Tea: its varieties, useful properties, methods of preparation

Tea is one of humanity’s most beloved drinks. The British, Chinese, and many other peoples around the world cannot imagine their lives without it, as they have grown accustomed to accomplishing any task over a cup of aromatic liquid. Since ancient times, tea referred to an infusion of several herbs, which today form the basis of its main varieties. We will talk about them further.

Types of Tea by Plant Type

There are two main categories of plants used to make the drink: tea leaves and others, like tisanes. The first category includes black, green, white, yellow teas, oolong, and puerh.

1. Classic black tea is known to everyone on the planet, though the Chinese prefer to call it red tea. This tea type has a characteristic astringent taste, especially if steeped for a long time in a cup or teapot. It is produced through oxidation.
2. Very popular and tasty tea is green tea. It has a light herbal flavor and a rich golden color. This drink is made with minimal oxidation, preserving all its beneficial qualities, vitamins, and minerals. Experts recommend drinking green tea.
3. White tea is quite rare in many regions but extremely popular in China. In producing this tea, the leaves are barely processed, and the buds are added. This tea is considered even healthier than green tea, with a light yellow color and a soft, delicate aroma.
4. Yellow tea is also quite rare, even in its native regions. Like white tea, it undergoes minimal processing, preserving its best properties. High-quality raw materials are chosen for its production.
5. Another semi-fermented tea is oolong. It occupies a middle position between black and green teas. Its flavor is rich, and the color varies from light yellow to light brown, depending on the processing degree.
6. Another type made from tea leaves is puerh. Its main feature is aging after the primary fermentation process by special microorganisms. These give the leaves a reddish-brown color, ranging from dark to light brown with yellow hues.

The world’s best tea brands include these and many other blends in their assortments. Besides teas made from tea leaves, there are delicious drinks made from other plants (notably tisanes). While most are accustomed to tea being made from special leaves, today flowers, roots, or other plant parts can be included in the blends.

1. Rooibos. This African drink contains stems, leaves, and shoots of the aspalathus plant. Its main advantage is that it can be safely given to children, thanks to its sweet taste. It has beneficial properties and contains no caffeine.
2. Mate. A South American drink made from holly leaves. It has a herbal aroma and a delicate light color. It contains caffeine, so it is not recommended for children.
3. Hibiscus tea, or red tea. Named for its rich red color given by hibiscus flowers. Although it contains caffeine, it also has vitamin C, making it suitable for children.
4. Herbal tea is a medicinal and very pleasant-tasting drink. It consists of a mix of herbs such as chamomile, thyme, fireweed, and oregano. It has anti-inflammatory and calming effects and improves digestive system function.
5. The most beloved type of drink for children and adults alike is fruit tea. It has a natural sweet or slightly tart taste and is rich in vitamins and minerals. This drink perfectly quenches thirst and is safe for children.

Making Tea Even Tastier

Even if you buy good tea, it may not always turn out as tasty as you would like. But fragrant and vivid additives help create an unforgettable flavor for your drink. The main types of additives include:

• dried flowers;
• various fruits, berries, or citrus peels;
• spices;
• leaves of fruit trees or bushes;
• herbs, especially medicinal ones;
• natural oils.

The above additives help give your tea new flavor shades, a more or less intense color, and enrich it with vitamins and minerals. Such drinks are more fun and pleasant to drink with family or friends. Therefore, it’s better to order tea with additives and enjoy its incredible taste in a cozy, pleasant atmosphere. If you don’t know where to buy tasty tea, contact our online store. On its pages, you will find a large assortment of different blends with various fillers at affordable prices. Good deals, fast delivery, and professional service will make your purchase even more enjoyable. You will definitely find what you were looking for with us!