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Tea Guides

A Beginners Guide: The Six Types of Teas

March 23, 2022

All teas come from the same plant called Camillea Sinensis. What makes these teas different from one another is the processing of the tea leaves. There are six mains types of teas: Black Tea, White Tea, Green Tea, Oolong, Dark and Yellow Tea. You may be reading this thinking, “Well what about Rooibos and Chamomile? These are actually considered Tisanes. Lets jump into all six of these teas and their qualities!

White Tea

White tea is known to be one of the most delicate tea varieties because it is so minimally processed. White tea is harvested before the tea plant’s leaves open fully, when the young buds are still covered by fine white hairs, hence the name “white” tea. White tea is typically only harvested in spring.

White tea has a very light, refreshing taste to it. You can expect sweet honey notes and lightly vegetal flavors, from a delicate Silver Needle to a more full-bodied White Peony.

White tea has many benefits to it as well! Thanks to minimal processing, white tea has the most antioxidants of all. These help protect the body from free radicals, fight disease and keep you and your immune system healthy. White teas have also been shown to help reverse skin damage caused by stress, diet and sun, and can even help the skin to rebuild resistance to stress.

Black Tea

Black tea is one of the most popular tea selections out there. It has a bold flavor and long shelf life. There are many types of black tea ranging from Earl Grey to English breakfast. Black tea leaves are allowed to fully oxidize before being processed and dried, which makes the leaves dark brown and gives the tea its signature flavor profile. Black teas tend to be bold and brisk, and they are often described as astringent.

After the leaves are picked, they are gently bruised and allowed to fully oxidise. During this process the leaves will turn from the green you see on the bush to the brown we recognize as tea, before finally being dried.

Black tea is loaded with health benefits. Thanks to their high caffeine content, black teas will give you that kick to get you out of bed in the morning. Unlike coffee, the caffeine in black tea is slow-release and therefore leaves you feeling energised for longer. Black tea is also naturally high in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants known to help lower cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Green Tea

Green tea is another extremely popular tea among tea drinkers. The taste of green tea varies. Green teas can range from the sweet, floral character of a Chinese green, such as Jade Tips, to an intense vegetal Japanese Sencha, the flavor depending on where the leaves are grown and how the leaves are heated. Green tea is widely believed to be bitter in taste. However, this is usually due to burning the leaves with boiling water. When brewed at lower temperatures the resulting flavor should be smooth, clean and even sweet. The leaves are plucked, slightly withered, then immediately cooked to preserve the green quality and prevent oxidization. As a result of these methods, green teas have a much higher concentration of chlorophyll, polyphenols, and antioxidants than other tea types. 

Green tea has been shown to have positive effects on parts of the brain used for memory, increasing cognitive functions. Green tea is also a favorite for many nutritionists thanks to its effect on the metabolism. Matcha, in particular, is often included in smoothies, energy balls and pre-workout snacks.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is often overlooked despite having some of the most varied and exciting flavor profiles. From lighter ‘green’ oolongs to the darker, more heavily oxidised oolongs, it is this varying level of oxidation that makes this tea type so exciting, offering a huge spectrum of flavour. Expect everything from a light and floral to a dark and aromatic.

After the leaves are picked (usually whole shoots), they are gently withered to remove some of the moisture from the leaf, before being tumbled in a bamboo drum. This process bruises the leaves and provokes oxidation. Oolongs are semi-oxidised which means that unlike black teas which are allowed to oxidise fully, for oolongs the process is halted after a certain time. The period of oxidation varies depending on the type of oolong being produced and can vary from 10% oxidation for a ‘green’ oolong, to over 60% for a darker Oolong. The leaves are then pan fired at high temperatures before being rolled and dried.

Oolong has been shown to help so many areas of your skin! From anti-aging to eczema to a healthy radiant glow, oolong is the way to go!

Dark Tea

Many people assume dark teas and black teas are the same. They are not! Dark teas are actually closer to green teas in they way that they are processed in the beginning. They then go through a fermentation process. The most common dark tea is Pu’er tea. It is one of the oldest types of tea, with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. Pu-erh teas are often described as having a subtle mushroom-like taste. This ancient tea originates in Yunnan province on China’s southwestern frontier, where a temperate climate and lush landscapes, teeming with biodiversity, provide ideal growing conditions for tea. 

