All true tea comes from the plant Camelia sinensis. The oxidation process determines the type of tea- white, green, oolong, black or pu'er.
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True tea is pure, without additives or preservatives. Each cultivar has its own idiosyncrasies, emblematic flavors, and distinctive health benefits. Tea is history - every infusion carries centuries-old secrets from the mountainous terrains of East Asia.
So why loose leaf tea?
Loose leaf tea requires more time and effort to prepare - so why the hassle? For one- it tastes better. The larger leaves carry rich aromas and exude natural oils. More importantly, it has double the health benefits. The pure tea leaves retain more polyphenols and catechins that help fight cancers, lower cholesterol, reduce fat, decrease blood pressure, and more. Drinking loose leaf tea will boost your immune system and support overall wellness!
Read more about the types of True Tea below.
Black Tea
Black tea, known for its boldness and robust flavor, is widely consumed and cherished by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Black tea undergoes a thorough oxidation process, which gives it its distinct dark color and full-bodied taste. The leaves used to create black tea are carefully plucked and withered before being rolled and fermented. When brewed, black tea produces a rich and aromatic liquor that ranges in color from dark amber to deep reddish-brown. The infusion releases a robust and invigorating flavor profile with notes that can vary from malty and earthy to fruity and even floral.
Black tea is known for its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of preferences and tastes. It can be enjoyed plain, allowing the full strength of the tea to shine through, or with the addition of milk, sugar, honey, or lemon, according to personal preference. The addition of milk, in particular, creates a creamy and smooth beverage commonly known as "milk tea" in many cultures.
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Beyond its delightful flavor, black tea is celebrated for its energizing properties. It contains caffeine, albeit in lower quantities compared to coffee, providing a more gentle pick-me-up. Additionally, black tea is rich in antioxidants, which are believed to offer various health benefits, including potential cardiovascular and immune system support.
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Whether sipped in the morning to start the day or savored in the afternoon as a soothing break, black tea offers a satisfying and invigorating experience. Its bold flavor, deep color, and cultural significance make it a beloved beverage that has stood the test of time.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a distinctive and complex type of tea known for its unique flavor profile and rich cultural heritage. It falls somewhere between green and black tea in terms of oxidation level, making it a partially fermented tea. The leaves of oolong tea are carefully harvested and skillfully processed to achieve the desired level of oxidation. This meticulous production process is crucial in determining the tea's aroma, taste, and overall quality. Oolong tea leaves are typically large and tightly rolled, often resembling small curled balls or twisted shapes. Oolong teas offer a captivating array of tastes, which can vary from sweet and milky to woody and toasted, showcasing a delightful balance between sweet and bitter notes.
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Oolong tea is cherished for a range of health benefits. It is often associated with promoting digestion, boosting metabolism, and supporting weight management. Oolong tea contains various natural compounds, including polyphenols and antioxidants, which are believed to contribute to its potential health effects.​
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Whether you're a tea connoisseur or a curious explorer of flavors, oolong tea offers a captivating and sensory experience. Its alluring taste, subtle aromas, and dessert-like sweetness make it a sought-after tea among tea enthusiasts.
White Tea
White tea, loved for its delicate and subtle flavors, is a rare and highly prized variety of tea known for its minimal processing and exceptional quality. Made from young leaves and buds, white tea undergoes minimal oxidation and maintains its natural purity and light, nuanced taste. The leaves used to create white tea are carefully plucked in the early spring, just before they fully open. When brewed, white tea produces a pale and almost colorless infusion characterized by a gentle golden hue. It showcases a subtle, delicate flavor profile that can range from floral and fruity to slightly honeyed.
White tea is known for its high content of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and catechins, which are believed to offer numerous health benefits. These antioxidants are thought to help protect the body against free radicals, support cardiovascular health, and promote a healthy immune system.
Considered a luxury tea, white tea is sought after by tea connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate its rarity and exquisite taste. Its gentle nature and refined flavor exemplify elegance and purity in the world of tea.
Green Tea
Green tea, celebrated for its delicate flavor and numerous health benefits, is rooted in ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures. Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation during processing, allowing it to retain its vibrant green color and fresh, grassy taste. The leaves used to create green tea are carefully harvested and quickly heated or steamed to halt the oxidation process. This crucial step preserves the natural green color and locks in the tea's unique characteristics. When brewed, green tea offers a pale to bright green infusion, which showcases its freshness and vitality. The aroma is vegetal, with hints of seaweed, grass, or flowers, depending on the specific type of green tea. The taste profile of green tea can range from subtly sweet and mildly astringent to slightly nutty or floral, offering a refreshing and calming experience.
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Green tea is naturally rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins and flavonoids, which are believed to contribute to its positive effects on weight management and stress reduction.
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Green tea is often enjoyed as a meditative and contemplative beverage, encouraging a moment of tranquility in a busy day. It can be savored plain or with a touch of sweetness, such as honey or stevia, to enhance the flavor. Green tea stands as a testament to the profound relationship between nature, culture, and the appreciation of fine teas.
Pu'er Tea
Pu'er tea, often referred to as the "king of teas," is a distinctive type of fermented tea with a rich history rooted in China's Yunnan province. Pu'er tea, like all true tea, is crafted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but what sets it apart is its post-fermentation process. The tea leaves undergo microbial fermentation and aging, which can span several years or even decades. This transformation imbues Pu'er tea with its characteristic earthy taste profile. When brewed, Pu'er tea reveals a dark amber to reddish-brown liquor, which exudes a distinct aroma reminiscent of damp earth, wood, and sometimes hints of floral or fruity notes. The taste can be smooth and mellow, with a mild astringency, and may evolve through multiple infusions as the tea leaves slowly release their flavors.
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Pu'er tea is enjoyed not only for its striking taste but also for its potential health benefits. It is often associated with aiding digestion, supporting cholesterol management, and promoting gut health. Pu'er tea contains beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, theaflavins, and probiotics that contribute to its reputed health properties.
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Whether savored by tea enthusiasts or those seeking an extraordinary tea-drinking experience, Pu'er tea invites you to embark on a sensory journey through its aged flavors and rich heritage.
