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10
Tips
TEA TYPES
There are four main types of tea from the
tea plant camellia sinensis. The picking
and processing methods determine the
type of tea finally produced.
Black Tea
Black tea is the most common type of tea
worldwide. It is made by fermenting the
harvested leaves for a couple of hours before
heating or drying. This oxidation darkens
the leaves and increases the amount of caffeine.
Of all the teas, black tea has the strongest
color and flavor.
White Tea
White tea is the rarest and the most exclusive
tea. White tea consists of the whitish buds of
the tea plant which are steamed then left to dry
naturally. This tea is low in caffeine and has
a slightly sweet flavor.
Green Tea
Green tea makes up approximately ten percent
of the world’s tea. The leaves are picked, rolled
and dried before they can go brown. Green
tea has a distinctive aroma and has a slight
astringent taste.
Oolong Tea
Oolong Tea is semi fermented, which means
leaves are processed immediately after picking.
They only have a short period of oxidation
which turns the leaves from green to red/
brown. Its leaves have a floral, fruity quality
and hence have a delicate fruity taste. It is
recommended not to drink Oolong tea with
milk, sugar or lemon.
Herbal Infusions or Tisanes
Herbal infused teas are not produced from
the tea plant, but from flowers, leaves, roots
or seeds. Common herbal beverages are
chamomile, peppermint, fennel, rose hip,
and lemon verbena.
Herbal infusions that do not contain tea will
generally not become bitter with extended
brews. These can often be brewed with boiling
water 3 times without jeopardising the taste.
Blends
Tea producers make blends by combining
different types of teas, often in order to achieve
flavor consistency from one season to the next.
Common black tea blends include English
Breakfast, Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast, and
Russian Caravan.
TEA STORAGE
Teas stored inside a vacuum sealed bag can
be stored for up to two years, depending on
the quality and grade of tea. Once opened, tea
should be stored in an airtight container and
kept in a dry and dark place.
Once opened, black teas will last longer than
green and oolong teas but all tea needs to be
stored in ideal conditions.
You can tell when tea is past its best if it has
lost its aroma and will create either a bitter or
dull tasting cup.
TIPS FOR OPTIMAL TEA BREWING
Water quality affects taste. For best results,
use filtered water.
Finer tea particles and leaves will infuse
more quickly than whole leaves. As a result,
finer tea particles often release too much
tannin too quickly, creating a harsher taste.
Adjust the steeping time until desired
strength is achieved.
Use roughly one teaspoon of tea per cup/
8 (½) fl.oz (250ml) of water.
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