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Tea Types

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Are you familiar with the names of the different types of tea? If not, have a look at the "Teas by Type" menu (top left) which lists them all - black, oolong, green etc. Does this mean anything to you, or are you confused?

If so, you are not alone. But do not fear. It is really quite simple.

1. All types of tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis.  Admittedly there are a number of varietals, but they are all the same basic plant.
2. The difference is in the processing.
3. Tea is fermented, or oxidised, during processing. This gives it its distinctive colour and flavour.
4. Consider a cut apple going brown in the air. The browning is caused by enzymes within the apple acting in the presence of oxygen to break down the cells. If you heat the apple (eg by stewing) it will no longer go brown because the enzymes have been denatured.
5. The same thing happens with tea. The leaves are bruised then left to oxidise (go brown), just like the apple. When the required oxidisation has occurred the tea is heated which arrests the browning process.
6. Therefore the degree of oxidisation or fermentation determines the tea type.
   • Black tea is fully fermented.
   • Oolong tea is semi-fermented.
   • Green tea is unfermented (almost).
   • White tea is unfermented and produced from the youngest leaves.

For more information about each tea type, and to browse teas of that type, click the appropriate link on the "Teas by Type" menu (top left).

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