I’m Sure You Never Knew About These Unique Types Of Tea (2024)

Let’s learn a little bit about tea.

Tea or chai is not just something to sip on; it reunites cultures and bonds and transcends boundaries. Tea is an infusion of unity that has evolved over the ages into various types, from herbal to black. Tea is famous and consumed in every corner of the world except Antarctica! India is the second-largest tea producer globally, following China, and it is also the second-largest exporter and consumer.

Tea is the second most beloved beverage after water. In India, a good morning begins with brewing tea, and the day often ends with sipping another. It comes in diverse forms, from black to oolong to herbal.

Brewing a cup of aromatic tea is heavenly! Consuming it in moderation and the right way can provide medicinal benefits for our bodies. Today, we will discuss a fascinating and informative topic: 6 types of tea and their therapeutic properties. Not only will we cover well-known varieties, but we will also explore some rare brews that many of us may not have considered. Let’s begin

If you take a survey, the most popular tea types will likely be regular masala tea, lemon tea, Irani tea, and various milk teas. With increasing health awareness, green tea has also become quite trendy.

There are thousands of types of tea, but to make it simpler and easier to understand, they are generally categorised into six types of tea. They are:

1. White tea
2. Green tea
3. Oolong tea
4. Black tea
5. Puer tea
6. Yellow tea

In addition to true teas, herbal infusions are another category worth noting. These cannot be classified as teas since they are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant, the source of all true teas. Herbal infusions include chamomile, peppermint, lemongrass, detox blends, herbal teas, and traditional remedies like kadha, ginger tea etc.

What is Camellia sinensis?

It is a species of evergreen shrub plant native to East Asia. It is the plant from which all true teas are made. The leaves (fully ripened, tender, and medium), buds, and stalk are harvested. Then, they undergo other processes like oxidation, fermentation, and processing to prepare different forms of teas with different flavours and their respective benefits.

Now, we shall be proceeding to our various types of tea. Here, we will study their detailed description, how they are processed, and what they undergo to get their different forms. It’s fascinating! It’s almost like a botanical marvel that a single plant, Camellia sinensis, can yield a wide range of teas. Each tea’s flavour, aroma, and appearance are transformed through unique processing techniques—like varying oxidation, drying methods, and even harvest season.

Several factors result in different types of tea, including oxidation levels, leaf curling and shaping, processing methods, harvest time, and more.

Myths about tea and facts:

1. Tea can turn your complexion dark

Our skin tone, whether fair, dark, or dusky, is all described by the presence of melanin in it. Melanin is produced by the cells called melanocytes beneath our skin. Having tea doesn’t affect it at all. But yes, taking in larger amounts may make you feel obsessed and addicted to it.

2. Tea will increase or decrease your weight

It is a common belief that sipping milk tea or regular chai will increase our weight or belly fat while sipping green tea will help reduce weight. But is this correct and factual? It’s not the tea itself but the presence of sugar that contributes to weight gain. Additionally, several compounds in tea, such as catechins, antioxidants, and polyphenols, can improve metabolism and help reduce cholesterol levels. The presence of minimally processed ingredients is what makes tea a light and energising beverage.

3. Tea can induce gastric troubles

Many people report experiencing gastric troubles, whether major or minor, from drinking tea regularly. While this claim may seem valid, it’s important to note that consuming tea made with milk and sugar on an empty stomach can likely lead to gas and bloating over time. This issue often arises from the incorrect way of consuming tea. Tea should be taken in moderation and, ideally, in its true form. Adding milk, especially when consumed first thing in the morning, can be a potential culprit for digestive issues.

Tea contains tannins, which contribute to its antioxidant properties. However, consuming tea in large amounts can lead to adverse effects.

Let’s move to our types of tea and figure out their health benefits.

1. Black tea

Black tea, also known as kali chai, is one of the most popular types of tea. It has a dark shade and produces a deep maroon brew steeped in water. Black tea is highly oxidised, which gives the leaves their blackish colour. Due to the fermentation process of the tea leaves, black tea develops a mild, sweet and nutty flavour. It also contains a moderate amount of caffeine, which uplifts you, making you feel refreshed and energised.

Black tea is best enjoyed without milk or sugar, as it naturally has a sweet flavour. If desired, you can add a little bit of stevia. It should be brewed and enjoyed as is, making it a great choice for a morning beverage. Black tea offers several health benefits, including support for cardiovascular health, a reduction in cortisol levels, and a decreased risk of stroke. However, it should be consumed in moderation, as excessive caffeine intake can lead to addiction and may not be safe.

When combined with milk, this black tea yields what we mainly know as ‘chai’ in India. In India and many other Asian countries, Assam or Darjeeling tea is used to make our favourite chai, giving it a robust flavour. Chai also has many variations, as you can see with the numerous brands available in the market. Some teas are quite expensive, while others are very affordable. The difference in price often comes from how the tea is processed and the amount of flavour the tea leaves hold.

