Basic Introduction To Tea

What is Tea?

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, made by steeping processed leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. Although people often call herbal infusions “tea,” true tea comes only from this plant.

The flavor, color, and caffeine content vary depending on how the leaves are processed.

Main Types of Tea

Here are the major categories of tea you’ll encounter as a beginner:

1. Green Tea

• Processing: Lightly processed; leaves are quickly steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation.

• Flavor: Fresh, grassy, vegetal.

• Caffeine: Low to medium.

• Popular Varieties: Sencha (Japan), Dragon Well / Longjing (China), Matcha (powdered).

2. Black Tea

• Processing: Fully oxidized, giving it a dark color and bold flavor.

• Flavor: Strong, malty, sometimes brisk or astringent.

• Caffeine: Higher than green or white teas.

• Popular Varieties: Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Breakfast.

3. Oolong Tea

• Processing: Partially oxidized, somewhere between green and black tea.

• Flavor: Complex—can be floral, creamy, or roasted, depending on style.

• Caffeine: Medium.

• Popular Varieties: Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy), Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe).

4. White Tea

• Processing: Minimally processed—young leaves and buds are simply dried.

• Flavor: Delicate, sweet, and subtle.

• Caffeine: Low.

• Popular Varieties: Silver Needle, White Peony.

5. Pu-erh (Fermented Tea)

• Processing: Aged and fermented, often compressed into cakes or bricks.

• Flavor: Earthy, rich, sometimes woody or smooth.

• Caffeine: Medium to high.

• Popular Varieties: Sheng (raw) Pu-erh, Shou (ripe) Pu-erh.

6. Herbal Infusions (Tisanes) ?

• Note: Technically not tea, since they don’t come from Camellia sinensis.

• Examples: Chamomile, Peppermint, Rooibos, Hibiscus.

• Caffeine: Usually caffeine-free.

• Flavor: Wide range—floral, minty, fruity, or spicy.

☕ Choosing a Tea as a Beginner

• Want something light? → Try white or green tea.

• Prefer strong flavors? → Go for black tea.

• Looking for variety? → Explore oolong.

• Interested in tradition? → Try Pu-erh.

• Caffeine-free? → Start with herbal infusions.

✅ Key Takeaways

• All true teas come from Camellia sinensis.

• The main difference between types lies in how much the leaves are oxidized and processed.

• Herbal teas are popular but not technically “tea.”

• Beginners may want to try sample packs to discover their preferences.