All Types of Tea: A Comprehensive Guide
When you think of tea, black tea or green tea might instantly come into your mind first. But, did you know that there are around 1500 types of tea waiting to be discovered?
Whether you’re seeking to explore new taste or find your perfect brew, there is a sea of teas you can choose from. In this guide, we’ve covered all types of teas.
True Teas
First, there are true teas that most of you might be familiar with such as black tea, green tea, white tea, and so on. These are the beverages that are made from the Camellia Sinensis plant and are naturally caffeinated. Each type of true tea is processed differently and gives off a unique profile.
Black Tea
Let’s begin with one of the most common beverages: black tea. These teas are fully oxidized during the processing and offer a more robust flavor. That’s why the tea is dark brown to black. Compared to others, you may find more caffeine in this beverage. The taste profile ranges from malty, brisk, and astringent, to full-bodied.
Some of the best types of black tea are Nepali black tea, Indian black tea, Japanese black tea, Arab black tea, etc. If you’re searching for best quality loose-leaf teas, explore our Danfe Tea’s collection, specially crafted in the Himalayas.
Green Tea
Next, there’s green tea which is well known for its weight loss and other potential health benefits. Unlike the other variants, these teas are not oxidized during the processing. Rather, it's usually pan-fried or steamed to avoid oxidation, leaving the color green. The flavor profile is more grassy, vegetal, and fresh flavor profile.
The best types of green tea include matcha, sencha, genmaicha, gunpowder, Nepal jasmine green tea, hojicha, Longjing, etc. Grown in the Himalayas, Danfe Tea offers high-quality green teas with naturally less stringent flavor. If you’re interested, check out our collection.
White Tea
For those who are in search of a delicate and smooth flavor profile, try white teas. It’s specially made with just the young buds or leaves, making it one of the most premium types of true tea. White teas are very minimally processed and have fine white hairs in the leaves. The taste could vary from floral and sweet, fruity, and herbaceous, to light and delicate.
Types of white tea include silver needle, white peony, and tribute eyebrow. You may start with our Danfe Tea’s Himalayas Best White Tea and Silver Needle Tea.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is the half-oxidized beverage that lies in between black and green tea. You can expect a uniquely blended taste from both teas that are robust and fresh. The flavor profile is complex and could be roasted, fruity, floral, woody, nutty, woody, etc.
The main types are phoenix oolong, tie guan yin, da hong pao, wuyi oolong, etc. To experience the best quality loose-leaf teas, we invite you to try our Himalayas Best Oolong Tea from Danfe Tea.
Pu Erh Tea
Pu Erh tea is a fermented tea that is made from the Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica plant. You’ll find this beverage in two types: raw and ripened. The raw pu erh teas are left unoxidized and dried in the sun similar to green tea. Similarly, the ripened ones are fermented or cooked, giving a black-to-dark brown color.
The flavor profile varies depending on the type and aging. It could be grassy, vegetal, and fresh. Or, deeper, woody, musky, and earthy taste.
Yellow Tea
As the name suggests, this beverage gives a yellow color when brewed. Similar to the green tea, the oxidation is halted during the processing. Then, it's sealed by wrapping in cloth or paper that turns the leaves yellow.
Yellow tea has a very smooth, mellow, floral, sweet taste with earthy undertones. It is mainly categorized into three types: Huang Ya Cha, Huang Xiao Cha, and Huang Da Cha.
Herbal Teas
For those who’re looking for non caffeinated tea types, there are lists of herbal teas to choose from. Except for yerba mate tea, all herbal teas are completely caffeine free.
Herbal teas or Tisanes consist of just dried or fresh parts of plants. It's not only flavorful but also has the potential to offer various health advantages.
Below, we compiled some of the most widely consumed herbal teas. If you’d like to explore them in more detail, you can check out our other comprehensive article guide.
- Lemongrass
- Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- Jasmine Tea
- Ginger Tea
- Spearmint Tea
- Peppermint Tea
- Yerba Mate
- Hibiscus tea
- Chamomile tea
- Rooibos Tea
- Moringa Tea
- Lemon Balm Tea
- Dandelion Tea
Floral Teas
Are you in search of a more fragrant and aromatic tea offering a soothing experience? If so, there are a number of floral teas you could try. It might just be from one of your favorite flowers.
Pure floral teas are also a kind of herbal tea that contains only dried or fresh parts of flowers such as buds, fruits, petals, etc. You may try rose tea, lavender tea, magnolia tea, marigold tea, peach flower tea, chrysanthemum tea, etc. It has a delicate flavor profile with a subtle aroma of the flowers used.
You could also find floral teas blended with true teas. For instance, rose black tea, Nepal jasmine green tea, etc.
Fruit Teas
Next, we have fruit teas if you want a different and a more fruity experience. Again, these beverages do not have any tea leaves. It’s made with just the fresh or dried fruits. Some examples are apple tea, peach tea, mango tea, blueberry tea, raspberry tea, strawberry tea, pineapple tea, orange tea, etc. Most people enjoy it as iced fruit tea for a refreshing effect.
Spiced Teas
Spiced teas are made by infusing the spices in hot water or blended with black teas. This beverage is mainly appreciated for its warming effect. The taste profile could vary based on the spices you use. Here are the lists of the most widely consumed flavors of spiced teas.
- Cardamom Spice tea
- Clove Spice Tea
- Cinnamon Spice Tea
- Pumpkin Spice Tea
- Hibiscus Spice Tea
- Orange Spice Tea
- Cinnamon Apple Spice Tea
Flavored Teas
So far, we’ve covered the caffeinated and non caffeinated tea types. Now, let’s move on to the flavored beverages that are made by blending in true teas with spices, floral, herbal, or fruits. You may try them when you want to have a different taste than the regular teas. For Instance, chai tea, vanilla tea, almond tea, etc.
Loose Leaf Vs Tea Bags
Most true teas come in loose-leaf or tea bag form. While some may prefer loose leaves for their quality, others might find the tea bags convenient. If you're a beginner and confused in between them, check out the given comparison table.
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Basis of Difference
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Loose Leaf
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Tea Bags
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Quality
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The quality of tea leaves is higher in loose leaves than the tea bags.
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The tea bags could contain remnants left of the high quality loose leaf tea.
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Flavor
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The aroma and flavor is more intense.
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The flavors and aroma is usually less than the loose leaf teas.
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Brewing
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You may need an extra tool to brew loose leaf tea.
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It's very convenient and easy to brew.
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Variety
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Comparatively, there are less flavor varieties of loose leaf tea.
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You may find more flavor variety in tea bags.
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FAQs
How many types of tea are there?
According to multiple sources, there are around 1500 different types of tea.
What type of tea is for gut health?
Some teas like oolong, green, ginger, peppermint, chamomile, pu-erh, dandelion, etc may be potentially beneficial for gut health. These beverages may have bioactive compounds that could support in growing beneficial bacteria or soothing gut inflammation.
Is gunpowder a type of tea?
Yes, gunpowder is a type of Chinese green tea that has a very unique appearance. The tea leaves are rolled tightly into small pellets that look like gunpowder.
What type of tea has the most caffeine?
In the case of true teas, black teas usually have the most caffeine.
Do all types of tea come from the same plant?
All types of true tea like black, green, oolong, white, yellow, and pu erh tea come from the same plant called Camellia Sinensis. But, each of them is processed differently which makes them unique.
Conclusion
For the best tea experience, nothing beats the richness of high-quality leaves. That’s why explore our Danfe Tea’s finest loose leaf teas specially made in the Himalayas. From true teas, herbal teas, to blended teas, each cup promises to heighten your tea experience.
