... And That's the Tea (101) *sips*
Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.
- Chinese Proverb
DISCLAIMER: the content contained in this post is from my own experiences, knowledge/research, and for informational purposes only; additional research is recommended.
I’d like to thank the fabulous Sophie Turner (read: QUEEN) for inspiring the title of this blog post. In the last couple of years, I’ve low-key become quite the tea connoisseur (or so I’d like to think), and now I MUST start my day off with an energizing cuppa… there’s a tea for any type of mood and energy - keep scrolling to find out more!
The 5 basic teas
All authentic tea must come from the plant Camellia Sinensis, which is native to China and India. The 5 basic teas – black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh/fermented – all come from this plant. But what about those favourite fruity, floral, nutty, herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos? NEWS FLASH: they aren’t technically teas, they are tisanes, but let’s talk about that a little later.
Black Tea
High caffeine, rich, full-bodied
Of all the basic teas, black tea has the highest level of caffeine. It makes for a great, healthier alternative to coffee for those days when you need an energizing pick-me-up, without the intense jitters and the crash. It is made with fully oxidized leaves, making it the richest (and darkest) of the teas. The taste is slightly bitter, with light citrus notes, cumulating in a strong, full-bodied flavour. It is the most popular tea in North America and Europe, is often taken with milk and sugar, and is the base tea for most iced teas. Some popular examples include: Earl Grey and Darjeeling.
FUN FACT: Chinese “Black” teas are actually considered “Red” teas due to the reddish/brownish colour of the brew. One of the most expensive types of Chinese tea in the world is the “Da Hong Pao” (lit. Big Red Robe).
Green Tea
Boost your metabolism, antioxidants & focus
Green tea is most popular in Asia – especially China and Japan, where it is made – and is known for its metabolism-boosting and antioxidant properties. It is also super high in L-theanine, which aids focus (#zen). Unlike black tea, it is not oxidized. Instead, it is either steamed (Japanese) or pan-fried (Chinese), giving it its jade-green colour and crisp, grassy, toasty taste. Sencha, Jasmine, and Matcha are all varieties of green tea.
so, what’s the deal with matcha?
A key ingredient in healthy recipes (and now in other baked goods), people are consistently looking for ways to incorporate this powdered/grounded green tea in their diet and beauty rituals. Energizing (I’m talking HIGH levels of caffeine), detoxifying, and mood-boosting, matcha is the intense version of green tea, because you’re ingesting the entire leaf, receiving all the nutrients the plant has to offer. The taste ranges from grassy to creamy, depending on the grade; the higher the grade/quality of matcha, the smoother it is.
HOW TO TELL THE QUALITY OF MATCHA: Do a smear test on a white piece of paper. The brighter the green and the smoother the matcha is to the touch, the higher the quality.
White Tea
Delicate, hydrating, sweet
The most delicate and mild of the teas, white tea is made from leaf buds that are plucked before they are open, and laid out to dry - it’s the least processed of the teas. With its antioxidant and hydrating properties, white tea can help tea lovers retain their fresh and dewy complexions. A significant feature of white tea leaves is that they are covered with whitish hairs. It tastes slightly floral, providing a natural sweetness. Examples include White Peony and Bai Hao Yin Zhen (aka Silver Needle).
Oolong Tea
Complex, aromatic, flavourful
Translating from Chinese to “black dragon”, oolong is very popular in China and due to its complexity in aromas and flavours, is the most sought out tea by connoisseurs; it is the whisky of the tea world. Its partly oxidized leaves make it a combination of black and green teas, in both colour and taste. Oolong teas – such as Black Dragon and Tie Kuan Yin (‘Iron Goddess’) – are extremely flavourful and aromatic, with woody and floral or fruity notes, or even smoky and nutty, depending on the process and the producer. It has also been used to aid metabolism and digestion since ancient times.
Pu’Erh Tea
Fermented, aids digestion, earthy
Pu’erh (pronounced pu-ARR or pu-ERR) is a Chinese fermented tea, known for its medicinal benefits in Asia - it has been used to boost metabolism and aid digestion for almost 2,000 years! Unlike the other basic teas, pu’erh tea leaves are aged for lengthy periods of time prior to its brewing. It bears a distinct earthy, woodsy, musty aroma with a red hue, and is valued like wine, or even cheddar: the longer the fermentation period and the more aged the tea leaves are, the more this tea is worth. The highest quality pu’erh teas typically come in the form of a packed loose leaf wheel.
Tisanes / Herbal
What about those caffeine-free herbals that we all love so much? Or energizing matés? These are called tisanes and are made of (but not limited to) the following ingredients:
Leaf: rooibos, yerba mate, mint
Flower: chamomile, hibiscus, rose
Bark: cinnamon, black cherry bark
Root: ginger, dandelion
Fruit/berry: apple, raspberry, blueberry
Seed/spice: cardamom, fennel
Rooibos
Caffeine-free, sweet, earthy
Originally discovered by the Dutch as a cheaper, caffeine-free alternative to traditional black teas, rooibos (ROY-boss) tea comes from the Aspalathus linearis, a plant native to South Africa. It boasts high levels of antioxidants, bears anti-allergenic and anti-inflammation properties, and is naturally hydrating - an ideal feel-good, healthy tea. Additionally, there is an abundance of electrolytes and minerals perfect for the athletics. There are two types of rooibos: red (fermented; contains sweet and herbal notes) and green (dried; more grassy taste like green tea). Like black teas, rooibos teas taste great with milk!
Maté
Naturally energizing, smoky, earthy, and sweet
If you’re looking for something to give you that energy boost, maté teas are your friend! This South American tea - made from the rainforest holly plant - delivers energy as well as a focus boost without the caffeine crash/jitters - you get the “strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate all in one beverage” (DavidsTea). Yerba maté teas also include similar herbs, such as guayusa and yaupon, all of which share the same energizing benefits. Maté teas contain low amounts of caffeine, but other naturally energizing compounds in its ingredients provide that lasting pick-me-up boost. As for its flavour? A combination of smoky, toasty, earthy, a hint of sweetness, and a bit of bitterness, for an overall super-smooth drinking experience.
Herbal
Caffeine-free, floral, fruity, nutty… many options!
These teas that are often associated with the word “wellness” are typically made of a blend of flowers, fruits, herbs, roots, and leaves, and have a variety of healing properties. For example: chamomile, rose, lavender, valerian root, and lemon balm are all ingredients commonly found in “sleepy teas” due to their relaxing and calming effects. Another one of my favourites is raspberry leaf, which can help sooth menstrual cramps. However, with herbal teas comes great responsibility, as some of the ingredients may not be suitable for every individual. If you have a medical condition or are pregnant, it is highly recommended to check with your doctor before grabbing an herbal tea to go.
Tea Brewing Cheat Sheets
