Discovering Your Tea Time: A Guide to Understanding Tea Types

"Once upon a time King Shen Nong, known as the father of agriculture and medicine, decreed that for health reasons his subjects must boil water before drinking it. One day as Shen Nong sat in the shade of a tea tree boiling water, a light breeze blew some of the tea leaves into the kettle of boiling water; when he drank the infusion he marveled at its delicious taste and at once felt invigorated. Tea had been invented."

From Tea in China: The History of China's National Drink by John Evans

Since the invention of tea, people around the world have developed numerous types of tea. The sheer magnitude of tea varieties can leave one feeling slightly unnerved as they stand in front of the tea aisle at the local grocery store trying to sort through their choices. However, the decision can be simplified by learning about the different tea types. Although a myriad of tea varieties exist, most of these teas can be sorted into five main categories based on the different methods through which the teas are processed: black, green, oolong, white, compressed, and scented.

Black tea, referred to as "red tea" in China, is the category in which the tea is fermented and baked. Black tea is processed using oxidation. In other words, the leaves are exposed to air for a certain amount of time to encourage natural chemical reactions. Because of these reactions, the leaves' color changes from green to copper. As a result, the flavor of the tea is intensified. Due to this process, the flavor of black teas is full and complex. Common black tea varieties include Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Darjeeling. However, the most flavorful and highly-regarded brands of black tea come from China and include Qihong, Dianhong Suhong, Chuanhong and Huhong.

Unlike Black tea, green tea does not undergo the oxidation process; instead, green tea leaves are withered and dried. Because formation does not occur, green tea keeps the original color of its leaves. The process used in the production of green tea results in a subtle, slightly bitter tasting tea. Green tea is commonly used to accompany sweet desserts. Lung Ching, Bancha and Sencha are common green tea varieties. Some more exotic green tea varieties include Longjing, Maofeng and Biluochun.

Oolong teas are created from a mixture of both green and black tea leaves. As a result, Oolong tea provides a wonderful balance between the two types. Oolong teas are partly fermented (black leaves) and therefore, are stronger than green teas. However, they tend to also be more delicate than the fully fermented black teas because of the use of green tea leaves in the mixture. Black Dragon and Pouchong (Pao-Chung) are examples of well-known oolong teas.

The most highly regarded type of tea is the China white. The only place in the world where this type of tea is produced is China. In the process of preparing China white, the leaves are steamed and dried. The method used for preparing China white results in light, fragrant teas. China white teas are usually taken without a meal, as they are considered a luxury. China white teas can only be attained from the most exclusive specialty stores and tea importers. Flowery White Pekoe, Silver Needles and Noble Beauty are examples of this exotic tea type.

Compressed tea or brick tea is tea that is packed down and hardened into shapes (bricks, cakes, and bowls). In China, compressed tea is referred to as "black tea" because the commercial form of it is black in color. This tea type is the preferred form for transport and storage. Another type of tea that has gained popularity in recent years is scented tea. This tea type is created by combining fragrant flowers with tea leaves during processing. Flowers that are frequently found in scented teas include jasmine, rose, and magnolia. From jasmine and orchid flower varieties to fruit flavored varieties such as black currant, lemon, and strawberry, scented teas offer an endless supply of possibilities for the tea drinker.

Each of the tea types (black, green, oolong, white, compressed, and scented) has distinct characteristics that can help one choose the perfect type for any occasion. Black teas, for example, with their rich, layered tastes are the perfect choices for morning pick me ups. On the other hand, the light, delicate taste of green tea makes an ideal accompaniment to decadent late night desserts. In addition, Oolong teas with their balanced mixture of black and green tea properties make a wonderful accompaniment to a midday lunch or snack. However, if one is looking for something on the exotic side, they should consider the light, fragrant China white teas. China white teas are ideal for use during mediations. Compressed teas are great for the thrifty shopper as they tend to be inexpensive and easily accessible. Finally, scented teas with their unlimited varieties are the perfect match for the more daring, adventurous tea drinking. Now, you are prepared for tea time.