“Where there’s tea, there’s hope.”
Arthur Wing Pinero
The history of tea is almost as long as written history itself. As legend has it, in 2737BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was getting ready to enjoy a brew or two. While preparation was underway, some leaves made the fantastic choice of falling from the tree above and directly into the water. There, they infused the boiling water with their aromatic nuances and irresistible notes we know only so well today.
The emperor’s verdict? Thumbs up.
And the rest is very much enjoyed history
As tea wound its own story through time, it found itself tied to festivities, celebrations, social class, medicine, folklore, and so much more. In short, where there are humans, there will almost certainly be tea.
And we have the figures to back that claim up. To date, around the world, 2 billion people will drink tea every morning. 3 billion tons of tea are produced worldwide every year for consumption. 1 pound of loose tea leaves alone will create up to 200 cups of tea. That’s a lot of tea. And, you just have to take a stroll through your local supermarket to know it comes in many flavors, shapes, and colors.
In fact, there are over 3000 varieties (some people argue 20,000) of tea, each with its own specific characteristics that we’ll get to later.
So what makes tea, tea?
Tea aficionados consider the Camellia sinensis plant a sort of mother to all teas. It is from this unassuming evergreen, flowering plant that every mug of legitimate tea comes. And how can so many flavors and varieties come from a single plant species? Quite easily.
The art & craft of tea processing has evolved through centuries of tradition and experience across many cultures, but the primary process remains the same.
How tea is made
Basic steps for making tea from the Camellia Sinensis plant:
Grow Camellia Sinensis plant: This is a delightfully undemanding task considering the exquisite reward you’ll reap. You see, as to be expected considering its origins in the Chinese mountains, this unique plant favors cool, damp climates. In most moderate-temperature countries, it can be grown outside. However, in warmer climates, it’s best to keep inside and watered regularly.
Once the plant is fully grown: Harvest leaves from the plant.
Spread the leaves out to wither somewhere dry. The time left to dry will determine what type of tea is produced alongside some other processes such as roasting, heating, rolling, etc.
And voila! You have your own freshly made brew! It really is that easy.
Tip: Avoid adding boiling hot water to your tea leaves lest you burn the leaves – a bitter, less-than-ideal taste is the expected result.
What decides tea type?
The flavor of teas, like wines, depends on where they grow and how their component materials are treated. Different tea types can also be blended to produce a new flavor and aroma profile.
Sub-varieties and cultivars also come into play. Then, of course, there are also indigenous varieties that are not widely commercially consumed or are subject to varying popularity from country to country. And just like with coffee, not all tea varieties are suited to all tea-producing climates.
A quick but important fact: Did you know that mint tea isn’t actually a tea? It’s an infusion! The same can be said for other such herbal or fruity (read: raspberry) teas.
Now that’s out of the way, we can get down to the nitty gritty.
The Six Types of Tea
We’ll tell you all you need to know the 6 primary tea types. So why not make yourself a brew, get comfortable, and prepare to learn the difference between your Matcha, Oolong, and English Breakfast.
Spilling the tea on tea
Honorable tea mentions
Tea Takeaway
We hope you’ve enjoyed your journey through the world of tea and learned a thing or two. Why not sample every variety of tea? Life’s too short to not drink great tea!
Tea Blog
Does Oolong Tea Really Help You Lose Weight?
There has been plenty of speculation in the media over Oolong tea and its perceived powers to affect weight loss. So are the rumors true? Well yes and no. Oolong tea can contribute to weight loss. In places like China and Japan, Oolong tea has had this reputation for thousands […]
Facts Everyone Should Know About Tea
Tea can take various forms. Ice tea is fabulous on a hot summer day. Hot tea is great on a cold winter's night. It can also come in many different flavors: raspberry, green, peach, cinnamon. Tea can be sweetened with sugar or honey and be flavored with a bit of […]
5 Amazing Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is the strongest form of green tea. It is made using the entire tea leaf, meaning that it has more nutrients and health benefits than regular green tea. In the west, matcha has recently grown in popularity and can be found in the form of shots, lattes, and even […]
