When it comes to tea, it is easy to assume there aren’t a lot of options. However, when you take a closer look at the differences between green, black, white, oolong and dark teas, it becomes clear that many of these beverages have distinct appearances and tastes despite being made from the same plants. These variations are largely the result of how the leaves are treated following harvest. Knowing the basics of the main types of tea will make it easier to understand how tea works and what you might like.
All Tea Grows On One Plant
All traditional teas come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. So, what makes tea A different from tea B? The answer isn’t necessarily about the plant itself, but what happens to the plant once the harvest is complete. How the tea is withered, oxidized, rolled, dried and aged all play a role in how the final product will taste.
Processing Gives Tea Its Personality
Processing is essentially the process of coaxing out the personalities in the tea. Depending on how it is handled after harvesting, you’ll have teas that are fresh, delicate, deep, rich or bold. Less processing equals lighter teas and more oxidation and processing yields heavier teas.
White Tea
White teas tend to have a light hand in processing. The leaves and/or buds are allowed to wilt, then they are dried. There is little to no manipulation of the leaf.
What To Expect
White teas have soft aromas and flavors, sometimes with hints of floral, fruit, honey or hay. They can be delicate, so care must be taken to avoid oversteeping. Not all white teas should be brewed the same way; some do better with shorter brewing times and cooler water temperatures.
Green Tea
Green teas are typically stopped from oxidizing soon after they are picked. This helps to keep them fresh. You can find grassy, vegetal, sweet, nutty, floral or savory green teas.
Brewing Green Tea
Very hot water may bring out bitterness and astringency. Cooler water temperatures and shorter brewing times may yield a smoother tea.
Oolong Tea
Oolong teas fall somewhere between green and black teas in terms of oxidation and processing. Oolongs can range from very light floral teas to darker, roasted oolongs.
The Fascinating World of Oolong
Oolong tea is an excellent place to learn about tea because the flavors produced by processing can vary so much. One oolong may taste floral and fresh, while another oolong can taste warm and roasted, fruity or creamy. Many oolong teas are great for brewing again and again.
Black Tea
Black teas are heavily oxidized and can produce deep colored and flavorful teas. You might taste malt, fruit, spice, wood, honey or cocoa, depending on the tea. ### Experiment with Various Types of Tea
Black tea doesn’t exist in a single form.
Different types of teas can be produced based on region, variety, processing technique, and harvesting season.
Sample a few different kinds of black tea before making up your mind about which you like best.
Post-Processed and Microbially Processed Teas
Often, the term “dark tea” refers to teas that are post-processed or microbially processed.
Some of these are aged, and may develop deeper and more interesting flavors over time.
Aging Teas Can Change Them Drastically
It is possible to age teas, and they may taste quite different from a younger version of the same tea.
Aging will depend on the storage conditions, so you may find the whole topic of aging tea interesting.
Herbal “Teas” Are Not Real Teas
You might hear flowers, herbs, fruits, or spices called tea, too.
These are not real teas, but herbal infusions, since they don’t come from the tea plant.
Examples include chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, and rooibos.
This Distinction Is Important
Understanding the difference will help you figure out what you’re actually drinking.
Herbal infusions also have their own set of traditions and flavor profiles.
Taste Several Kinds of Tea at Once
Tasting different teas at the same time is one of the most effective ways to learn.
Brew a selection of teas to sample and compare them on:
- Aroma
- Appearance
- Mouthfeel
- Flavor
- Aftertaste
You’ll probably be surprised at how much they can differ.
Stay Open-Minded
Don’t assume you don’t like a particular category of tea if you don’t like the first one you try.
One tea is not representative of an entire type of tea, and green teas are no exception. There are many variables, such as processing, origin, harvest time, storage, and brewing method, that will affect your experience.
Discover Your Own Tastes
As you taste more teas, you’ll start to notice similarities.
You may prefer teas with floral, roasted, fresh, or earthy flavors.
There’s no right or wrong. Enjoyment of tea is about finding what appeals to you.
Wrap-Up
Learning about the main categories of tea will give you a useful roadmap when exploring the world of tea. White, green, oolong, black, and dark teas all have unique characteristics influenced by their processing and traditions. The more kinds of tea you taste, the better you’ll become at distinguishing them.
Try tasting a few different kinds of tea to see how they compare. Be sure to brew them properly and observe how they taste.
The world of tea is much larger than any one type of tea, and that is part of the fun!