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Types of Tea

Written by Administrator

Friday, 20 August 2004

Tea Information and Types of Tea Tea is the second most consumed beverage behind water. There must be something special about this brewed beverage. If we are to discuss tea and the different types of teas, we must first cover what it actually is. What is Tea? Tea is basically the dried and processed leaves of only one species of plant called camellia sinensis. Interestingly enough, herbal teas or herbal infusions are not really teas, but simply dried flowers and/or herbs. Even though all teas come from only one species, there are three major varietals: The China – Small leaves and generally thrives at higher altitudes. The India (or Assam) – Larger leaves and generally thrives at lower altitudes. The Hybrid – Kind of in-between the Chinese and Indian. There are four main methods of processing and each produces a different type of tea. These four main types are:     *      White Tea     *      Green Tea     *      Black Tea     *      Oolong Tea A Tea for Everyone: Some teas are flavored with oils or scented with flower petals during the processing stage. Some teas are blends of the four main types listed above. One of my favorites is chai tea which is black tea brewed with various spices. Finally, let's not forget refreshing iced tea! Fun Tip: One of the neatest things I've come across in a long time is a website that allows you to customize your own teas! They will literally add fruits, spices, and other flavors to create truly personalized blends. You can even name your creation. Surprise someone you love with this unique gift. Soil and climate conditions dramatically affect the taste of leaves from different parts of the world. The way the tea is processed also makes a dramatic different in the final taste. I find it fascinating that with all of these combinations, there are literally thousands of different teas produced from the single species, camellia sinensis.

Last Updated ( Monday, 30 July 2007 )