As an avid coffee-drinker, there is nothing more disorienting than walking into Teavana and being totally lost. I mean, when it comes to tea, I get completely and utterly discombobulated with the rows and rows of neatly placed mason jars filled with dried leaves. So, what’s the deal with tea? What makes Twinings different from Lipton? And WTF is a ‘rooibos’?
A Tea-ducation.
Well, folks, it is actually quite simple. All types of teas, except herbal tea, come from the buds and leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This evergreen plant is indigenous to fertile regions of China and India, where the process of drinking tea was refined and deeply-rooted in ceremonial practices.
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So, why are there so many types of tea if there is just one plant?
The reason why there are so many different types of teas is not because there are a million different tea plants. Instead, the ways in which the buds and leaves of the Camellia sinensis are processed result in the wide variety of teas available to us today.
Baking, oxidizing, fermenting and grinding the parts of the plant give each family of teas its unique flavor profiles, caffeine content, different steeping times, nutritional properties and medicinal benefits.
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What is an herbal tea?
Herbal teas, or tisanes, are the “black sheep” of the tea community. Instead of being made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, these teas are blends of spices, herbs, fruits and other flavorful plants. In most cases, herbal blends are added to different types of teas to add complexity to their flavor profiles or for additional medicinal benefits.
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So, how do I find out which is right for me?
Discovering your personal brew can be more complicated than you think. Yet, with this nifty quiz, you can find out for yourself!
The answer is:
![White Tea]()
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White Tea
Made from light-colored buds and leaves of the tea plant, white tea's delicate and naturally sweet flavor profiles compliment your personality. The low caffeine content and high antioxidant properties make for a perfect, relaxing drink. Also, white teas contain a small amount of fluoride, so your teeth will thank you for brewing a kettle! Next time you brew, try a cup of White Peony or subtle, Silver Needle white tea.
The answer is:
![Green Tea]()
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Green Tea
Made from the quickly heated leaves of the tea plant, green tea has less caffeine content than black tea. It also contains antioxidants that boost your metabolism. Next time you brew, try a bold Matcha tea or a palate-cleansing Konacha tea that pairs well with sushi.
The answer is:
![Black Tea]()
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Black Tea
Black tea's strong, bold and bitter flavor profile perfectly compliments your personality. Usually served with milk and sugar, and due to its high caffeine content, black tea is the most common alternative to coffee. Next time you brew, try an aromatic cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea.
The answer is:
![Rooibos Tea]()
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Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea, or red herbal tea, is native to South Africa. A number of rooibos varieties contain alpha-hydroxy acid that can also be found in many popular cosmetic products. This acid is known for its anti-aging properties. Rooibos teas have been used to treat severe stomach cramps, stress and skin irritations. Next time you brew, try a warm cup of Vanilla Rooibos or Spiced Red tea.
The answer is:
![Oolong Tea]()
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Oolong Tea
Oolong tea's flavor profile varies from delicately sweet to flowery to even smoky. They are usually blended with herbal teas and meant to be steeped multiple times in order to reveal new flavor notes. Oolong teas have also been used to aid in fat metabolism and to treat high cholesterol. Next time you brew, try a cup of soothing Lavender Oolong or a partially-oxidized Jade Oolong tea.
The answer is:
![Yerba Maté Tea]()
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Yerba Maté Tea
Originally from Brazil, yerba maté tea is packed with nutrients and vitamins that are proven to safely stimulate your nervous system. With 90% more antioxidants than green tea, yerba maté has been studied as an immunity booster and cancer-fighting agent. Since it is tricky to prepare, I would recommend searching for it already brewed in your local health food store. There are many popular iced yerba maté teas available in grocery stores nowadays.
The answer is:
![Hibiscus Tea]()
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Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea's tart flavor profile makes it perfect for herbal-fruit tea blends. Its high Vitamin C content supports a healthy immune system, and did I mention it's naturally caffeine-free?! Next time you brew, try a refreshing glass of iced, Raspberry-Hibiscus tea, or even try freezing the sweetened tea for a fresh and flavorful popsicle!
The answer is:
![Chamomile and Peppermint Tea]()
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Chamomile and Peppermint Tea
These herbal teas are perfect for rest and relaxation. Chamomile and peppermint herbal teas aid with digestion, irritable bowel syndrome and insomnia. Next time you brew, have a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea right before bedtime for a restful night's sleep.
The answer is:
![Pu'erh Tea]()
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Pu'erh Tea
Native to the Yunnan Province in China, Pu'erh tea's smooth, mellow flavor profile is perfect for your personality. Its twice-fermented quality provides the tea with many health benefits, including its use as a digestive aid and as a hangover cure. Next time you brew, try a chocolate-Pu'erh blend for a warmer flavor profile or a Jasmine-Pu'erh for a flowery profile.
