Tea Guide

Of all the thousands or tea available on the market, for the most part they fall into one of four categories; White, Green, Oolong, Black.

So what makes a white tea white, and how is green, Oolong and black teas derived? The process is called Oxidation.

Think oxidation like fermentation. -white is unoxidized, black is fully oxidized. To initiate oxidation, fresh tealeaves are rolled in order to crack the surface of the leaf so that oxygen will react with the plant’s enzymes. In general, a lighter tea has a lighter taste and aroma, where a darker tea is richer in taste and aroma. Additionally, White tea is considered to be the healthiest of all types of tea because it has the highest levels of antioxidants and theanine, a rare amino acid found only in high-quality tea.

Below we provide information and benefits of each category. Visit the loose tea leaf sections for our exquisite selections.

WHITE TEA.

White tea is made from baby tea leaves and is the rarest and least processed of all tea varietals. Because it undergoes virtually no processing and is made from the tender, nutrient-rich bud from the tip of the plant, white tea is considered the healthiest of all teas. Because white tea undergoes very little processing, the tealeaves retain their natural appearance.

The rarest and best white tea is Silver Needle tea. Silver Needle white tea comes from handpicked tea buds that are harvested only two days out of the year. This rare white tea can be re-infused two or more times.

Take a look at Loose White Leaf Tea for for detailed offerings and descriptions.

GREEN TEA.

As a result of minimal processing, green tea retains its natural appearance and vibrant color as well as high levels of the plant's healthy properties. Green tea varies dramatically in flavor from grassy and sweet, to floral and fresh, to nutty and roasted. Like fine wine, green tea's flavor depends on the plant varietal, season of harvest, soil, elevation, weather, cultivation and origin. Each region has its own distinct flavor and aroma.

Green tea is rich in EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate; one of nature's most potent antioxidants) and is gaining widespread popularity due to its natural ability to promote weight-loss and good health.

Take a look at our Loose Green Leaf for detailed offerings and descriptions.

OOLONG TEA.

Oolong teas ("wu-long”) are semi-oxidized and express characteristics in-between green and black teas. The leaves are usually brownish in color, large in appearance and produce a very aromatic, smooth and complex brew.

During production, leaves are tossed in bamboo baskets to lightly bruise their edges, releasing enzymes that react with oxygen. With oolong tea, the outer part of the leaf is allowed to oxidize, but the center is kept green. Some oolongs are more oxidized and closer in character to black teas, with amber-colored infusions and notes of dark chocolate, fruit and roasted sugar.

In terms of health benefits, oolong tea is said to reduce plaque in the arteries, lower cholesterol, boost metabolism and aid weight-loss.

Take a look at Loose Oolong Leaf Tea for for detailed offerings and descriptions.

BLACK TEA.

The most widely known variety in the West, Black Tea comes from leaves that are fully oxidized. Classic teas like English Breakfast and Earl Grey fall within this category. To make black tea, freshly-picked leaves are withered until they are pliable enough to be rolled, releasing juices and enzymes that react with oxygen. The bruised and sticky leaves, whose juices are now exposed to the air, are spread out and allowed to reacte with oxygen. They begin to turn brown, as would a freshly sliced apple. After the leaves are oxidized, they are fired to “seal” and dry the leaf--preventing any further changes.

Oxidation changes the leaf's properties and accounts for the dark, rich colors and strong, brisk flavors characteristic of this tea type. Essentially, it is this oxidation process that makes black tea different from green tea.

Black teas are especially rich in theaflavins and thearubigens (potent antioxidants) which have shown impressive cholesterol-lowering abilities and cardiovascular benefits.

Take a look at our Loose Black Leaf Tea for for detailed offerings and descriptions.