What's Your Cup Of Tea?
What's Your Cup Of Tea?
Tea is one of the world's most popular beverages, second only to water. There are eight distinct varieties of tea: white, green, yellow, black, oolong, pu'erh, blends, and tisane. So which tea best suits your needs? Find out here.
Tea is one of the world's most popular beverages, second only to water. There are eight distinct varieties of tea: white, green, yellow, black, oolong, pu'erh, blends, and tisane. So which tea best suits your needs? Find out here.
What sort of flavor do you want your tea to have?
How strong is your ideal cuppa?
How sweet is your tea naturally?
Do you want caffeine in your tea?
Do you suffer from any of the following ailments?
Pick a tea party.
And a cup.
White Tea
White Tea
White teas are mild and naturally sweet stimulants. The caffeine levels are very low and the flavors are subtle, but nuanced. It is pale yellow in color. White tea is made from the tips of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are carefully brewed for their simple, yet refined flavor. The tea is full of antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. It promotes concentration and relaxation. Some popular kinds of white tea include: Bai Mu Dan, Ceylon Silver Tips, Yin Zhen, and Bai Mai.
Green Tea
Green Tea
Green tea contains more antioxidants than any other tea. The caffeine in green tea is released in such a way that it is beneficial to mind and body. It contains iron, vitamins, may be able to lower cholesterol and even slows the aging process! It is made from mature leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is green or yellow in color. Green tea is stronger than white tea and weaker than black tea. Its flavor is sweet and calming, but more intense than white tea. Popular green teas include: Gunpowder and Matcha
Yellow Tea
Yellow Tea
Yellow teas are very rare and expensive because the method for making it is not commonly known, and is in fact a well-guarded secret. Yellow teas combine many properties of white, green, black, and oolong tea to make something completely different.
Black Tea
Black Tea
Black teas have strong, complex flavors that vary from rich to earthy and contain more caffeine than the other varieties. They are dark in color as a result of the complete oxidation of the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea is rich in antioxidants which may help to prevent heart disease, some cancers, and strokes. It may promote better circulation of the blood, reduce fatigue, and detoxify the body. Some noteworthy black teas are Darjeeling, Ceylon, and Golden Monkey
Tisane
Tisane
The proper name for herbal tea is tisane. Tisanes boast different health benefits depending on which herb is used. Health benefits attributed to tisanes, as well as their tastes, vary greatly. Rose hip tea is said to be beneficial to arthritis sufferers, lavender can lessen symptoms of depression, and chamomile is great for stomach troubles and insomnia. Other popular tisanes include: lemon balm, bergamot, jasmine, and scented pelargonium.
Oolong Tea
Oolong Tea
Oolong is somewhere in between green and black tea in strength and flavor. Oolong teas can be light and airy, or dark, frothing, and complex. Many oolongs are described as creamy. Some are almost fizzy. They vary greatly in color. Drinking oolong tea promotes heart health, aids in weight loss, can be used to treat skin disorders, reduce high blood pressure, and assist in preventing tooth decay. Popular oolongs include: Vanilla Orchid, Coconut Pouchong, and Big Red Robe.
Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh is the darkest and strongest of the teas. Their deep earthy flavors are considered by some an acquired taste. Pu-erhs though stronger, actually contain less caffeine than black tea. The tea is the only kind that goes through a process of fermentation; it is aged in a similar fashion to wine. Pu-erhs may assist with weight loss, prevent cancer, and protect the teeth and stomach. It is also said to have anti-aging benefits. The best pu-erhs come from Yunnan.
Tea Blends
Tea Blends
Tea blends are created by blending two or more type of tea or tisane together. Blends have more than one flavor that complement each other. The benefits of drinking blends vary greatly depending on what is used in the blend. Caffeine levels, flavor, and color all vary greatly as well. Some popular blends include: Earl Grey, Constant Comment, Masala Chai, and Sleepy Time.