We like what we like, especially when it comes to food and drinks. But if your tea routine has gotten stale, this article on the different tea varieties may spark your curiosity about discovering new tastes that could become new favorites. We hope you find this five-minute read helpful, whether you’re a tea newbie or a seasoned enthusiast.

Main Types of Tea

There are 2000 varieties of tea in nature. Growing conditions, called terroir in the wine industry, leave their imprint on taste. Processing methods that significantly impact flavor have created four main varieties of tea made from the camellia sinensis plant: White, Green, Oolong, and Black. These types of tea have distinctly different tastes, aromas, and caffeine levels. 

• White Tea is crafted from young buds and leaves that are simply withered and dried. It's the least processed tea, which gives white tea a unique distinction.  Many ask, “Does white tea have caffeine?” White tea contains the lowest amount of caffeine but the highest amount of antioxidants compared to the other tea types, making the cup soft and round with minimal astringency. White tea benefits the skin because of its ultra-high antioxidant content. It’s good for healthy gums and teeth. White tea is also good for immunity support and can provide a gentle energy boost throughout your day. It’s perfect for a mid-afternoon boost or a late-night cup without the intensity of stronger teas (The Hidden Health Benefits of Tea, 2022). 

• Green Tea undergoes minimal oxidation, preserving its fresh, grassy, or slightly nutty taste. It’s steamed (Japanese) or pan-fired (Chinese) to create its unique taste. Green tea caffeine is moderate.  Is Green Tea good for you? Yes! Known for its high catechin content, green tea, including Matcha is good for you. It supports brain health, concentration, and focus and boosts metabolism. The moderate caffeine provides for a steady focused energy that lasts throughout the day. It’s also ideal for relaxation with its ability to calm the mind while supporting mental clarity (Shen et al., 2020). 

• Oolong Tea is semi-oxidized and offers a taste profile between green and black tea. Its flavors range from floral to roasted. The oolong caffeine content is moderate, making it great for steady energy. Studies suggest that oolong tea benefits metabolism and weight management by improving fat metabolism (Liu et al., 2009).

• Black Tea is fully oxidized, giving it a bold, malty flavor. Black tea caffeine content is the highest among all teas. Black tea is good for heart health. Its polyphenols, including theaflavins and catechin, help improve cardiovascular health by reduction of cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It also perfectly supports energy and gut health (Rasheed, 2019). 

What are Herbal Teas?

Herbal teas (or tisanes) are crafted from herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices, each offering unique wellness benefits. They usually do not contain camellia sinensis. So is herbal tea caffeine-free?  Yes, herbal tea is generally caffeine-free and provides targeted benefits to suit your specific health needs. For example:

• Chamomile – Naturally calming herbal tea, great for sleep and relaxation.

• Peppermint – Soothes digestion and refreshes the senses.

• Hibiscus – Studies show hibiscus tea can help manage blood pressure.

• Rooibos – A caffeine-free red tea from South Africa, filled with polyphenols.
  Whether you need an energizing morning boost or a soothing bedtime ritual, there’s an herbal blend for you.

Is there an herbal tea to relieve anxiety? Ingredients that help cope with anxiety and stress include chamomile, ashwagandha, and passionflower. 

How To Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea

Since all teas are not the same, it’s good to know how to make tea properly. Loose-leaf tea needs a strainer or infuser for a richer taste. Tea bags offer a quick and easy option you can drop into your cup. Brewing correctly brings out the best flavor and nutrients in every sip. Brewing correctly helps bring out the best flavor and nutrients in every cup. 

• White Tea: For full flavor, use water just off the boil (170°F) and steep for 3 minutes.

• Green Tea: Brew at a lower temperature (165°F) for 3 minutes to avoid bitterness. Subsequent infusions should be at 185°F for 15-30 seconds.

• Matcha: Whisk with water (175°F) for a frothy finish.

• Oolong Tea: For full flavor, water just off the boil (195°F) and steep for 4-5 minutes.

• Black Tea: For full flavor, use water just off the boil (190°F) and steep for 3-4 minutes.

• Herbal Tea: Boil water to 185°F and steep for 3-5 minutes for maximum flavor.

