Each type of tea has its own characteristics including a different taste, differing health benefits, and even different levels of caffeine.
Types of Teas
White tea – is the purest and least processed of all teas. This loose leaf tea has very little caffeine and brews a light color and flavor. White teas also contain healthy antioxidants and are the best for skin and complexion.
Green tea – is the most popular type of tea, mainly because it is the beverage of choice in Asia. Some loose green teas are scented with flowers or mixed with fruits to create scented or flavored teas. This tea has only 5-10% the caffeine in coffee per cup. Green teas contain healthy antioxidants. They help maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range, are good for skin and teeth, and can be used as part of your diet to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Oolong tea – also known as wu long tea, is full-bodied with a flavorful fragrance and sweet aroma. It is semi-fermented, which gives it approximately 15% of the caffeine in one cup of coffee. Most people commonly recognize oolong tea as the Chinese tea served in Chinese restaurants.
Black tea – is the tea most people know since you likely grew up dipping tea bags of black tea in your cup (or enjoyed this tea from an iced tea pitcher in the South). Black tea is fully fermented, so it has approximately 20% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Black teas help maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range, as well as helping to maintain cardiovascular function and a healthy circulatory system.
Herbal tea – does not contain any leaves from the Camellia plant family, so it is sometimes referred to as a tisane. Herbal teas can be broken into three categories: rooibos teas, mate teas, and herbal infusions. Herbal infusions consist of pure herbs, flowers, and fruits. Herbal teas are typically caffeine-free (except Mate teas) and most are rich in vitamin C.
Red tea – Also called red tea because of its vibrant, ruby red color, Rooibos (pronounced “Roy-boss”) has a sweet, full-bodied flavor without a trace of bitterness. As a source of powerful antioxidants, rooibos strengthens the body’s immune system and contains some of the highest known levels of anti-aging properties of any plant on earth. Rooibos is also known for its ability to replenish the skin from the inside out, promote restful sleep and aid relaxation.
Pu-erh tea – Aged for up to 15 years, this rich earthy flavored tea from the Yunnan province of China is famed for its medicinal qualities.
Jasmine and floral tea – Adding flowers to tea is an ancient Chinese tradition from the Fujian province.