Black TeaMore oxidized than white and green teas, black tea is generally stronger in flavour because of the large-leaved Assamese plant that is used in it. Unlike green tea that loses its flavour within a year, black tea retains its flavour for many years, which contributes to the fact that it has been an article of trade for several centuries. It accounts for over ninety percent of all tea sold in the west!
Varieties Darjeeling: A thin bodied, floral and fruity tea with muscatel tones (a muscat is a type of grape). Even though today it is processed with black, green, and oolong elements, it is still classified as a black tea. Originally from West Bengal in India, many consider it to be the best black tea in the world because of its unique spice! Assam: A full bodied, strong, and distinctively malty tea from the lowlands of Assam, which is also in India. Though not considered to be the best black tea in the world, it is the most produced one. Blends Earl Grey: This is a black tea with bergamot oil. Bergamot is a fragrant, citrus fruit the size of an orange. The juice tastes less sour than a lemon, but more bitter than a grapefruit. Other than Earl Grey tea, the bergamot has been used in indigenous medicine to treat Malaria, as well as an essential oil in aromatherapy applications. A delectable take on Earl Grey tea is a beverage called a "London Fog". It is Earl Grey tea combined with steamed milk and vanilla syrup. Available at any coffee or tea shop. Twinings is an excellent brand of Earl Grey to keep at home. English Breakfast: A full-bodied, robust, and rich tea, blended to go perfectly with milk and sugar. The blend originated from Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya. It is one of the most popular blended teas and the most common form of African tea culture. Having a South African family, I have been drinking this tea every day since the day I was born! It is the perfect coffee-replacement for when I wake up in the morning. Twinings has a delicious English Breakfast tea as well. |
Green TeaMade solely from the leaves of Camellia sinensis (a plant species), green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. It is so popular in Japan that it is commonly known as "Japanese tea". It has become even more widespread in the West, where black tea is traditionally consumed. It is a prominent ingredient in many health foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic items. It is generally connected to many long-term health benefits, such as a lower risk of developing heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer.
Varieties Jasmine: The most famous scented tea in China and grown in the Fujian province, jasmine tea absorbs the aroma from jasmine blossoms. The resulting flavour is subtly sweet and highly fragrant. Though green tea is typically employed as its base, white and black tea can be used as well. Matcha: A Japanese powdered tea, Matcha is rather expensive and used primarily in the Japanee tea ceremony. It is also very commonly used in foods such as soba noodles and green tea ice cream. Blends Moroccan Mint: A very popular green tea blend, moroccan mint includes a blend of multiple kinds of mint flavouring. It is very light and refreshing, and can be served chilled over ice, or as hot tea. Available from Teavana, an extensive loose-leaf tea brand. Vanilla Mint: Another popular green tea that is blended with mint, vanilla mint green tea mixes high quality green tea with mint leaves and pieces of vanilla bean. It is also refreshing and is pleasing to any palate. It is delicious as an iced tea or a hot tea. Available from Golden Moon, another loose-leaf company. |
White TeaA lightly oxidized tea, white tea is grown and harvested primarily in China, mostly in the Fujian province. Recently, it has made its way over to Taiwan, Northern Thailand, and Eastern Nepal. Similar to black tea, the Chinese Camellia sinensis plant is used, though the leaves and buds are allowed to wither in natural sunlight before they are lightly processed to prevent oxidation. This gives it a lighter body than black tea. White tea also contains high levels of catechins, which is a type of natural phenol and antioxidant. It can reduce the severity of strokes, and prevent cancer.
Varieties Silver Needle: This is the finest white tea, made only of silvery white buds. It is the most famous white tea, with a delicate, light, and slightly sweet flavour. A crowd pleaser, for sure! White Peony: The next highest quality white tea, White Peony consists of buds and leaves. The best form of it has both bud and leaf covered in silvery white hair. It tends to have a stronger taste and darker colour than Silver Needle. Blends White Peach: A white tea that blends soft herbs and a delicate fruity flavour for an aromatic calmness. Blossoms of Roman chamomile, sunflower petals, lemon myrtle, and rosehips are fused together in this blend. Available from Teavana. Ginger: This white tea has a spicy flavour, as well as incredible health benefits. The ginger calms stomachaches, reduces or eliminates nausea, and even sickness that comes along with chemotherapy. Available from T2 Tea. |