Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Main Kinds of Tea

Here ye! Here ye! Welcome to the wonderful and magnificent world of teas. Come closer. Don't be shy. They don't bite. They all come from different colors, shapes and sizes. Although looking quite different from the other, rest assured that they all taste delightful. All with different aromas and flavors. Delectable with each sip. Assuring that each one caters to specific needs of certain individuals. What are you waiting for. Choose one out of the 2,000 different blends of tea! Oh, here they are. Let us welcome some of them. Why don't we give a round of applause to the four main kindsof tea: Black tea, green tea, Oolong tea and white.


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And want to know something more amazing? Although there are literally thousands of varieties, all of them are offspring to just one mother- the Camellia Sinensis. Is she not amazing? What makes them unique from one another is really on the basis of processing and the geographical conditions of region where each plant is nurtured and cultivated. Generally, the plant is called the tea plant, and the places where these plants are cultivated are called as tea plantations.The biggest factor that makes the tea look and taste how they are is through oxidation – also known as fermentation of the leaves. Oxidation happens when vegetables go through changes chemically after being picked from the plant. This is why varieties of teas are created.

Black Tea

So, First we have black tea. The oldest, toughest and perkiest. It is allowed to wither in order for oxidation (or fermentation) to take place. Water is allowed to evaporate out of the leaves thus, making it absorb more oxygen that came from the atmosphere. Full oxidation takes place, as they say, making it have a dark brown to black appearance and also making is have a more pronounce or robust taste. It also has higher caffeine content from the other teas.

Green Tea

Up next is green tea. The third child. Just like black tea, it is also allowed to wither, but only for a short amount of time right after being picked. Oxidation or fermentation is halted ver quickly by submitting it to rapid heating. Therefore, they are brewed at a lesser time and at lower temperatures, thus, giving less caffeine content than black teas can give. It also has a less subtle flavor.

Oolong Tea

Here we have Oolong tea (but he prefers to be called wulong tea instead). He is only subjected to partial oxidation only. He is the second child, in between black tea and green tea. And thus, he also has a caffeine content somewhere between them too. They taste not as robust as black tea's nor as subtle as greens making it taste and smell in a very unique fashion. Their taste can even be likened to that of a fresh fruit and the smell of fresh flowers picked in spring.

White Tea

Last, but certainly not the least, white tea. The youngest of the siblings. Not to mention the most delicate. White tea has a natural sweetness and complexity unlike those of its elder siblings. The most subtle taste. For it is hand processed using only the youngest shoots of the tea plant. And it did not undergo any oxidation. It also produces low amounts of caffeine among the other teas.

There you go ladies and gentlemen, the main kinds of tea. Who is popular really? As you can see, all of them are unique in the own right and can offer each and one of you a particular aroma or taste you can enjoy in the comforts of your own homes and during meals. But who do you think is the most popular? Let us see what the survey says..

Of all the kinds of tea, white tea is the least popular in the west, although in China and other parts of Asia it is considered to be a quite a treat. It requires more attention because it needs to be hand processed and also is very costly, making it popular to the elite. But I guess that is also the main reason as to the diminishing popularity it has with the general public.

Most Americans voted for black tea. It is even considered as the traditional tea. But the difference ends there. In terms of health benefits they all offer almost the same things.

With that in mind, let us also take a look at other countries and their stand in the topic of teas.

Here are some of them:

China:

Is the founder of teas, thanks to the discovery of Shien Non Shei. Not only do we need to thank China but also for offering some of the wonderful varieties of green and white teas available.

Japan:

Japanese tea like "sencha" and "gyokuro" are just some of the tea variety and favorites not only Japan enjoys but other people and cultures as well. Add to their very unique culture involving teas, it really makes Japan one of the countries to go tea-hopping.

India:

Surprisingly enough, Indian tea is probably the world's most popular tea. For according to surveys, it is the most consumed tea in the world. It also makes the most tea products, with about 850,000 tons estimated to being made. Imagine! One of the most common teas include the famous Indian black tea. Some of them are the Darjeeling and Assam tea.

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, the people have spoken.

Here is a quick recap of the teas (in case you got confused):

All teas come from the same tea plant - Camellia Sinensis. The difference lies in where they originated but how they are processed.

Black tea: Wilted and fully oxidized. Most caffeine content. Robust and strongest taste


Green tea: Wilted but only for short period but not oxidized fully. Lesser caffeine content than black tea. Subtle taste.


Oolong tea: Wilted, bruised, oxidized in partial, has unique smell just like fresh flower and taste like fresh fruit. Caffeine content between black and green tea


White tea: Not wilted nor oxidized. Has the least caffeine content. Very subtle taste and most delicate

So in the end, it really does not matter if it is black tea, green tea, oolong tea or white tea that you prefer and love consuming. For different people have different tastes and preferences. The important matter to keep in mind is that no matter what tea you love to drink, what is important is that you know that these teas are not only wonderful drinks to drink, savor and enjoy but also very good for one's health too. Teas are very natural, compared to other drinking products available. And they offer the least harmful effects. That is all. Curtains close.


Did you know...

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