In this guide, we’ll be exploring the four primary tea varieties: black, green, oolong, and white tea.

Black Tea

Black tea is perhaps the most familiar and widely consumed type of tea in the world. Known for its robust flavour and deep amber colour, black tea undergoes full oxidation during processing. This oxidation gives it a distinctive boldness, making it perfect for those who enjoy a strong cup.

Black tea is incredibly versatile, often enjoyed plain, with milk and sugar, or infused with various flavours. Classic examples include English Breakfast, Earl Grey, and Assam. Besides its rich taste, black tea is known for its higher caffeine content, making it an excellent choice for a morning boost.

Green Tea

In contrast to black tea, green tea is only lightly oxidised, which preserves its natural green colour and delicate flavour profile. Originating from China and Japan, green tea is prized for its fresh, grassy notes and slightly bitter finish. It’s a tea that requires careful preparation; the water temperature should be lower, around 75-80°C, to avoid scorching the leaves.

Green tea is celebrated for its potential health benefits, being rich in antioxidants like catechins. Popular varieties include Sencha, Matcha, and Dragon Well. Whether you’re looking to relax or recharge, green tea offers a gentle, refreshing experience.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea sits between black and green tea, both in terms of oxidation and flavour. This semi-oxidised tea is complex, offering a range of tastes from fruity and floral to nutty and creamy, depending on the degree of oxidation. The process of creating oolong tea is intricate, involving multiple steps of rolling, drying, and partial oxidation.

Oolong tea is often seen as the connoisseur’s choice, with each infusion bringing out different nuances. Varieties such as Tie Guan Yin and Da Hong Pao are revered for their depth and complexity. Oolong is a fantastic option for those who enjoy exploring different flavours within a single tea type.

White Tea

White tea is the least processed of all tea varieties, made from the young buds and leaves of the tea plant. It undergoes minimal oxidation, which preserves its delicate, sweet flavour and light colour. White tea is often described as subtle and ethereal, with a naturally lower caffeine content compared to black and green teas.

Because of its delicate nature, white tea should be steeped at a low temperature, around 74-80°C, to bring out its gentle flavours without bitterness. Popular types include Silver Needle and White Peony, both cherished for their lightness and purity. White tea is ideal for those who prefer a soft, calming brew.

Understanding the basic tea varieties is the first step in your tea journey. Whether you prefer the boldness of black tea, the freshness of green tea, the complexity of oolong, or the subtlety of white tea, there’s a world of flavour to explore. Each type offers its own unique experience, so why not start sampling and discover your favourite?