Varieties of Tea

What makes a tea leaf green, white, yellow, oolong, or black depends on how the tea leaf is processed. Below we share with you the differences.

Green tea is made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis. The leaves are non-oxidized. Green tea has been known to have many health benefits due to its high level of antioxidants.

Yellow tea is processed similar to green tea, however it is dried slower, allowing the damp leaves to yellow over time. Yellow tea is also non-oxidized.

White tea is grown almost exclusively in China. It comes from delicate buds and younger leaves of the Camellia sinensis. The leaves are withered in natural sunlight and then lightly baked to prevent oxidation and fermentation. They are then dried to seal in the natural characteristics of the tea leaves.

Oolong tea is wilted in sunlight before tossing in a basket to create light bruising. It is partially oxidized, then either panned or baked to stop the oxidation process. It is then rolled into balls or twisted before drying. The leaves are then pan-fried to create a semi-fermented tea.

Out of all the teas, black tea is oxidized the longest. Black teas are known to have the most flavors and have the longest shelf life. Research done by USDA suggested that levels of antioxidants do not differ greatly between green and black tea, making black tea another healthy drink choice.

Rooibos is a plant grown in South Africa and part of the legume family. It has needle-like leaves and has an appearance that could be compared to very thin wood chips. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for those non-caffeine drinkers. Rooibos has a high level of antioxidants, making it a popular drink among the health conscious.

Herbals are plant infusions, usually from dried fruits, flowers, and herbs. Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine free since they do not come from the Camellia sinensis plant.