Tea

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, second only to water. It is a fragrant, aromatic drink prepared by steeping dried tea leaves in hot or boiling water. All true teas—black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh—come from a single plant species, Camellia sinensis. The immense variety of tea is a result of the different ways the leaves are processed after harvesting.

The Origins of Tea

The history of tea dates back thousands of years. According to Chinese legend, the beverage was discovered by Emperor Shen Nong in 2737 BCE when a leaf from a nearby tea tree fell into his boiling water. While the legend may be apocryphal, the earliest archaeological evidence of tea consumption comes from China, with tea drinking becoming a ceremonial and medicinal practice during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).

From China, tea spread to Japan, where it became central to Japanese culture and the art of the tea ceremony (chanoyu). Over centuries, through trade routes and colonization, tea made its way to Europe and eventually became a staple of British culture, leading to the global tea trade we know today.

Types of True Tea

The five main types of tea are all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, but they are distinguished by their level of oxidation—the process that changes the leaves’ chemical composition and color after they are picked.

• White Tea: The least processed of all teas. The leaves are picked from young buds and shoots and are simply withered and dried. This results in a delicate flavor and a pale, subtle liquor. It is rich in antioxidants.
• Green Tea: Made from leaves that have not been oxidized. After picking, the leaves are quickly heated (either by steaming or pan-firing) to prevent oxidation. Green tea has a fresh, grassy, and sometimes vegetal flavor.
• Oolong Tea: A semi-oxidized tea that falls between green and black tea in terms of processing. The leaves are withered and then bruised to partially break down their cell walls and begin oxidation. The result is a complex flavor profile that can range from light and floral to rich and roasted.
• Black Tea: Fully oxidized tea. After withering, the leaves are rolled and exposed to air, allowing for a complete oxidation process. This gives black tea its characteristic dark color, robust flavor, and malty aroma. It is the most common type of tea in the Western world.
• Pu-erh Tea: A fermented and aged tea. After processing, the leaves are aged for years, and sometimes decades. Pu-erh tea has a distinct earthy, smooth flavor that often improves with age.

Herbal Teas (Tisanes)

Herbal “teas” are not true teas because they are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, they are infusions made from fruits, flowers, spices, or other herbs. Popular herbal teas include peppermint, chamomile, rooibos, and ginger. While they don’t contain caffeine (with the exception of yerba mate), they are often enjoyed for their flavor and therapeutic properties.

Health Benefits

Tea is a health-promoting beverage due to its high concentration of beneficial compounds, most notably:

• Antioxidants: Tea, especially green and white tea, is rich in catechins and polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
• L-Theanine: This amino acid, found almost exclusively in tea, has a calming effect on the brain. It can promote relaxation and focus without causing drowsiness, and it works synergistically with the caffeine in tea to create a state of alert calmness.
• Caffeine: All true teas contain caffeine, though the amount varies. Black tea generally has the most, while white tea has the least. The caffeine in tea is absorbed more slowly than in coffee due to the presence of L-theanine, which results in a more sustained energy boost.

Brewing Tea

Proper brewing is essential to unlock the best flavor.

• Water Temperature:
  • White/Green Tea: 160-180°F (70-82°C). Using water that is too hot can make these teas taste bitter.
  • Oolong Tea: 180-200°F (82-93°C).
  • Black/Pu-erh Tea: 200-212°F (93-100°C).
• Steeping Time:
  • White/Green Tea: 1-3 minutes.
  • Oolong Tea: 2-5 minutes.
  • Black Tea: 3-5 minutes.
  • Pu-erh Tea: 3-5 minutes.

The steeping time and temperature can be adjusted to personal preference to create a stronger or lighter brew.