Types of Teas

Before coffee took center stage in my life, tea was the star of the show. I loved the variety in leaves, the ancient history, and how people all over the world drink tea regardless of differing cultures. Even after drinking hundreds of mugs of tea, I still look at the wall of tea at the grocer and get overwhelmed by the types and flavors. There are so many to choose from that I am often left unsure if I will enjoy the flavors or what levels of caffeine it contains. 

In case you feel the same way, I’ve broken down some of the most important information that can help you make tea decisions even easier this year (especially if your resolution is to drink less coffee or consume less caffeine). Before we explore different teas throughout the month of January, let’s look deeper into some of the most common tea types, their caffeine content, and typical flavor profiles. 

It starts with oxygen.

Tea leaves get much of their distinct flavor and variety in caffeine content due to a process called oxidation. This process exposes tea leaves to the air after harvest, sometimes involving mashing or bashing (punching small holes or causing wrinkles to increase exposed surface area) to bring oxygen deeper into the leaf. Once the leaves have oxidized just enough, the process is halted by exposing the leaves to heat (such as sun-drying). Just as an avocado turns brown when exposed to oxygen, so do the tea leaves. The color of your tea can help you determine how oxidized the leaves are.

What is black tea?

Black tea is super popular in America because of our love for sweet tea. Just throw a handful of Lipton tea bags into some water and let it steep in the sun. But black tea has far more to offer than we give it credit for.

Black tea is produced from the Camellia sinensis plant - as are green and white teas. Black tea leaves are fully oxidized which results in a sharper and more robust flavor. Because of its deep flavors, it is more often paired with milk and sugar than other teas. According to Healthline, black tea contains about 47 mg of caffeine, but can contain up to 90 mg. For reference, most 8 oz cups of black coffee contain around 85 mg of caffeine. So if you try to justify skipping coffee with black tea on the basis of caffeine, you may not be doing yourself much of a favor.

Black tea comes in a plethora of varieties, most of which are simple and lightly flavored such as Earl Gray and English Breakfast (although plain black tea is delicious as is). Black tea is often the base of Chai teas because it holds a strong flavor base that can be accented by the spices.

What is green tea?

Green tea is hardly oxidized and undergoes a heating treatment right after picking to stop additional oxidation. These teas are often mellow in flavor and produce a light green color. When I have perused green teas in the past, they are often paired with a lemongrass or mint, which heightens the subtle flavors and brings additional freshness to the cup. Green teas are less caffeinated than black teas by a long shot: only about 20-45 mg in an 8 oz cup.

What is white tea?

White teas undergo very minimal processing, with oxidation limited to the drying method. They are typically made of soft buds and tips of the tea plants which results in a delicate flavor. Due to minimal oxidation, they contain anywhere from 6-60 mg of caffeine -- a wide range. If you are concerned about your caffeine intake, review your white tea carefully to find one on the lower end of that spectrum.

What is oolong tea?

Oolong tea is also produced from the Camellia sinensis plant and is a native variety in China. Its flavor profile is a result of cultivation, elevation and climate, and processing. Oolong teas are green in color, and have a variety of additional flavors depending on their oxidation levels (ranging between black and green teas). It is typically processed so that whole tea leaves are wrapped into tight, small balls. 

What is herbal tea?

To some, herbal tea is not considered an actual tea since it is not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant like black, green, white, and oolong tea. Herbal tea is instead comprised of a blend of leaves, fruits, barks, and flowers from edible non-tea plants. Because of the wide range of possible ingredients, herbal tea comes in an array of flavors. Most herbal teas (but not all) are also naturally caffeine free and are a great option when trying to limit your caffeine intake.

Some of my favorite herbal teas include chamomile (add a bit of honey when you have a sore throat or need a little sweetness) and rooibos tea (made from leaves of an African bush and brews very red, smooth, and delicious - similar to a black tea in its bold flavor). 

There is so much tea brewing around the world. I’m eager to explore different tea varieties and brewing methods with you this month so that you can experience the variety and wonder for yourself with more confidence at the grocery store.

Cheers,

Mrs. Brew