If you're a tea lover, you know there's nothing better than sipping on a soothing, warm cup of tea. In addition to providing relaxation, different types of teas help sharpen the mind, increase energy levels, calm the body, improve sleep, boost immunity and aid digestion. Tea selection and preference is subjective, but most tea lovers like to try different types of loose teas.
Consumed all over the world, the sheer number of species available can be both overwhelming and confusing at times. Here are some of the most popular types of tea around the world.
Hōjicha -
Hōjicha is a type of Japanese green tea. It is made from bancha or sencha green tea, which is roasted at a high temperature. Instead of the typical green tea and herbal flavor, hōjicha usually has notes reminiscent of coffee, cocoa, and caramel.
Green tea -
Green tea is a non-oxidized tea that is characterized by a bright green color and fresh grassy notes. It is produced from the tea leaves of the evergreen tea bush Camellia sinensis. There are several varieties of green tea available today, and they are often further flavored or used in blends.
rooibos -
Grown exclusively in South Africa, rooibos tea has been consumed for centuries in the Cederberg mountain region. Rich in antioxidants, it is prepared from the leaves of Aspalathus linearis.
Ceylon Black Tea -
Ceylon tea is the name of the tea produced in Sri Lanka (the former name of the country was Ceylon). The best samples of Ceylon black tea originate from tea plantations located at a higher altitude, which gives them a rich and complex taste.
pu erh -
Pu erh, also known as aged or vintage tea, is produced exclusively in the Yunnan province of China. There are two main varieties: raw, unfermented pu erh, called pu erh sheng, and mature, fermented pu erh, called pu erh shu. The raw version has a very fresh, vegetal flavor, while the mature has a mild, earthy flavor achieved through the fermentation process.
Darjeeling -
Named after the Indian city of Darjeeling, the center of Bengal tea cultivation, this tea is known for its unique fruity aroma and nutmeg-like taste.
Oolong -
Falling somewhere between black and green tea, oolong is a semi-oxidized tea that can vary depending on the type of leaf, degree of oxidation, color and degree of roasting. Its aromas often include hints of melon, apricot or orchids.
Black tea -
Originating from China, black tea is distinguished from other tea varieties by its strong oxidation. In this process, the tea leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant acquire their characteristic dark color and earthy notes appear. When brewed, black tea usually has a typical amber or brownish hue and stronger flavors and aromas./BGNES
