Types of tea

Types of Tea
Tea can be divided into five basic categories: black, green, oolong, white, and puerh. Tisanes are
herbal/fruit or rooibos. All teas come from the same basic plant, the Camellia Senensis plant. The difference in tea
arises from geography, growing conditions, and processing. With over 3,000 varieties, tea is the most consumed
beverage in the world after water.
Black Tea
Black tea is allowed to wither, which precedes a process called oxidation (sometimes incorrectly referred to as
fermentation) during which water evaporates out of the leaf and the leaf absorbs more oxygen from the air. Black teas
usually undergo full oxidation, and the results are the characteristic dark brown and black leaf, the typically more robust
and pronounced flavors of black teas, and a higher caffeine content compared to other teas (50-65% of coffee, depending
on the type and brewing technique).
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is allowed to undergo partial oxidation. These teas have caffeine content between that of green teas and
black teas. The flavor is typically not as robust as blacks or as subtle as greens, but has its own extremely fragrant and
intriguing tones. It is often compared to the taste and aroma of fresh flowers or fresh fruit.
Green Tea
Green tea is allowed to wither only slightly after being picked. Then the oxidation process is stopped very quickly by
firing (rapidly heating) the leaves. Therefore green teas, when brewed appropriately, tend to have less caffeine (10-30%
of coffee). Green teas also tend to produce more subtle flavors with many undertones and accents that connoisseurs
treasure.
White Tea
White teas, the most delicate of all teas, are appreciated for their subtlety, complexity, and natural sweetness. They are
hand processed using the youngest shoots of the tea plant, with no oxidation. White teas have practically no caffeine.
PuerhTea
Pu-erh is an aged black tea from China prized for its medicinal properties and earthy flavor. Try our Iron Silk Puerh.
Rooibos - Uncaffeinated
Rooibos Tisane (roy-bos) Red Bush Tea - The story of rooibos starts around the turn of the century in South Africa’s
beautiful Cedarburg region. It was the locals of the area who first discovered that the fine needle like leaves of the wild
“Aspalathus Linearis” plant made a tasty aromatic tea. It was they who first harvested the plants, chopped them with
axes & bruised them with hammers leaving them to ferment before drying in the sun. The result is a characteristic flavor
and sweet aroma. Rooibos is an herb that contains no caffeine.
Herbals, Fruits Tisanes - Uncaffeinated
Herbals, Fruits or Tisanes are drinks made from other plants and herbs, such as peppermint, technically are not “teas”
since they are not from the tea plant. A correct name for these is “tisane,” from the French word for infusion. All herbal
tisanes are naturally decaf. Any tea may be decaffeinated, or at least 94% caffeine can be removed. Ask your server
and they will specially decaf your selection, if you wish. The process is simple: Pour hot water over the tea leaves,
leave for 30-45 seconds, discard that water and refill with fresh water. The flavor of the tea is not compromised;
however, most of the caffeine is removed. (About 80-95%)
Our teas that are listed as “decaf” are already decaffeinated through a special C02 water process at the tea purveyor and
are received already decaffeinated.
Flowering Teas – Artisan Teas
These are really fun and great tasting. Put one of the small tea buds in the clear glass container and watch it unfold. It reminds me of the deep sea diver toys I had as a kid. Tea fireworks in a jar! The teas are high quality greens and can be steeped over and over. Try one for a unique experience. A great gift, too. Chai Spice Tea
Chai (pronounced as a single syllable and rhymes with ‘pie’) is the word for tea in many parts of the world. It is a centuries-old beverage which has played an important role in many cultures. Chai from India is a spiced milk tea which can include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and pepper. Indian chai produces a warming, soothing effect, acts as a natural digestive aid and gives one a wonderful sense of wellbeing.

Source: http://www.infini-tea.net/pdf_files/Types%20of%20Tea.6.12.pdf