Tea CategoriesTypes ofTea
Discover the world of tea through our comprehensive guides on black, green, white, oolong, pu-erh, and herbal teas. Learn about flavors, brewing methods, and health benefits.
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All true teas — black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh — come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference lies in how the leaves are processed after harvesting. Herbal teas, while not technically "tea," offer their own unique benefits and flavors from various plants and herbs.
The Six Categories
01Black Tea - Bold & Robust
Oxidation: 100% • Caffeine: 40-70mg • Temperature: 200-212°F
Fully oxidized tea with dark color and robust flavor. The most consumed tea worldwide, perfect for morning energy and milk tea preparations.
Popular varieties: Assam, Ceylon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast
Green Tea - Fresh & Antioxidant-Rich
Oxidation: 0% • Caffeine: 25-40mg • Temperature: 160-180°F
Unoxidized and carefully processed to preserve fresh character. Offers delicate flavors and the highest levels of antioxidants among traditional teas.
Popular varieties: Sencha, Matcha, Dragon Well, Gunpowder
White Tea - Delicate & Subtle
Oxidation: 5-10% • Caffeine: 15-30mg • Temperature: 175-185°F
The most minimally processed tea, simply withered and dried. Prized for its subtlety, elegance, and natural sweetness.
Popular varieties: Silver Needle, White Peony, Moonlight White, Tribute Eyebrow
Oolong Tea - Complex & Balanced
Oxidation: 15-70% • Caffeine: 30-50mg • Temperature: 185-205°F
Partially oxidized between green and black tea. Offers incredible complexity and variety, representing the pinnacle of tea craftsmanship.
Popular varieties: Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao, Oriental Beauty, High Mountain
Pu-erh Tea - Aged & Complex
Oxidation: Fermented • Caffeine: 30-50mg • Temperature: 195-212°F
Unique among teas for its microbial fermentation. Can be aged for decades, developing deep, earthy flavors. Available in raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) varieties.
Popular varieties: Sheng (Raw), Shou (Ripe), Aged cakes, Loose leaf
Herbal Tea - Caffeine-Free Wellness
Oxidation: N/A • Caffeine: 0mg • Temperature: 212°F
Not true teas but tisanes from herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices. Offer endless variety and therapeutic properties, perfect for evening enjoyment.
Popular varieties: Chamomile, Peppermint, Rooibos, Hibiscus
Tea classification is both science and poetry. The Chinese named their teas by color — what we call black tea, they call red tea (hong cha), referring to the copper-colored liquor. What we call dark tea encompasses the mysterious world of fermented pu-erh.
Each category represents centuries of refinement, regional traditions, and countless experiments by tea masters who understood that the same leaf could become a thousand different teas. The oxidation spectrum from green to black is not just chemistry — it's alchemy.
How to Choose
02By Time of Day
Morning: Black tea for energy and focus
Afternoon: Green or oolong for sustained clarity
Evening: White or herbal for relaxation
By Health Goals
Antioxidants: Green tea, highest EGCG content
Digestion: Pu-erh tea, traditional digestive aid
Sleep: Chamomile or passionflower tisanes
By Flavor Profile
Bold & Strong: Black tea, malty and robust
Light & Delicate: White tea, subtle sweetness
Complex & Varied: Oolong tea, from floral to roasted
Processing Creates Categories
03The Oxidation Spectrum
| Tea Type | Oxidation Level | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Green | 0% | Fresh, grassy, high antioxidants |
| White | 5-10% | Delicate, subtle, naturally sweet |
| Oolong | 15-70% | Complex, varied, artisanal |
| Black | 100% | Bold, malty, great with milk |
Key Processing Steps
- Withering: Reduces moisture content
- Rolling: Breaks cell walls, starts oxidation
- Oxidation: Chemical transformation of compounds
- Fixation: Heat stops oxidation at desired level
"In the end, the best tea is the one you enjoy drinking. Start with the classics, explore the categories, but let your palate be your guide. Tea is a journey of ten thousand cups, and each one teaches you something new."
Deepen Your Knowledge
Ready to explore specific tea types? Dive into our detailed guides for each category.