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Teas and Infusions



What is Tea?
Not every cup of hot water with a tea bag is a tea.
A tea, should contain leaves of the tea plant, called Camellia Sinensis, even if mixed with other plants. 
So, tea is Black, White, Green, Oolong and Pu'erh tea.

All the others are infusions (herbal teas). 



What are the differences?
All these different teas: black, white, green, oolong and pu'erh  come from the same plant - Camellia sinensis, native from China and India. The difference is how the leaves are processed after harvested. 

The oxidation is one of the most important processes. The longer the leaves are left in the air, more oxidizes, the darker becomes and stronger the flavor will be.
Tea Plantation field 

To speed oxidation, other artificial processes can be done like: rolling, crushing, shaping the leaves, etc.

The oxidation process is stopped by heating, that is done by steaming, roasting, firing, etc. 

Black Tea 
This traditional tea is fully oxidized, which means that has a darker colour,  a stronger flavour and more caffeine than the others. 
Types of Black tea: Ceylon black tea, Earl Grey, Masala Chai, Assam black tea, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Kenyan black tea, Yunnan, Taiwanese, Keemun, others. 
Time of infusion: 2 to 5 minute
Black Tea


White Tea 
It's the less oxidized tea or even not oxidized at all. 
After hand-picked at a young age, it is quickly sent to heating, to stop oxidation.
As result, this tea has a mild flavour and a pale yellow colour.
It, normally, contains less caffeine than the black and green and is also less processed. 
Types of White tea: Silver Needle, White Peony, Tribute Eyebrow, Long Life Eyebrow, Fujan New Craft, others.
Time of infusion: 2 to 3 minutes
White Tea

Green Tea 
This tea is lightly oxidized. Less than the black but a bit more than the white. Because of that, keeps some of the natural green colour of the leaves and original flavour. 
Types of Green tea: Sencha, Matcha, Kukicha, Goyokuro, Kabusecha, Tencha, Shincha, Hojicha, Dragon Well, others.
Time of infusion: 2 to 3 minutes
Green Tea

Oolong Tea 
The oxidation time of this tea is, normally, between the black and the green. So, the flavour is less strong than the black, but more than the green. 
Types of Oolong tea: Si Ji Chun, Formosa Bai Hao, Da Hong Pao, Dan Cong, Jin Xuan, Ali Shan, others. 
Time of infusion: 2 to 3 minutes
Oolong Tea 
Pu'erh Tea 
These leaves go twice through a full oxidation process. 
Another important process of this tea, is the aging process, where the leaves are stored for a long period of time (months or years), while fermenting. Its bacteria helps the digestive system.
This tea is only produced in China and has a deep strong earthy flavour. 
Types of Pu'erh tea: Sheng( raw) and Shou (cooked).
Time of infusion: 3 minutes
Pu'erh Tea 
Tea Benefits

Proven benefits: 
  • Reduces inflammation (polyphenols and antibacterial properties); 
  • Reduces formation of harmful free radicals (catechin);
  • Reduces blood pressure(catechin and polysaccharides); 
  • Improves oral health (fluoride, tannins and antibacterial properties);
  • Boosts the brain cognitive functions (caffeine);
  • Helps to lose weight (catechins);
  • Slows down ageing (polyphenols);
  • Aids digestion;
  • Prevents iron damage (tannins)


Herbal "Tea"

Are infusions of hot water with plants, herbs,  flowers, fruits, leaves, petals, seeds, roots, buds, spices, etc.  
The majority are caffeine-free and have medicinal properties.

Some examples are: 

  • Rooibos - Slows down ageing, prevents skin disorders, others.
  • Chamomile - Aids sleep, calming effect, others.
  • Peppermint - Aids digestion, boosts immune system, others.
  • Ginger root - Stimulates the immune system, relieves nausea, others.
  • Hibiscus - Reduces high blood pressure, anti-cancer, others.
  • Sage - Boosts brain health, neutralizes free radicals, others.
  • Rose hip - Fights skin ageing, boosts immune system, others.
  • Dandelion - Detoxifies the body, lowers blood pressure, others.
  • Echinacea - Boosts the immune system, protects skin from infections, others.
  • Milk thistle - Cleanses the liver, protects heart health, others,
  • Turmeric - Prevents cancer, prevents diabetes, others.
  • and many others.
Time of infusion: 2 to 5 minutes
Peppermint Tea



Tea Tips:

  • It's important to be informed about the tea brands, as many are using chemicals in the tea plants. It's safer to buy organic.
  • Always use a good quality of water.
  • It's healthier to drink it unsweetened and it also allows us to enjoy the real flavour of the tea or infusion. 

  • Some people add milk to their tea, but it changes the properties and the flavour of the tea.

  • If you don't like the taste of the tea, it is better to leave it, instead of drinking sugary hot water. 




Pictures Source:
https://otea.net/22-teas-for-weight-loss-choose-the-best/white-tea-be-fit
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-of-green-tea-that-you-didnt-know-about.html
https://www.teance.com/products/18-year-aged-shu-pu-erh



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