"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."

- Henry James

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.

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