Types of Tea
Each variety of tea has its own particular method for leaf processing. For example, to obtain a green tea, the leaves must be "fired" or steamed to disable the enzymes responsible of oxidation. There are 5 main varieties (or “families”) of tea :
Green Tea
Green teas are non-oxidized teas. They are processed in a way which aims to avoid any oxidation. Their leaves are processed in three steps: roasting, rolling and drying.
Oolong Tea
Oolong teas are semi-oxidized. Their oxidation varies between 15% and 85%.
Black Tea
Black teas, called “red teas” in China because of the colour of their infusion, are teas whose leaves have been completely oxidized. Black tea is processed in five stages: withering, rolling, oxidation, roasting and sorting. The last step allows tea to be sorted into different grades.
Pu'Er Tea
Pu'ers is a type of fermented black tea. Renowned for the calmative properties, they aid in digestion and help to detoxify the body. China’s Yunnan Province is very famous for, and a major producer of Pu'Er tea.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are natural, caffeine-free and can be enjoyed throughout the day.