Chinese Teas Major Varieties
Jan 29
China China, Chinese Tea, flower tea, green tea, kinds of tea, Oolong Tea, red or black tea, tea, white tea No Comments
Camelia Sinensis, most popularly known as Chinese tea bushes are grown in the mountains of tropical and subtropical regions of China where there is a more stable climate, sufficient humidity, adequate sunshine and fertile soil.
Most Chinese teas are classified according to quality, processing method or locality where it is grown. The basic methods of processing Chinese tea leaves are fermentation, heating and or drying, and adding other ingredients like flowers, special herbs or fruits. Theses processes makes the unique flavor of the raw tea leaves.
Green Tea are newly-harvested Chinese tea leaves that do not undergo fermentation. Green tea is processed naturally through heating or drying so as to maintain its natural green color and retain most of its potent substances like polyphenols and chlorophyll. Green tea is widely grown in all regions of China and is the most famous in its kind. It is known to possess the highest medicinal value and the lowest caffeine levels.
Red Tea and Black Tea are types of Chinese tea that can be used interchangeably depending on the place of origin. Red Tea is Black tea by western classification. Red and Black Chinese teas are wholly fermented giving them the strong flavor and dark color. Compared to other Chinese teas, they have longer lasting flavors. They have the highest level of caffeine concentration. They are most commonly used in the west and northwest regions of China being known to be Weight-watchers’ gospel. Black Chinese teas are known to clean up the digestive tract due to its emulsifying effect on fats and cholesterol.
Oolong Tea is both green and black tea mainly because it is partially fermented. It tastes more like green tea but has the aroma and sense of black tea. Oolong Chinese tea has a thick flavor making it a favorite among tea drinkers in southeast China and Taiwan. It is also the most useful tea for Kung Fu Cha. Interestingly, Oolong tea, like Black teas contain substances that works best in losing those unwanted excess fats and in lowering cholesterol levels.
Pu-erh or Puer Chinese Tea is also known as Compressed tea. It has been fermented for many years that is why it has compacted, which gives it a unique earthly taste. Puer teas are compressed artistically, depending on how it is shaped when it has first landed on the hands of its maker. This kind of chinese tea is most common is the west and southwest China. For continues fermentation, compressed Chinese teas should be kept with ventilation and air at room temperature. Puer ages like wine, the longer it is stored for fermentation, the higher is its value.
Flowered or Scented Tea are basically chinese teas added with flower petals of jasmine, gardenia, magnolia, grapefruit flower, sweet-scented osmanthus and rose. The base of the scented tea could either be green tea, red or black tea and oolong tea. However, there is a strict standard on the quantity of flower petals that should be added on each tea type. For example, since green is not fermented, most of its natural substances are present, oolong teas are partially fermented, such that it is effective for breaking down proteins and fats, and red or black teas has undergone full fermentation, so 90% of its potency has lost, but it has the highest caffeine level. Jasmine remains to be the most commonly used as Flower tea.
White Tea or Yellow Tea are chinese green teas which have been roasted, that’s why it is colored white or yellow, depending on the roasting process. White teas have the lightest taste and aroma and it has the lowest caffeine content. Some of the favorite chinese white teas are Shou Mei, Bai Mu Dan and Yin Zhen Bai Hao.
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