Teas can be classified into black, green, white, oolong, pu-erh, purple, and herbal infusions.

You may feel overwhelmed by the many types and flavors of tea if you’re new to it. How does black tea differ from green tea? Is rooibos and herbal tea a good option? Do you know the difference between white oolong and purple pu-erh?

Since we carry over a hundred kinds of tea here at ArtfulTea, we know a thing or two about categorizing tea into manageable, easy-to-understand categories. Whether new to tea or an experienced tea drinker, we enjoy guiding our customers through their tea journey. It’s easy to learn more about tea types with our handy guide!

Plant camellia sinensis used to make tea

A true tea plant is the source of all “true” tea types. Tea is botanically known as camellia sinensis. Since thousands of years ago, this plant has been grown and consumed in southern China. Camellia sinensis is available in two varieties: camellia sinensis var. There are two types of camellias, camellia sinensis, which grows primarily in China and other East Asian countries, and camellia sinensis var. The assamica plant is primarily found in India, and is generally stronger and heartier than the assamica.

Black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, pu-erh tea, and purple tea are all made from camellia sinensis. Different harvesting and processing methods contribute to the unique characteristics of each of these teas. In some cases, teas are steamed, in others, they are pan-fired. Oxidation is allowed for some and not for others. Hand-rolled balls of tea are formed from tea leaves, while loose tea leaves are chopped or allowed to air dry naturally. Summer and fall are the harvest seasons for some teas, while spring is the harvest season for others.

It has been hundreds of years since specific tea processing methods were developed to enhance tea’s appearance and flavor. Each of the six main categories of tea has its own signature characteristics and methods of processing.

Tea of black color

In the world of tea, black tea is most familiar to newcomers. Name-brand teabags like Lipton or Tetley are available at the grocery store. Black teas include popular breakfast blends such as English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast. A cup of black tea usually contains about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. As a result, they brew up with a dark, coppery color, and they tend to have a stronger, more robust flavor. 

The making of black tea

Black tea is made by harvesting tea leaves, wilting them, and then lightly crushing them. Teas such as Irish Breakfast are crushed-tear-curled, or CTC, into even smaller pieces. It is then fully oxidized, resulting in brownish-black tea leaves.

Black tea comes from where

China and India are the two countries that produce most black tea. Furthermore, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, and Kenya are fast-growing tea-producing countries. Generally, Indian black teas are stronger and more robust, and they are often used to make hearty breakfast blends with milk and sweetener. Tea types in India are categorized according to their quality using special systems of tea grading.

There is a lighter, mellower flavor to Chinese black tea, and it is typically served without milk or sweetening. In comparison to Indian black teas, they often contain a little less caffeine. There are several popular Chinese black teas, including China Keemun and Golden Yunnan.

Tea with green leaves

Camellia sinensis produces green tea as well. Green tea usually brews up a light green color with a mild flavor. Among the most popular green teas are Gunpowder, Jasmine Yin Cloud, and Moroccan Mint. Green tea contains about half the caffeine of black tea (about a quarter as much as a cup of coffee.)

The making of green tea

The oxidation process is halted by steaming or pan-firing green tea immediately after harvest. Keeping the leaves from oxidizing after harvest is what gives them their bright green color and light, vegetable flavor. As soon as the tea leaves have been rolled or pressed, they are dried. 

A brief history of green tea

There are primarily two countries that produce green tea: China and Japan. The Japanese steam green tea soon after harvest to prevent oxidation. Typically, they brew up emerald green with a savory, oceanic flavor. Several weeks before harvest, Japanese teas are sometimes shaded to increase their levels of chlorophyll, caffeine, and l-theanine. Green teas such as Sencha, Kukicha, and Gyokuro are popular in Japan.

The oxidation process of Chinese green teas is usually stopped by pan-firing after harvest. Typically, these teas are milder than Japanese green teas, brew up golden in color, and have a mild flavor and light body. Among the most popular Chinese green teas are Dragon Well, Gunpowder, and Chun Mee.

Tea made from white leaves

Connoisseurs and novices alike enjoy white tea, which is delicate and minimally processed. There is a light body, mild flavor, crisp finish, and a mild taste to white tea. Although some silver tip teas might be slightly higher in caffeine than white tea, white tea is usually very low in caffeine.