For iced tea lovers, the brewing method is just as important! To brew the perfect iced tea, steep it as usual and then allow it to cool before pouring it over ice. For a smoother flavor, try cold-brewing your tea by steeping it in cold water for 6-12 hours in the fridge. This method gives you a refreshing, rounder flavor without the bitterness

Accessories for Tea

Exploring different tea varieties is easier and more enjoyable with the right accessories for tea. A good tea kettle, teapots, and tea infusers help brew loose-leaf tea by allowing the leaves to expand and release their flavor. Tea strainers and filters ensure a smooth cup by removing leaves. Teacups come in different designs and materials to help keep your tea at the right temperature and add to the experience. Owning a bamboo whisk or matcha frother and matcha bowl helps make a matcha routine more manageable. They help ensure a smooth cup of matcha. All these tea accessories can help turn tea time into a much more fun and rewarding one.

Tea Tasting: A Fun and Engaging Experience

Whether alone or with friends, tea tasting is a great way to connect with your senses:

1. Select a variety – Choose two or more teas to compare.

2. Observe the dry leaves – Notice their shape, color, and aroma.

3. Steep the tea properly – Follow brewing guidelines for optimal flavor.

4. Examine the liquor – Note the hue and clarity.

5. Smell and taste – Slurp to aerate and fully appreciate the layers of flavor.

6. Take notes – Jot down tasting impressions to develop your palate. This practice deepens appreciation and helps you discover new favorites.

Tea and Food Pairings for Types of Teas: Enhancing Flavor Experiences

Another fun way to explore different varieties of teas is through food pairings. Pairing tea with your favorite foods highlights each tea’s unique flavor profile. It also shows how tea interacts with different dishes. It’s a great way to experiment and discover your tastes. Here are some tea pairing suggestions: 

• White Tea has a delicate, subtle flavor that pairs well with light dishes like fruit or salads, adding a soft touch without overpowering the meal.

• Try Black Tea with rich foods like breakfast meats or dark chocolate. Its bold taste works well with these foods. 

• Green Tea is lighter and great with salads, seafood, and sushi. It adds a fresh taste that doesn’t overwhelm the meal. 

• Oolong Tea pairs well with sweet and savory foods, making it a good choice for everything from a cheese platter to a fruit dessert. 

• Herbal Tea is excellent with desserts or even to balance out a spicy meal. 

Conclusion

Tea is such a versatile drink and offers endless ways to explore and enjoy it. Whether new to tea or a long-time fan there is always something fresh to try. Learning about the different types of tea and benefits can help you get the most out of your tea experience. Trying different brewing methods and using the right tools will also make a big difference in you experience. Tea tastings and food pairings are fun ways to discover new flavors too. With every cup of tea, it's easy to find something new to enjoy. We encourage you to grab your favorite tea or try a new one and start exploring!

Our Tea Recommendations

White Tea: 

Tea Bags: White Tea Blend: Pineapple Strawberry 

Loose Tea: Silver Needle

Green Tea: 

Tea Bags: Green Tea, Green Tea Blends: Pineapple Strawberry, Mango Peach, Jasmine Mamaki, Passionfruit Orange 

Loose Tea: Sencha, Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls, Jasmine Yin Hao, Hojicha

Oolong Tea: 

Loose Tea: Honey Oolong, Jade Oolong, White Tip Oolong

Black Tea: 

Tea Bags: Maui Earl Grey, Island Breakfast, Black Tea Blends: Mango Peach, Passionfruit Orange

Loose Tea: Earl Grey, Assam, POG Passion Orange Guava, Ginger Tea

Herbal Tea:

Tea Bags: Nanea Tea for Anxiety, Mana Tea for Immunity, Olena Tea for Immunity, Mint Mamaki, Hibiscus Bliss, Lemon Chamomile

Loose Tea: Pure Mamaki, Chamomile, Olena, Lemon Mamaki, Hawaiian Wellness

Written by Cheri Mula and Byron Goo

References 

Liu, X., & Wang, Y. (2009). Oolong tea consumption and weight management: A review of the evidence. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 20(5), 383-389.

Rasheed, Z. (2019). Molecular evidence of health benefits of drinking black tea.  Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 13(3):1–3. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6512146/

Shen, C. et al. (2011). Green Tea and Bone Health: Evidence from Laboratory Studies. Pharmacol Res. 5;64(2):155–161. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2011.03.012

The Hidden Health Benefits of Tea. (2022).  Penn Medicine.  Retrieved from https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea

Thepa, D. (2023). Herbal tea: A review on types of herbal tea. The Pharma Innovation. 12(5): 4678-4685. Retrieved from https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2023/vol12issue5/PartBC/12-5-457-716.pdf