2. Green tea

Here comes the most favourite beverage of health freaks! For the production of green tea, the leaves are not heavily processed; instead, they are quickly steamed or pan-fired to maintain their green colour. This process preserves the essential natural components, making green tea a healthier option overall. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and contains very little caffeine, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals. Green tea offers multiple benefits, such as stimulating metabolism, reducing bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, and combating free radical damage, among others. Additionally, studies have shown that regular and safe consumption of green tea may have the potential to inhibit cancerous cells.

In markets, green tea is available in its original form. Additionally, to meet public demand and preferences, some varieties are mixed with healthy herbs like ashwagandha, tulsi, peppermint, and basil. These additions enhance the flavour and add value according to individual tastes.

3. Oolong tea

Oolong tea falls somewhere between green and black tea. It is neither fully oxidised nor left in its natural state; instead, it is partially oxidised, resulting in a greyish appearance. When prepared, oolong tea typically has a golden-yellow hue. The texture can vary, as oolong may be blended with other teas.

Oolong tea comes in many types, depending on its processing methods. Some leaves are rolled, while others are left in a stripped form, and the colour can range from lighter to darker shades, depending on the degree of oxidation. The small, rolled oolongs tend to be creamy and mildly flavoured, while the darker leaves produce nutty and fruity flavours. The name ‘oolong’ means ‘black dragon,’ which refers to its dark copper hue and its curly, rolled texture. Oolong tea can have a range of flavours, including nutty, toasty, and floral, with nuanced characteristics that primarily arise from the roasting process. Oolong tea has less caffeine compared to black tea.

Oolong tea offers multiple benefits, including supporting the overall immune system, reducing the risk of brain haemorrhages, and boosting metabolism. Many studies have also shown that it may help improve insulin sensitivity, making it one of the best beverages for those with diabetes or at risk of developing it.

Oolong tea can be consumed in various ways, such as drinking it before meals to control appetite. It’s also great to enjoy post-workout for recovery or between meals to aid digestion.

4. White tea

Here comes one of the most expensive, majestic, and rare harvests among the group of teas. White tea is one of the royal forms of tea, which yields an off-white colour after brewing. White tea has an exquisite taste with multiple health benefits. In many cultures in China, this tea holds ceremonial importance and is often regarded as a luxurious item. It has a light, floral, and slightly grassy flavour. White tea undergoes very little processing; this results in a more natural and minimally processed taste.

White tea is obtained from the tender, silvery hairs present on the unopened buds of the tea plant. This tea is far superior to other teas and contains very little caffeine. It is rich in antioxidants and is filled with polyphenols and catechins. Talking about health benefits, white tea is good for heart health and supports weight loss. It also improves skin texture, making it soft, supple, and healthier.

5. Yellow tea

Yellow tea is very rare and is produced in small quantities in China. Historically, during the reigns of emperors, this yellow tea was specially prepared as a tribute to symbolise the strength and pride of the emperor. It signifies prestige, luxury, and the power of the king. In the present era, yellow tea is often gifted and served to VIPs and politicians throughout various regions of China.

Like other types of tea, yellow tea is also rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and catechins. It improves metabolism, supports gut health, enhances concentration, and aids in cardiovascular health. Yellow tea has a sweet, earthy, and floral flavour. Preparing yellow tea involves a drying and fermenting process that includes slow drying, which gives the tea its characteristic yellow hue.

6. Pu-erh tea

Pu-erh tea is a fermented tea from China that is nicely aged. A good quality pu-erh tea should have a smooth, nutty, sweet flavour reminiscent of prunes. Poor quality or stale pu-erh tea may have an unpleasant, dull, and thin texture. Compared to green tea, pu-erh tea contains more polyphenols. The leaves chosen for pu-erh tea come from the Dai Ye variety of the tea plant, which has larger and broader leaves. After proper fermentation, it develops its unique characteristics and a brownish-red colour. Pu-erh tea is traditionally made in the Yunnan province of China.

Herbal infusions:

Herbal infusions are no less than wonders for our health. Some of the ones we consume regularly include hibiscus tea, lemongrass tea, chamomile tea, tulsi tea, and detox tea. These infusions contain numerous healthy components and offer various health benefits. Choosing herbal teas is important based on your body type, personal preferences, and health conditions.

So, dear chai lovers, rejoice! In this blog, we have covered the myths about tea, the facts, and what we should remember to make our blissful brews healthy and enjoyable. Tea is a natural beverage that can potentially improve our health, but we must not overlook its benefits. I hope you found the post on different types of tea informative and interesting. Feel free to ask in the comment box for any doubts or queries. Stay healthy and stay safe!

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