Types of Tea That You Must Try if You’re a Tea Lover

Widely enjoyed for many centuries, tea is known to be one of the healthiest and nourishing beverages. However, it is mainly popular among the people of the countries from the eastern side of the world. Almost all the types of tea generally come from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis, which is native to East and Southeast Asia. However, due to its enormous popularity, it is nowadays also being cultivated in the subtropical and tropical regions of the world.

Due to the differences in processing procedures, growing conditions, and regions, this beverage come with more than a hundred varieties. So, if you are a tea lover and are interested to know its types, then make sure to follow this write-up as thoroughly as possible.

Basic or Main Types of Tea

When talking about the basic or the main teas, this type of beverage comes with five distinct choices. Here is what you need to know about the different types of teas and their benefits.

1. Black Tea

Widely considered as the most popular main types of tea, black tea is widely popular among the people of Britain, Ireland, and India. To make this beverage, you would have to allow the tea leaves to wither or oxidize until the color of the water turns in complete black or dark brown. If you brew it appropriately, then you will get to enjoy almost 55% – 60% more caffeine content than coffee.

However, because of being highly oxidized, this type of tea generally tastes quite raw and bitter. Therefore, to change its astringent flavor, many people also drink it with a little amount of milk and sugar.

2. Green Tea

Unlike the leaves of black tea, the green tea leaves generally undergo three different procedures, which are plucking, withering, and oxidizing. Therefore, when making this tea, you do not have to oxidize it thoroughly like black tea. You have to steam the leaves to significant temperature so that they do not turn into dark brown color. If you have brewed it precisely, then you will see that the color of water has turned into light brown or light green color.

Among the main types of tea, green tea is comprehended by many to be quite beneficial for health. It can help to minimize your body stress and improve your brain function. Apart from that, it can also assist you with your weight regime and lower the overall risk of different types of cancer.

3. Oolong Tea

Mainly originated in a small village of China, oolong tea comes with the qualities of both green and black tea. Therefore, unlike the other beverages, the leaves of this one undergo a partial oxidization procedure. This unfinished oxidization process is known to be responsible for the lighter color.

Because of combining both the qualities of green and black tea, oolong tea can be beneficial for our health in numerous ways. It can help in reducing stress as well as your weight. Besides that, the enzymes of oolong tea can also be beneficial for those people who are suffering from diabetes.

4. White Tea

Unlike the other types of tea, the leaves of white tea are kept unprocessed by the tea makers. They generally pluck the leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant and allow them to wither dry. Only during the rainy season, the tea makers put the leaves in the tumble dryer and dry them on low and subdued heating temperature. Due to the lack of oxidization, the white tea usually comes with a light yellow or pale green color and produces a delicate aroma.

Apart from its unique taste, white tea also comes with numerous other benefits. They are quite rich in antioxidants, which can be beneficial for both your liver and intestines. Besides that, they can also assist in reducing the risk of heart issues by eliminating extra fats from your body.

5. Pu’erh Tea

The Pu’er tea is generally made by following numerous different types of procedures. It usually goes through the same methods of green tea. However, before drying the tea leaves, the tea makers generally opt for the aging process, which lasts for several months. It helps in enhancing both the quality as well as the aroma of the tea.

Pu’erh tea is mainly popular because of its woodsy aromatic nature and rich taste. However, it can also benefit your health in several other ways. It can help in reducing your body’s cholesterol level and promote weight loss. Aside from that, it can also enhance the strength of your eyesight and reduce the severity of hangover headaches.

Types of Tea Flavors

As you have already known about the main types of tea, now, you need to know about the different flavored teas. The following are various types of decoctions that are widely adored by the people in the world.

1. Barley Tea

Barley tea is most popular among the eastern countries of Asia, such as Japan, China, and Korea, and goes by different names. Due to its unique taste, this type of tea is generally served with ice and enjoyed during summer.

To make this type of tea, you would have to infuse oxidized black tea with roasted barley and heat water at a high temperature for a few minutes. If you have made it appropriately, then the liquor will taste a little bit smoky and bitter. So, if you do not like its raw flavor, then you can also add a little bit of sugar in it.

2. Chaga Mushroom Tea

As you can understand by its name, this type of tea is generally made by adding Chaga mushroom in the liquor. However, to enjoy both the taste and benefits of mushrooms, you would have to boil the water for at least 15 minutes. Chaga mushroom tea is known to be quite popular in the tropical countries of Europe and Asia. It is also known as the most renowned drink in Siberia.

Like most of the other types of tea, Chaga mushroom tea, too, comes with a lot of benefits. It helps in boosting the health of your immunity system. Besides that, it can also aid in reducing minor internal inflammations, which usually causes infections and fever.

