TEA
Types of Tea:
A World of Flavors, One Remarkable Plant
Moments that inspire
From bold and malty to sweet and floral, every true tea comes from a single source: the Camellia sinensis plant. However, the journey from leaf to liquor is shaped by how the leaf is harvested, processed, and oxidized. At TZB, we celebrate this diversity by offering a full spectrum of teas crafted to awaken the senses and enrich your rituals.
This guide explores the six main types of tea, plus two additional favorites, Matcha and Herbal teas, that complete the modern tea lover’s repertoire.
Black Tea: Bold, Brisk, and Invigorating
Black tea is fully oxidized for a deep amber liquor and rich, malty flavor. It is the most consumed type of tea worldwide. Major black tea regions are India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, known for their strength, body, and brisk finish.
Perfect for morning routines, black tea pairs beautifully with milk and sweeteners, and forms the base of many global favorites, including chai and breakfast blends.
Green Tea: Fresh, Grassy, and Antioxidant-Rich
Minimally oxidized and carefully steamed or pan-fired, green tea retains its vibrant green color and vegetal flavor. High in catechins and antioxidants, it’s both refreshing and restorative.
Green teas hail from the misty mountains of Uji (Japan), Zhejiang (China), and Darjeeling, offering notes that range from umami to toasted chestnut.
Oolong Tea: The Perfect Balance
Partially oxidized and artfully rolled, oolong teas bridge the gap between black and green teas. Their flavor can range from buttery and floral to woody and roasted, depending on oxidation level and terroir.
Crafted primarily in Taiwan and Fujian, oolongs are cherished for their complexity, smooth body, and ability to be steeped multiple times.
White Tea: Delicate and Naturally Sweet
White tea is the least processed of all teas, made from the youngest buds and leaves, simply plucked and dried. Subtle, naturally sweet, and low in caffeine, it’s a calming cup that whispers instead of shouts.
Yellow Tea: Rare and Refined
A close cousin to green tea, yellow tea undergoes a slow, gentle oxidation and a unique smothering process that mellows its flavor. It’s known for its honeyed notes and smooth texture.
Due to its labor-intensive process, yellow tea is produced in small quantities in select regions of China, making it a true connoisseur’s choice.
Pu’er Tea: Earthy, Aged Elegance
Hailing from Yunnan, China, Pu’er is a fermented and aged tea with a complex, earthy profile that improves over time. Traditionally pressed into cakes, it offers an experience closer to wine or whisky—rich, mellow, and full-bodied.
Pu’er selection includes raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) styles, perfect for deep, contemplative sipping.
Matcha: The Ceremonial Supertea
Matcha is a special type of green tea that stands apart because of how it’s grown, processed, and enjoyed. Unlike traditional green tea, which is brewed from whole leaves, matcha is made by finely grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a bright green powder.
What Makes Matcha Unique?
- Shade-Grown: For several weeks before harvest, tea plants destined for matcha are grown under shade. This process boosts chlorophyll and amino acid levels, giving matcha its vivid green color and rich umami flavor.
- Whole Leaf Consumption: When you drink matcha, you consume the entire leaf in powdered form, resulting in a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and caffeine compared to regular green tea.
- Flavor Profile: Matcha offers a complex taste—earthy and grassy, with a smooth umami richness and a subtle balance of bitterness and sweetness.
- Preparation: Traditionally whisked with hot water, matcha can also be enjoyed in lattes, smoothies, and baked goods, making it versatile and popular worldwide.
Health Benefits
Because matcha uses the whole leaf, it delivers up to 3-5 times the antioxidants of regular green tea. It’s rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus, and provides a gradual, sustained energy boost without the jitters often associated with caffeine.
In summary, matcha is a vibrant, nutrient-rich green tea powder cherished for its unique growing process, bold flavor, and powerful health benefits, making it a favorite for tea lovers seeking both taste and wellness.
Herbal Teas (Tisanes): Caffeine-Free Wellness
While not “true teas” from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal infusions—or tisanes—are steeped from herbs, flowers, roots, and fruits. Whether it’s the calming floral touch of chamomile, the cool tingle of peppermint, or the earthy warmth of rooibos, herbal teas offer a flavorful, caffeine-free alternative.
One Plant. Infinite Possibilities.
From delicate white to robust black, ceremonial matcha to restorative rooibos, every cup of tea represents centuries of tradition and the boundless creativity of tea artisans. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just beginning your journey, there’s always a new flavor, aroma, or story to discover.
Ready to explore?
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