The Different Types of Teas

There are more than 3,000 different types of teas produced worldwide.

The Camellia Sinesis is an evergreen tree that produces white flowers and can grow up to 9 metres tall if left in its' natural state. The plants are kept trimmed to a bushy and manageable size.

Teas can be divided into 6 main categories: White tea, Black tea, Oolong tea, Green tea, Compressed tea and Flavoured tea. Herbal teas are made from different plants altogether.

White tea is a rare, delicate type of tea grown in China.

White Tea
A very rare type of tea grown in China. When brewed white tea imparts a delicate flavour into the water with little colour.
Tea plants grown in the mountain areas of the Fujian Province produce little buds that are covered in silvery hairs. These give the baby curled up leaves their white appearance.

Black teas were actually discovered by accident.

Black Tea
There are more than 3,000 different types of teas produced worldwide. Discovered by accident, this is a fully fermented tea, picked from young leaves. Black tea accounts for the largest sales worldwide and are generally full flavoured and aromatic.

In the late 1600's, a shipment of semi-fermented tea was delayed on its' journey to Britain. Becoming fully fermented by the time it arrived, this new taste was actually embraced and became popular.

On a tea plantation, the Camellia Sinesis will take 3-5 years to produce quality tea leaves ready for picking.

Oolong Tea
Made from mature leaves this tea is semi-fermented. Oolong tea grown in Thailand is one of the most popular. Coinnoisseurs believe that oolong teas should be savoured on their own.

Green Tea
This tea is green in colour and is not fermented. Green tea has more taste variables and stimulants than any other tea types.

More of a palate cleansing drink for after dinner, rather than drinking with foods. Generally cool clean and refreshing, green tea is best consumed without milk and sugar.

Compressed Tea
The Chinese once used tea as a currency. The leaves were compressed to form a brick and sealed with the official makers stamp. A sheep might of cost 12 bricks of compressed tea.

Today, compressed tea is made by compressing black green or oolong tea leaves tightly together to form bricks, tiny balls, cakes or beautiful 3D floral shapes.

Flavoured Teas are a delicious alternative.

Flavoured Tea
Flavoured teas are made by using black, green or oolong teas and adding natural oils for flavouring or spices and dried fruit and flowers. Flavours are added in either the form of granules or as a liquid sprayed onto the leaves.

The varieties of flavoured teas is steadily growing as people like to explore with all the new taste sensations. The tea flavours and additions can range from Jasmine flowers, Rose petals, Orchids, Gardenia, Lemon, Orange, Mango, Ginger, Mint, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Caramel, Chocolate, Raisin, Sticky Toffee and Vanilla - just to name a few.

Herbal Teas

Herbal Teas are not made from the tea plant Camellia Sinesis. They are made from various parts of other plants that each have their own tastes, characteristics and benefits.

Some popular Herbal Teas are Aniseed,  Bergamot, which is a small Chinese citrus fruit (also found in Earl Grey Tea), Camomile, Cranberry, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mint, Peppermint and Rosehip.