3. Chai Tea

Chai tea is made with a combination of steamed milk, various types of Indian herbs, and black tea. In this type of decoction, the makers use many types of herbs, such as ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, etc. Therefore, the essence of it depends on the variety of herb or spice, which the tea-maker has used. Nevertheless, this type of tea usually comes with a creamy and somewhat spicy flavor, which will surely warm both your body and your heart.

Chai tea is known to be quite beneficial and can promote your health in numerous ways. However, if you include too much sugar in the liquor, then it can increase your risks of obesity and diabetes.

4. Chamomile Tea

Broadly known as one of the most popular types of tea in the western countries, Chamomile tea is generally made with edible chamomile flowers. This type of beverage comes with numerous enzymes and components, which helps in relaxing the muscles of our body and reducing our overall stress. Therefore, most people usually use it as a bedtime beverage. Some doctors also suggest the people who are suffering from anxiety issues to drink this tea twice a day.

When talking about flavor, Chamomile tea tastes a little bit bitter than the other flavored tea-beverages. However, its exquisite floral scent and beneficial attributes make up for all of its other drawbacks.

5. Dandelion Tea

If you are an aspiring gardener, then the name of the dandelion plant might be quite familiar to you. This type of plant is known to be edible and is used to make the dandelion salad. Apart from that, nowadays, they are also being used by the tea makers to flavor the somewhat bitter liquor of black tea. However, for using it as a flavoring material, they generally use roasted dandelion roots.

In terms of appearance, dandelion tea almost looks like caffeine due to its brown color. If you add sugar in it, then it might also taste a little bit like coffee.

6. Hibiscus Tea

Affectionately known as Agua De Jamaica, hibiscus tea is made by using the dried petals of the edible Roselle flower. Akin to the color of the floret, the tea comes with a dark red tint, which looks almost like blood. Regarding its taste and smell, it is somewhat sour and has a delicate flowery aroma.

Unlike the other types of tea, hibiscus tea is known to be a great source of anthocyanin polyphenols and vitamin C. Over the years, numerous researches have also proven that this type of beverage can help in reducing both diastolic and systolic blood pressure.

7. Chrysanthemum Tea

Chrysanthemums are a type of floral plants, which usually originates in the East Asian countries, such as China and Japan. The color of the flowers of this type of plant generally varies from one another because of their origin. However, most of them are known to be edible and can be used for cultivating chrysanthemum tea.

Like any other flower teas, chrysanthemum tea also comes with an exquisitely aromatic scent. However, unlike most of them, it tastes quite sweet and splendid. Nevertheless, chrysanthemum tea is mainly popular among Asian people because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Moringa Tea

Native to the north-west side of India, Moringa tea is made by utilizing the leaves of the horseradish tree. However, if you want to, then you can also make this beverage from the flowers, roots, and seeds of this plant. If made appropriately, Moringa tea tastes a little bit grassy and bitter. However, because of its sensational aroma and bright green color, the drink is quite famous among the tea lovers.

Apart from its sensual scent, Moringa tea is a rich source of nutrients, such as vitamins B and C. Many doctors also ask patients of high blood pressure and blood sugar to drink this beverage regularly.

9. Matcha Tea

Widely considered as one of the most popular types of tea in Japan, Matcha tea comes with a grassy and bitter taste. Due to this reason, most people from other countries use a lot of sugar in their beverages. However, in Japan, the residents usually drink this tea in its raw form, which is known to be very beneficial for our health.

Often compared to green tea because of its color, Matcha tea comes with various nutrients, which can boost your health in several ways. However, to rip the fruits of these benefits, you would have to drink it in its raw form.

10. Peppermint Tea

Known as one of the most popular herbal teas, the Peppermint tea is mainly popular among tea lovers because of its strong and minty flavor. Apart from filling you up with freshness, this type of beverage can also help to amplify the health of your digestive tract. Aside from that, it can also alleviate the symptoms of stomach discomfort or upsets.

However, if you are currently suffering from GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, then make sure to talk with your doctor before drinking Peppermint tea. This type of tea is pretty expensive. However, it generally depends on the types of tea brands as well as the quantity.

FAQ about Types of Tea

1. How many types of tea are there?

From a general point of view, tea comes with more than a hundred different varieties. However, if you are talking about the main forms of this beverage, then there are only five types. There are-

• White tea
• Black tea
• Oolong tea
• Green tea
• Pu’erh tea

2. Is tea more beneficial than coffee?

Yes, if you do not add any sugar or any other taste enhancers in the liquor and drink it while it is warm, then tea can be a lot more beneficial than coffee.

3. Is Chai tea good for health?

Yes, Chai Tea is especially good for health because of the addition of different types of spices and herbs. However, if you add sugar in it, then you will not be able to enjoy its benefits.

4. Which type of tea is best for sleep?

Chamomile tea is one of the best bedtime beverages as it relaxes your body muscles and reduces your stress.

So, these are some of the types of tea that widely popular among the tea lovers of the world.