The Different Varieties of Tea

Teas are made from steeping the leaves, buds or stems of the tea bush, Camellia Sinensis, in hot water. All teas; green, black, white or red; start out from this same plant.

Black Tea
These leaves are removed from the bush and allowed to completely oxidize, giving them their dark color and stronger flavor. Black teas can take up to a month to process

Green Tea
These leaves are removed from the bush and allowed minimal oxidation. The oxidation is stopped with dry cooking or hot steam. Green tea is finished processing within days of harvesting.

White Tea
White tea leaves are removed from the bush at a young age and often sheltered from the sun to prevent the production of chlorophyll. The baby leaves are allowed no time for oxidation and are dried immediately.

Much like coffee, tea comes from a naturally caffinated plant and must undergo a process to remove the caffeine and create a decaf tea. Tisanes, however, are alternatives to tea that contain no part of the tea plant and therefore are naturally decaf. Tisanes, or Herbals can be made from steeping dried fruit, flowers, seeds, roots and grass in hot water, much like tea.

Some common Tisanes include: Peppermint Chamomile Lavender Strawberry Hibiscus