GuestBlog Me!: Types of Tea

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According to most accounts, tea comes in four basic kinds. There are other varieties as well, but these are the most common ones that you’ll find. These are green tea, oolong tea, black tea, and white tea, each of which are made from the same plant, Camellia sinensis.

Green tea - Green tea is generally associated with Asia, where it is the most common. Particularly popular in China and Japan, green tea has only recently become mainstream in the United States and other western countries. Green tea is said to have many health benefits, mostly stemming from its powerful antioxidants. Studies of green tea have come up with some surprising results, including that drinking green tea will reduce one’s chances of getting cancer.
Black tea - Black tea is more common in the West, largely because it typically stays fresh longer than green tea and other varieties of tea. These teas hail from both China and India, and include Darjeeling, Earl Grey, and English Breakfast varieties. Black teas, like most teas, also contain caffeine, so they are best consumed in the morning.
White tea - White Tea is made from tea leaves that haven’t been oxidized, and also includes younger tea leaves than the other varieties of tea. White tea is found mainly in China and is known to be a stimulant to the immune system.
Oolong tea - Oolong Tea is a very delicate form of tea that is fermented. It is something in between green tea and black tea as far as flavor is concerned. You will often find oolong tea being served in American Chinese restaurants.
Rooibos - Rooibos, or red tea, is not a traditional variety of tea but instead is made using another plant - South African rooibos. Red tea has recently become popular in the west, with a renewed interest in exotic forms of tea and their health benefits.