In China, pu-erh tea has long been sipped to achieve a variety of health benefits, such as improvements in heart health and reductions in cholesterol levels. It’s also said that pu-erh tea can help promote weight loss, enhance eyesight, stimulate circulation, and soothe hangovers.

Yellow Tea

Yellow tea is produced similarly to white tea and green tea though an additional step is added. This extra step produces a tea that brews into a golden hue and features a mellow flavor without grassy notes. Yellow tea is a Chinese tea that is difficult to find outside of China. That’s because the process to produce this tea is time intensity, requires additional labor, and proves to be difficult when it comes to large-scale quality control. As a result, there are only three main types of yellow tea available on the market today!

Yellow tea undergoes a production process that is similar to green tea but includes one extra, time-consuming step. The leaves are harvested in early spring and immediately dried using direct sunlight or gentle pan-firing. Once dry, the leaves are wrapped in wet paper or cloth to induce a mild oxidation process through steaming. The yellow tea leaves are oxidized for up to three days and may undergo additional firing or drying rounds. This tea processing method produces a yellowing effect on the tea leaves.

Yellow tea is packed with antioxidants including polyphenols and catechins that are beneficial to overall health. These antioxidants work to prevent damage known as oxidative stress, which is caused by the presence of free radicals. This type of stress is known to breakdown healthy cellular processes and can contribute to premature aging as well as mental decline. The tea is naturally calorie-free, making it a good choice for people on weight loss plans that are looking to replace sugary sodas with healthier alternatives.

Tea Guides

The Tea Kitchen’s Loose Leaf Tea Brewing Guide

February 2, 2022

Making the switch from tea bags to loose leaf tea can feel intimidating at first but we promise it is easy and worth it! When you steep loose leaf tea, it has more room to expand and infuse the water with its many vitamins, minerals and aromas, resulting in a much stronger and flavorful drink. Whether you are a fan of earl grey or a herbal chamomile, we got you covered. We created an entire guide from what tools you need to how to steep the perfect tea every time. To brew the perfect cup of tea, you will need a few basics that you probably have laying around your kitchen right now!

About Tea

True teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. The Camellia Sinensis plant can be found in Asian and African countries, but is primarily native to the Eastern regions of Asia. It grows in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Today, tea is grown and produced in every continent except Antarctica.

In order to achieve the flavor of a certain type of tea, there are different processes the leaves must undergo. The different cultivation types allow teas to develop different scents, aromas, flavors, and colors. Oxidation plays a huge role in this process.

The type of tea that requires the least amount of cultivation is White Tea and is typically a great tea to start with as it is the easiest to brew. The delicate aroma and flavor of white tea is achieved through picking young tea buds that are tightly enclosed in new tea leaves. Because of the lightness of white tea, it is often combined with floral notes to create a tasty infusion. Our White Peony Tea is a perfect example of this delicious combination.

Green tea has a quick turn around due to the lack of oxidation. Green tea leaves can be picked in the morning and served as tea the same evening. Because it does not undergo the oxidation process, green tea retains the chlorophyll and minerals from the plant and remains dark green as it produces a more astringent flavor. Green tea can be associated with various different health benefits including promoting brain function and cardiovascular health. To read more about the different benefits that come alongside green tea, read our post on the health benefits of green tea. Some of our favorite green teas to brew, including Chinese Sencha and Jasmine Special Grade Green, can be found in our online collection.

In contrast to green tea, Black Tea is oxidized which is how it earns the dark brown coloring. Following the oxidation of the tea leaves, they are fired in an oven to stop the process and allow the leaves to turn color. Black tea is generally stronger and more potent than the other types of tea. It is a common tea that can be used to make Southern Sweet Tea, and afternoon tea as the British tea tradition stands. One specific Black Tea that is commonly served at afternoon tea is Earl Grey tea.

Oolong tea undergoes partial oxidation allowing it to find its place in between black and green teas. It combines the astringent flavoring of green tea and the complexity of black tea. Oolong tea is rich in flavor and like any other tea, you can control the strength of your tea by the timing of each steep.

