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| Tea Varietys All teas are made from the leaf of the Camellia sinensis plant, they differ only in the amount of fermentation.
Black Tea Black tea is fermented during processing. Black tea is generally stronger and contains more caffeine than the less oxidized teas. Generally, unblended black teas are named after the region in which they are grown. Different regions are known for producing teas with characteristic flavors. Green Tea Green tea leaves are steamed to stop fermentation. This keeps the original color of the leaves is retained. The result is a fresh tasting tea that produces a pale green-yellow liquid that has a grassy flavor. Steaming prevents the loss of polyphenols, which is why there are so many more benefits to green tea. All Japanese teas are green.
Oolong Tea Oolong Tea is fermented like black tea, but the process is stopped part way through. White tea White tea is steamed and dried and does not go through fermentation. White tea is also called silvertip pekoe or white needle. When you brew white tea it is a pale yellow straw color. It has a slightly sweet flavor with none of the grassy undertones of green teas.
Pu'erh Pu-erh (or Pu'er tea) is a type of tea made from a "large leaf" variety of the tea plant and named after Pu'er county near Simao, in southern Yunnan, China. Pu-erh can be aged for many years, the quality, taste and value improves with age. Pu-erh teas are often classified by year and region of production much like wine vintages. Pu-erh is often blended with other teas. Taste and flavor can vary greatly depending on type, grade and age. Good Pu'er teas are wonderful, bad Pu'er teas taste like dirt. Spiced Teas Scented teas are made by mixing flowers and petals with green or oolong tea leaves. Jasmine is one of the best of the scented teas. Spiced teas can be flavored with just about anything, peach, vanilla, cherry, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried orange or lemon peel as an example. Herbal tea, tisane or ptisan Tisanes look and smell like a potpourri. Herbal teas contain no Camellia sinensis leaves, they are not really tea because they are not made from tea leaves. Herbal tea refers to infusions of herbs such as rosehip, ginger, chamomile, jiaogulan or dried fruit and berries. They are caffeine-free and present a delicious and healthy alternative to regular iced teas or fruit drinks. They are excellent summer treats for kids They taste great hot or as an iced tea. There are no preservatives, chemicals or sugars added which make them ideal for children having "their" tea party. They are caffeine free and the mystery detective Hercule Poirot drinks them. Varieties of teas More than 2000 subspecies, of the Camellia sinensis plant exist, resulting in thousands of teas, each with unique characteristics. Caravan is usually a blend of Chinese and Indian black teas, heavily sweetened, with sugar honey or jam. Caravan has its origins in Russia and gets its name from the camel caravans that brought the tea. Congous is grown in China, are called “red teas” and are commonly served in Chinese restaurants. Darjeeling is a region in northeast India. Darjeeling is referred to as the “Champagne of teas.” Darjeeling’s have a wide range of flavors from floral to nutty. Earl Grey is a blend of black teas, its characteristic tangy flavor is due to citrus oil from the bergamot orange. Genmaicha is a blend of roasted brown rice, a few kernels of popped corn and green tea. Irish Breakfast tea, from Ireland. It is a robust black tea blend, generally made with an Assam tea base. It is usually drunk in the morning because it is strong. Is best with sugar and milk. Jasmine Tea is made from Pouchong tea leaves that are scented with jasmine flowers. Jasmine flowers are harvested during the day, during the night, the flowers bloom and the blooms are layered over the tea leaves during the scenting process. Keemun is grown in many regions of China and Taiwan and is a style of tea instead of region. Keemun is the “Burgundy” of teas. Chinese Keemuns have a rich, fruity flavor. Lapsang Souchong is from in China and Taiwan. Lapsang Souchong has a smoky flavor that is made by drying the leaves over a smoldering pine fire. Lapsang Souchong is made from larger leaves that are lower in caffeine, which make it a good evening tea. Pu-erh (or Puer) a Chinese black tea, that is fermented twice. Has a strong earthy quality and is used as a digestive aid. Pouchong (Chinese Green) is a slightly fermented tea. It brews a light yellow hue, a mild aroma, and a delicate flavor. Pouchong tea, originated in the Pinlin region outside of Taipei, Taiwan. Pouchong tea is one of the best in the world. Yunnan is produced in the Yunnan province in China. Yunnans have a slightly peppery quality with a agreeable full flavor.
Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Ericales Family: Theaceae Genus: Camellia Species: C. sinensis Binomial name Camellia sinensis By Harvey Robinson Nothing in this essay is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Green tea has not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration for the treatment of any disease. If you are not a tea drinker, you can still get the nutritional benefits in the convenience of a capsule form. | ||||
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