Tea Information and How-To Videos

What is tea?

Tea is a type of beverage made by brewing the dried leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, in hot water. There are many different types of tea, including black, green, white, oolong, and herbal, which can vary in flavor, aroma, and appearance. Tea is a popular beverage around the world and is enjoyed for its flavor, as well as for its potential health benefits. It can be consumed hot or iced and is often served with milk, sugar, honey, or lemon.

 

What is green tea?

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is one of the least processed types of tea, and it is characterized by its green color and delicate flavor. Green tea is produced by steaming or pan-firing the freshly picked leaves of the tea plant, which helps to preserve their natural flavor and nutrients. Green tea is known for its potential health benefits, which are attributed to its high levels of antioxidants and other active compounds. It is commonly consumed in Asia and is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world.

 

What is black tea?

Black tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is one of the most common types of tea and is characterized by its dark color and full-bodied flavor. Black tea is produced by allowing the freshly picked leaves of the tea plant to wither, a process that removes moisture and initiates oxidation. During oxidation, the leaves turn from green to a coppery color and develop their characteristic flavor and aroma. Black tea is generally stronger and more robust in flavor than other types of tea, and it is often consumed with milk and sugar. It is a popular beverage in many countries around the world.

 

What is white tea?

White tea is a type of tea that is made from the young leaves and buds of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. It is one of the least processed types of tea and is characterized by its delicate flavor and pale color. White tea is produced by withering and drying the freshly picked tea leaves, a process that preserves their natural flavor and nutrients. Because it is minimally processed, white tea is often considered to be the most delicate and subtle of all the teas. It is known for its potential health benefits, which are attributed to its high levels of antioxidants and other active compounds. White tea is generally more expensive than other types of tea due to its rarity and the time-consuming process of production.

 

What is oolong tea?

Oolong tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is a partially fermented tea and is characterized by its unique flavor and aroma, which is often described as a combination of green and black tea. Oolong tea is produced by withering the freshly picked leaves of the tea plant under the strong sun, and then bruising the edges of the leaves. This initiates oxidation, which turns the leaves a reddish-brown color and develops their unique flavor. Oolong tea is traditionally consumed in China and Taiwan, and it is known for its potential health benefits, which are attributed to its high levels of antioxidants and other active compounds.

 

What is pu'erh tea?

Pu'erh tea, also spelled pu-erh or puer, is a type of fermented tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is produced in the Yunnan province of China and is known for its bold, earthy flavor and dark color. Pu'erh tea is made using a process called post-fermentation, in which the tea leaves are left to age and ferment after they have been dried and roasted. This process gives pu'erh tea its unique flavor and aroma, and it is believed to contribute to the tea's potential health benefits. Pu'erh tea is traditionally consumed in China, and it is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world due to its bold flavor and potential health benefits.

 

What is herbal tea?

Herbal tea is a type of beverage made by infusing a variety of herbs, spices, and plants in hot water. Unlike true teas, which are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas do not contain any tea leaves. Instead, they are made by infusing a variety of plants, such as fruits, flowers, seeds, roots, and leaves, in hot water. This creates a flavorful and aromatic drink that can be enjoyed hot or iced. Herbal teas are caffeine-free and are often enjoyed for their potential health benefits and their flavorful and aromatic qualities. Some popular herbs and plants used in herbal tea include chamomile, mint, lavender, lemon balm, and hibiscus.

 

What is yerba mate?

Yerba mate is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which is native to South America. It is traditionally consumed in parts of South America, particularly Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, and it is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. Yerba mate is known for its bold, earthy flavor and is often described as a cross between green tea and coffee. It is rich in antioxidants and other active compounds and is believed to have a range of potential health benefits. Yerba mate is traditionally served in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla. It is often consumed as a social beverage and is an important part of the culture in many South American countries.