Types of Tea
Black Tea
The result of complete oxidation of the tea leaf before being
fired, black tea is the highest in caffeine, usually quite full-bodied
in flavour, and are the most popular type of tea. Examples of black
tea varieties are Darjeeling, Lapsang Souchong, Assam and Yunnan.
In China, black tea is called "red tea".
Green Tea
Much championed for their high antioxidant properties, green teas
taste "fresher" than the black or oolong varieties. Lower
in caffeine, green tea does not oxidize. Examples of green tea are
Jasmine (a blend of green tea leaves and jasmine flowers), Dragon
Well, and Sencha.
Oolong Tea
Like black tea, oolong tea is oxidized- turning the leaf dark and
distinctively fragranced. The processing of oolong tea is the most
difficult among all four types of teas, because it is only partially
oxidized. Examples of Oolong Tea are Li Shan Oolong, Formosa Oolong
and Phoenix Bird.
White Tea
Like green tea, white tea undergoes very little fermentation. They
undergo no rolling, breaking or bruising, and as a result possess
an almost silver-like appearance. Light and sweet in flavour, examples
of white tea are silver needle, golden moon, and white cloud.