And That’s the Tea

Ever wondered which tea is best for you? Check out this simple and organized breakdown of the tastes and health benefits of different types of tea, and get ready to brew a cup yourself!

WRITTEN BY

Lauren Koleszar

ILLUSTRATION BY

Miranda Tulcewicz

Enough people have asked whether you’re a coffee or tea person, but have you ever asked yourself what kind of tea best suits your needs? After water, tea is the most popular beverage on the planet, and it’s a much healthier alternative to the sugary coffees so many of us are used to grabbing before work. Whether you’re a novice or maestro in your experience with tea, you can always learn more about the ancient and versatile world-favorite drink.

All true tea is made from the same plant — Camellia sinensis. The five varieties of tea that come from this plant are what we call “true tea,” which differs from teas that are brewed using other spices or plants (e.g. herbal teas). True teas vary from one another based on the part of the tea plant used to produce the tea, as well as the environment of the plant and the process used.

True Tea

All true tea is made from the same plant — Camellia sinensis. Five varieties of tea come from this plant, and they are what we call “true tea.” These teas differ from those that are brewed using other spices or plants; technically, the phrase “herbal tea” is a misnomer because it usually has little to do with the actual tea plant. True teas vary from one another based on the part of the tea plant used to produce the tea, as well as the environment of the plant, the process used, and the level of oxidation.

Black Tea

The most popular tea in the Western world, black tea, resulted from frequent trading between China and other countries. Tea traders discovered that when tea leaves were oxidized more than traditional green tea, the flavor lasted longer during lengthy trade routes. This is an example of how a mere difference in the oxidation process results in an entirely different tea. Thus, highly oxidized tea became black tea, which is common among sweet and iced teas today. Some of the most popular flavored teas (Earl Grey, chai tea) use black tea as a base.

Taste Profile: Bold, severe, malty, smoky, brisk, and earthy; a good choice for those who enjoy the bitter taste of coffee and are looking for a light caffeine boost

Health Benefits: Boosts heart health; reduces blood sugar; improves digestive tract issues

How to Brew: Boiling water will draw out the strong flavor of black tea, and it should steep for approximately 3 to 5 minutes

Green Tea

Praised for its abundance of health benefits, green tea is strongly associated with the traditional idea of a cup of tea. This is due, in part, to the fact that it was the original true tea produced from the plant, and all other varieties came after

Taste Profile: More mellow than black tea; offers a dramatic assortment of flavors

Health Benefits: Reduces body fat; provides antioxidants; deodorizes bad breath; improves brain function; decreases blood pressure

How to Brew: Many assume all teas require steeping in boiling water; however, this is not the case for green tea. Using boiling water will result in a more bitter aftertaste than green tea should provide. Instead, use water approximately 180�, just below boiling temperature, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes.

Oolong Tea

If you’re unfamiliar with the name, it’s probably because Oolong tea is much less common in Western culture; though it is highly revered in China and Taiwan. Its oxidation level lies somewhere between black (highly oxidized) and green (barely oxidized) tea, causing its taste and health benefits to fall somewhere between these two more common teas.

Taste Profile: Fuller-bodied than black tea; offers a wide variety of flavor, ranging from sweet to woody

Health Benefits: Reduces risk of heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes; sharpens thinking skills; increases alertness; boosts metabolism; aids in weight loss; acts as a natural pick-me-up; reduces stress; and counteracts tooth decay

How to brew: Like green tea, oolong tea should be brewed just below boiling temperature, between 180� and 200�. Steeping time is approximately 1 to 5 minutes; for a stronger flavor and body, steep longer.

Pu-erh Tea

Also known as “dark tea,” pu-erh tea is often skipped in discussions of true tea because it isn’t nearly as well-known as its counterparts. A semi-rare tea originating from the Yunnan province of China, puerh tea is fermented, meaning its flavor and value increase with age.

Taste Profile: Generally smooth and slightly sweet, but can range from floral to bitter Health Benefits: Cleanses toxins; increases alertness; fortifies bones; promotes a healthy heart; prevents illness

How to Brew: Heat water to 195� and steep for 2 to 4 minutes

White Tea

Made from the youngest buds and leaves of the plant, white tea is the most unprocessed and least caffeinated of the true teas

Taste Profile: Sweet, delicate, light, floral, and sometimes fruity or vegetal

Health Benefits: Contains anti-aging properties, protects teeth from bacteria, promotes skin health, improves calmness, reduces inflammation, establishes healthy hair and decreases risk of osteoporosis.

How to Brew: The delicate nature of white tea requires the lowest water temperature of all true teas and should be brewed at just under 170� for 1 to 5 minutes. As with all teas, white tea will produce a stronger flavor when steeped longer.