Types of Tea

Natural Tea

Natural tea refers to tea in its natural form¡Va simple product of the camellia sinensis leaves. The amount of processing subjected to the leaves determine the type of tea. Processing can include oxidation, heating, drying and combining with herbs, flowers, or fruits.

Tea is brewed by adding lose tea leaves in boiling water. Tea is widely planted in Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon, and China. Each country has its own culture of drinking tea.

Tea contains methylxanthines such as caffeine, catechins, and theanine. It has almost no carbohydrates, fat, or protein.

Types of natural tea
Almost, all tea available in the market is blended. However, following are the four types of natural tea:

„X White Tea is made from young tea leaves that are not subjected to any oxidation. Either, leaves are steamed to prevent oxidation or they are shielded from sunlight. White tea is usually produced in lesser quantities and can be more expensive as compared to other varieties. It contains higher concentrates of catechins. White teas are more popular in China. Famous varieties of Chinese white teas include Bai Hao Yinzhen, Bai Mu Dan, Gong Mei, and Shou Mei. Other white tea varieties are Ceylon white, Darjeeling white, and Doke white.

„X Green Tea is produced when the tea leaves undergo minimal oxidation. Oxidation is stopped by application of heat. Either, by steam or by dry cooking in hot pans. Tea leaves may be dried as separate leaves or rolled into pellets to make gun powder tea. Popular varieties of Chinese green teas include Longjing, Gunpowder, Chun Mee, Da Fang, and Hou Kui. Japanese green teas include Gyokuro, Matcha, Sencha, Genmaicha, and Hojicha. Other varieties of green teas originate from Ceylon, Darjeeling, Vietnam, and Assam. Green tea is brewed by boiling water at about 80 degrees. Water that is too hot turns the tea bitter and darkens the tea color.

„X Oolong Tea is produced when oxidation is stopped between the standards set for green tea and black tea. This is a famous Chinese tea. Oolong tea processing consists of wilting, yaoqing, rouqing, shaqing, cooling, drying, grading, and packaging. Mostly, oolong tea is brewed to be strong and bitter, yet it has a sweet aftertaste. Chinese varieties of Oolong teas include Da Hong Pao, Shui Jin Gui, Huang Guanyin, and Bai Ji Guan. Taiwan produces varieties of oolong teas such as Dong Ding, Alishan, and Pouchong. Other famous oolong teas are Darjeeling oolong and Vietnamese oolong.

„X Black Tea is made when leaves undergo complete oxidation. The oxidation process can last for two weeks to one month. Chinese refer to this tea as red tea. Black tea contains higher quantities of caffeine and is stronger in taste. This tea usually depicts a cup of tea without milk. Unblended black teas are referred after the region from which they are produced. Famous Chinese black teas include Lapsang souchong, Keemun, Dian Hong, and Ying De Hong. Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri are famous Indian and Sri Lankan black teas. Other black teas include Vietnamese, Nepalese, and Rize tea.

These four types of natural tea are blended or sold in their natural form. Either, blending is done at plantation or teas from different regions are blended together. Although, blending enhances the taste, scent, appearance, and color of the final tea it involves adding additives such as oils and further processing of pure tea.

Tea is packaged and sold in different forms. Teas can be sold as loose tea, in tea bags, triangular tea bags, tea sticks, or instant tea. Some tea types are compressed and sold as tea bricks. Iced or frozen tea is also a popular beverage.

Another popular type of tea is the Herbal tea.

Herbal Tea
Herbal tea or Tisane is a tea made from the mixture of herbs or fruits. This tea is not a product of camellia sinensis. Herbal tea can be made from:

„X Fresh or dried flowers
„X Leaves
„X Seeds
„X Roots

Herbal tea brewing depends on what you want to use in your tea. If you want leaves and flowers, then these need to be infused to preserve the oils. If you want roots, barks, or seeds; then these need to be decocted before brewing. For brewing, place the herbs in a warm teapot, pour boiling water, and cover the pot. Let the herbs steep for 20 minutes and then strain. Herbal tea can be served with honey to enhance its taste. Popular varieties of herbal tea include:
„X Roasted barley
„X Cannabis
„X Ginseng
„X Rose hip
„X Rosemary
„X Basil or tulsi

Herbal tea can also be enjoyed as iced tea. Health benefits of herbal tea differ depending on the herb used. On the whole, herbal tea offers following benefits:

„X Relaxes the mind and body and provides a good night¡¦s sleep.
„X Prevents cold.
„X Reduces anxiety.

Be cautious while choosing the herbs for your tea. Some herbs such as Comfrey, Lobelia, and Pineapple weed are toxic or allergic.

Organic tea
Organic tea symbolizes environment-friendly tea ¡V free from chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Organic tea plantation uses compost (manure, kitchen waste) or organic fertilizers. National and International agencies inspect the soil and organic tea before certifying it. Organic tea is low in caffeine and tannins.

Organic tea is available in a variety of blends and flavors; such as organic green, organic red, organic Earl Grey, organic Darjeeling.

Health benefits of consuming tea:
A cup of tea at any time relaxes your mind and body.
Tea antioxidants increase bone density.
Tea raises the body¡¦s hydration level.
In addition, it offers benefits such as:

Type of tea Benefits offered
White tea Contains high levels of polyphenols, which is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps in preventing cancer.
Improves the immune system.
Fluoride rich white tea helps prevent tooth decay.

Green tea Rich in catechins. Prevents the risk of heart diseases and cancer. It burns calories at a faster rate.

Oolong tea Contains large volumes of polyphenols that remove free radicals. These polyphenols control obesity. They reduce and prevent tooth decay. This tea is good for the skin as it helps in preventing dark pigmentation.

Black tea Flavonoids found in black tea reduce the chances of having a stroke. Improves the functioning of blood vessels. Black tea also improves the immune system and lowers the hormone levels.