What you’ll need:

  • Loose leaf tea of choice. Picking out a quality leaf is crucial for the perfect cup of tea. Some easy tips to follow are: the larger the leaf, the higher the quality and the better the flavor; Smell the tea to make sure it hasn’t gone stale. Generally speaking, if it smells good it will taste good; For herbal teas, you want to focus on color and scent; if the herbs are faded or don’t have a fragrance, they are probably too old.
  • Electric kettle, stovetop kettle or pot. No worries if you don’t have a kettle lying around. You can easily use a pot that you have in your cupboard. Your trusty old French press is also perfect for brewing tea! Nothing special here; use the press like you always do and use tea leaves instead of coffee (just make sure to clean the press very well first so you don’t get any coffee flavors mixed with your tea). If you are interested in stepping up your tea game and are needing a new teapot, check out this blogpost for the best teapots.

    Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer laying around, use this rule of thumb: 180° F = bubbles form on the bottom of the pot, 195° F = the first bubbles begin to rise, 212° F = full rolling boil.
  • Tea infuser. If you do not have a tea infuser, you can use a kitchen strainer. If you do not have a kitchen strainer, you can place the tea leaves directly into the hot water for infusion. However, the tea prepared by this method will be harder to drink for someone not used to drinking this way because tiny bits of leave will float on the surface. You can avoid the tea leaves hitting your lips by blowing a bit in your cup.
  • Fresh water. Tea is made up of nearly 99% water. This primary ingredient definitely deserves some consideration! Using clean water will help with the best taste for your tea. Using water that has been in your kettle overnight may result in a stale tasting tea, and we definitely do not want that!

How to:

1. Pour fresh water into your tea kettle or pot and bring to appropriate temperature.

2. While waiting for water to boil, add the appropriate amount of loose leaf tea to your tea infuser. Place the tea infuser inside your teapot or mug. 

3. When the water reaches the desired temperature, pour it over the tea infuser into your mug or teapot. This will allow the water to circulate through the leaves.

4. Time your tea. Once the time is up, dunk the infuser a couple of times to circulate the water. Remove the infuser.

5. Serve in your favorite mug and enjoy your delicious cup of tea.

Brewing Guidelines:

Black Tea
If you like your black tea to be full bodied and rich, we recommend steeping it with boiling hot water. If you are looking for more of a caffeine kick, black tea with broken leaves will release caffeine more easily.
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 3 to 5 minutes
Temperature: 190 to 210 F

White Tea
White tea is usually quite forgiving when it comes to brewing. It is hard to over-brew and it shouldn’t get too bitter if you steep it at high temperatures. However, lower temperatures might give you a more nuanced brew, so this is a great opportunity to experiment and find out for yourself what you prefer!
Teaspoons: 2
Brew time: 3 to 4 minutes
Temperature: 170 to 180 F

Green Tea
Green tea is slightly more sensitive to temperature, especially with Japanese green tea. Make sure to keep your water temp lower so your tea does not come out bitter.
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 1 to 3 minutes
Temperature: 170 to 180 F

Oolong Tea
Oolongs vary significantly in the level of oxidation. Some lighter oolongs are much closer to green teas (you’ll recognize the low oxidation level by the green color of the dry leaves). Therefore, brewing these teas at a lower temperature might bring out some interesting notes and flavours. However, in general oolongs are quite forgiving and can be brewed with boiling water.
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 3 to 5 minutes
Temperature: 170 to 180 F

Herbal Tea
Unlike real types of tea such as green and white teas, herbal teas are much easier to brew. They also steep for longer, too!
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 3 to 5 minutes
Temperature: 190 to 210 F

Chai Tea
Chai tea’s base is black tea so, like above, if you like your cup full bodied, make with boiling hot water. If you are making this as a chai tea latte, using whole milk will bring ut all the richness in the spices (but all milks will do!)
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 4 to 5 minutes
Temperature: 205 to 212 F

Must Try Loose Leafs:

If you are a newbie to brewing loose leaf, your safest bets are black and herbal teas. These tea types are more forgiving with the brewing temperature and timing. Our recommendations for black teas are China KeemunAutumn Cranberry Black and Vanilla Black tea. For herbal teas, Hibiscus Flower and Lemon Ginger are fan favorites.

