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Variants And Blends Of Tea

Why’s that one a tenner? Jasmine and Oolong both green? If tea is a leaf how do you get fruit tea? Question no further answers ahead.

Types of Tea

True tea is tea which comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Any leaf, root, fruit or flower that comes from a different plant is considered an herbal tea. Every tea can be categorised into four categories which is determined by the how the tea is processed. These categories are white, green, oolong and black.

  • White tea leaves

  • White Tea

    White Tea is the least processed of the true tea; white tea comes from young leaves which are known to have small white hairs on them and the name is believed to be derived from this. White tea has the lowest amount of oxidation of all teas and the most delicate flavour.

  • oolong tea leaves

  • Oolong

    Oolong or Blue tea is neither black or green tea. Oolongs oxidation falls somewhere between 8% to 80%, it is not fully oxidised and so can have characteristics of both green and black tea. The shape of oolong is also important as it is typically rolled. Because of its varied oxidation oolong can vary in taste also sometimes being floral and grassy or sweet.

  • Green tea leaves

  • Green

    Green tea is picked from grown leaves and dried or steamed quickly to prevent excess oxidation. Green tea is the tea of choice for those looking for low caffeinated drinks. Green tea is toted to have several health benefits and is the de facto choice of tea of the east. Green tea has been known to taste earthy or herbaceous.

  • Black tea

  • Black

    Black tea is the quintessential tea known by most people of Europe. PG Tips, Typhoo others are all black tea. As black tea is the most oxidised strongest in scent and flavour and longest lasting enabled it to be shipped around the world and enjoyed by many. Black tea is allowed to fully oxidise and develop a unique flavour profile which can vary based on may factors.

Quality Blends

The three big factors that determine a teas quality are its growing environment, variant of crop and processing or the oxidation level of the leaf. The price of tea can vary massively due to these factors. Da Hong Pao can cost as much as $600k per pound. Understanding about quality helps with the appreciation of good blends of tea. Below are some great blends to try!

  • East India Company Logo

  • Earl Grey

    Earl Grey teas is an English favourite. It is a flavoured black tea with oil form the rind of bergamot orange, a citrus fruit with the tase of a lemon and orange. This beverage with floral and citrus notes pairs well with treats and breakfast. If you’re looking of a brand East India Company is the one to go for trying authentic Earl Grey.

  • Marige Freres logo

  • Wedding Imperial

    Wedding Imperial is a delicious black tea blend made of Assam tea leaves from India. Like earl grey this tea is a flavoured tea with notes of chocolate and caramel. It is noticeably sweeter and can be enjoyed with company and no additional snacks. This Blend is a Mariage Freres exclusive and a must try.

  • Whittard Tea logo

  • Milk Oolong

    Milk Oolong is an oolong tea with a creamy and sweet flavour profile. Whittard’s milk oolong is from Taiwan’s Nantou region and has a further butter smooth texture comparable to caramel. Whittard’s oolong is great value for money and delicious introduction to oolong tea.

  • TWG logo

  • Heart of Gold Tea

    ‘The finest teas of the world’ is the tagline of the TWG group. TWG are synonymous for their quality teas and the Heart of Gold blend is no exception. This is a white tea handcrafted into a chrysanthemum and blooms into a flower when the tea is fully prepared. The subtle tea and transformative theatrical display when brewing make this a great white tea for appreciation.

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