What Are The Different Types Of Tea?

Tea has been a staple beverage all over the world for centuries.

Studies have shown that drinking tea can boost your immune system, fight inflammation and alleviate some of the adverse side effects of compromising immune disorders.

Each tea has different benefits, and there’s plenty of evidence that drinking tea can positively impact your health.

So what are the different types of tea?

White Tea

Being the least processed tea, research shows that white tea may be the most effective tea in fighting some forms of cancer thanks to its high level of antioxidants. White tea is also known to be good for your teeth due to the fluoride, catechins and tannins found in it that can strengthen teeth, fight plaque, and make them more resistant to acid and sugar.

Green Tea

Green tea is very high in flavonoids that can help boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol & reducing blood clots. This tea variety has also been shown to be anti-inflammatory, which helps keep your skin clear and glowing.

Black Tea

Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. However, the leaves are dried and fermented, giving black tea a dark colour and rich flavour.

Like other varieties, black tea is caffeinated, so it’s vital to monitor your intake. When you pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea variety made from the Camellia Sinensis plant used to make various teas; the difference is primarily in how the tea is processed. Green tea is not allowed to oxidize much, but black oxidizes until it turns black.

Oolong tea is partially oxidized; this partial oxidation is responsible for oolong tea’s colour and​ characteristic taste. Oolong tea contains l-theanine, an amino acid that reduces anxiety and increases alertness and attention. Oolong tea is also high in polyphenols, linked to lowering inflammation, preventing cancers’ growth, and decreasing type 2 diabetes risk.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas famously don’t contain caffeine which is why they’re known for their calming properties. They’re mostly made up of a blend of herbs, spices, fruits in addition to tea leaves. Some of our most popular herbal teas include chamomile, rooibos, peppermint and ginger. Each of these has unique components that benefit immunity, skin, hair and overall wellness.

How are the different types of tea produced?

All types of “true” tea originate from the same plant – the Camellia sinensis (hence our name Camellia’s Tea House). Black tea, green tea, yellow tea white tea and oolong tea are all made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Each of these teas develops its unique characteristics through different harvesting and processing methods.

There are so many different factors that influence the appearance and flavour of tea, and specific tea processing methods have been developed over hundreds of years. Today, there are six main categories of tea, each with different signature characteristics and processing methods.

Love learning about tea? Visit our blog for more tea history, our tea-infused cake recipes and how to make delicious tea cocktails!