FAQ’s:

How do I store my tea? Will it go bad?
Tea should be stored away from light, moisture, and strongly flavored or fragranced foods. Storing in an airtight container is recommended. Green and white teas will keep fresh for up to a year. Black and oolong teas for no longer than a year and six months.

Can loose leaf tea be reused?
Yes, if the tea is green or oolong. Do not reuse black tea. When reusing tea increase the brewing time with each successive infusion to ensure sufficient taste.

What are the health benefits of drinking tea?
We have some great blog posts written on the benefits of tea here!

Make sure to follow us on Instagram @theteakitchen for daily tea tips and more!

Tea Guides

How to Host a Japanese Tea Ceremony

November 17, 2016

If you want to infuse a little history and a lot of tradition into your tea party, put a Japanese spin on it. Japan is famous for its long, choreographed tea ceremonies, the most serious of which can last four hours. Paradoxically, Japanese tea ceremonies are meant to encourage an unmaterialistic focus on the present, but were often practiced by members of the elite to show off impressive possessions and social status or reinforce social and political hierarchy. Mastering the ins and outs of a Japanese tea ceremony would take you years, but here are some basics that will give your next tea party a Japanese makeover:

Invite Your Guests:

Traditionally, tea ceremonies were a male affair. In the 1500s, as warlords fought for control over a divided Japan, tea ceremonies doubled as military negotiations for generals such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. As Japan modernized, the tea ceremony became less important militaristically and more important as a platform for businessmen to interact. The art form became more female-driven as time went on, so now, no matter your gender, you can be a tea master or attend a tea ceremony. So break out your rolodex and invite whoever you please, political agenda optional.

Choose Your Hardware:

Traditionally, a host used his tea utensils to show off his wealth. Don’t have expensive artifacts from ancient Asia? Don’t worry. Bowls, cups, and teapots that aren’t perfectly crafted, symmetrical, or conventionally beautiful embody the Japanese concept of wabi, or, artless beauty and spontaneity. You should, however, be mindful about the hardware you choose. What kind of mood do they set? What kind of conversation and values do they encourage? Your hardware sets the tone, so be purposeful. Learn more about the various types of Japanese teapots here, and check out some old school hardware courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art here.

Sit on the floor:

A traditional Japanese tea ceremony will take place kneeling on a tatami mat. If you don’t have a tatami mat but you’re really committed to the theme, buy your own set of tatami mats here. Don’t want to spend the dough? Spread a nice blanket on the floor and encourage your guests to kick off their shoes. You can take things up a notch by arranging a series of blankets in the “auspicious” pattern in which tatami mats are typically arranged to bring good luck:

Prepare The Tea:

Surrounded by your guests, prepare green tea or matcha by whisking matcha and hot water in a bowl. Prepare a communal bowl of tea with a thick consistency. Pass the bowl around and have everyone take a sip, marking your bond as a unit.

Serve Something Sweet:

Balance the bitter matcha by serving dessert. Traditional Japanese sweets are called wagashi, and commonly use sweet aziuki bean paste as a base. Other main ingredients include rice, sesame, and chestnuts. Try making these mochi pancakes or follow Martha Stewart’s lead and make your own namagashi candy.

Prepare More Tea:

Treat your guests to individual cups of tea, this time with a thinner consistency. If you want to be authentic, keep conversation (and extraneous body movements) to a minimum. If not, sip and gab away.

Be Showered in Compliments:

Traditionally, the conversation at a Japanese tea ceremony was limited to lots of praise for the host and the hardware that he/she’s chose to show off. Feel free to tell your guests this is very important, and enjoy the ego boost.

Achieve Inner Peace (And Maybe World Peace, Too):

A Japanese Tea Party was meant to spread the values of wa, kei, sei, and jaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.) Kristin Surak, a professor of Japanese politics at the University of London and the author of Making Tea, Making Japan told NPR, “The claim is that everyone in the world can understand those things, and if everybody sat around and had a bowl of tea, we could create world peace.” Hopefully, by the end of your tea party, you’ve achieved wa, kei, sei, or jaku. And if we’re all lucky, you’ve eradicated war.