oxidize at all. Because of this minimal processing, green teas are verdant and bright teas...
White
Soft and delicate, white teas are similar in character to green teas. However, white teas are comprised of varietals that are distinct from green teas...
Oolong
Oolong teas are neither green nor black, but everything in between. They are made from tea leaves that are only partially oxidized...
Black
Ranging from floral, sweet, peppery to faintly smoky, black teas are prized for rich and warm flavors they produce as a result of full oxidation.
Pu-erh
Earthy. Drinking pu-erh is to imbibe its history, to literally taste where it’s been. Pu-erh Teas are aged and fermented teas, named for city in Yunnan Province...
Scented
The tradition of scented teas first originated from China’s Ming Dynasty (14th- 17th century). Traditional Chinese scented teas include jasmine, lychee, rose...