An explanation of how white tea is made

Prior to being dried and packaged, white tea undergoes a minimal amount of processing. There are some cases in which white tea is harvested from the very first tips and buds of the tea plant, before they open up into full leaves. It takes until the leaves have unfolded and grown for some white teas, like White Peony, to be harvested. Both cases of white tea experience minimal oxidation.

An explanation of where white tea comes from 

There is a long history of white tea production in China, particularly in the Fujian province. In countries such as Nepal, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka, specialty white teas are also produced.

Tea of oolong origin 

The oxidation level of oolong tea lies halfway between that of black tea and that of green tea. A typical cup of oolong tea can be anywhere between a pale yellow and a rich amber color, depending on its oxidation level. The flavor of each cup of oolong can vary slightly due to the re-infusion of the tea many times.

An explanation of how oolong tea is made 

In order to impart a unique flavor to the tea, many types of oolong teas, such as Milk Oolong, are grown from special varieties of the tea plant. In order to produce oolong tea, harvesting, wilting, and partial oxidation are all required. It depends on the type of oolong whether they are oxidized for a brief period of time or for a lengthy period. Before being dried and packaged, some oolong teas are rolled into small, tightly packed balls by hand.

Oolong tea comes from where?

China and Taiwan produce most of the oolong teas in the world. There are two regions in China that produce oolong, Wuyi Mountains and Anxi, both of which are in Fujian province, and Guangdong province. The Milk Oolong from Taiwan, a small island off of mainland China, is highly sought after.

Tea with purple hues

Only a few years have passed since purple tea became commercially available. In the Assam region of India, purple-leaved tea plants grow wild and produce this tea. Kenya, Africa, is the main producer of purple tea today. With a light body and mellow flavor, they have low caffeine levels and high antioxidant and anthocyanin levels.

Purple tea: how it’s made

The production of purple tea is similar to that of oolong tea. Prior to being shaped and dried, the leaves are harvested, wilted, and partially oxidized. Purple tea’s leaves produce a light reddish-purple brew when brewed.

Purple tea comes from where

Originally, purple tea was found growing wild in Assam, India. A cultivar of these unique tea plants was later developed by the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya in Kenya after they were found. Having been ranked third in terms of commercial tea production after China and India, Kenya now leads in purple tea production. Purple teas from Kenya’s Tumoi Tea Garden originate from the Nandi Hills.

Tea made from mate

Mate is a South American tea-like drink made from a plant native to the region. Although mate does not belong to the camellia sinensis family, it contains caffeine. Traditionally, mate is prepared in hollow gourds by adding leaves and hot water to steep. In order to consume the tea, a bombilla is used. Many South American countries share mate as a group drink and refill the same gourd among friends. In a mug or pot, the leaves can be steeped in an infuser or filter, just like other teas and tisanes.

Tea made from herbs

While herbal teas are often called tea, they aren’t actually related to tea made from the camellia sinensis plant. Instead, herbal teas are made by blending herbs and spices together. Herbal teas do not contain caffeine in general. In addition to single-ingredient teas like Peppermint and Chamomile, herbal teas can also come in creative blends like Lavender Lullaby and Atomic Gold.

Tisanes and herbal infusions are also known as herbal teas. Peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus, ginger, and lavender are popular herbal tea ingredients. In addition to treating sore throats and upset stomachs, herbal blends often have medicinal properties.

The Rooibos tea plant

The Rooibos plant is native to South Africa and is used to make herbal tea. They are also known as red teas or red bush teas, and are naturally caffeine-free. Rooibos has a full body similar to black tea, making it a good choice for people who enjoy black tea but don’t want to consume caffeine. The drink has a pleasant natural sweetness, and it is delicious on its own or with a splash of milk. Earl Grey Rooibos and Rooibos Chai can also be made with Rooibos blended with other ingredients.

Tea categories: identifying the types

It is easier to understand how tea is processed and what it tastes like when brewed by understanding a few basic categories. The varieties, growing conditions, and processing methods of tea extend far beyond these categories. Different terroirs allow teas grown in different places to develop different characteristics, even when using the same varietal and similar growing and processing conditions.

In the end, there are as many types of tea as there are tea producers. The variety of single-origin teas and tea blends to enjoy is endless, whether you’re just getting started with tea or a dedicated tea drinker.