There are so many nutritional benefits to tea I cannot name them all. Let’s discuss the different types of tea, the benefits of tea, and where to get your best teas. I have friends that know much more than I do about tea – so if I am wrong with any of the information I provide (or I forget something) – I KNOW they will set us all straight! 🙂 Here are the most common types of tea.
Tea Bags. When you start considering tea, ensure you are purchasing not only organic Non-GMO tea, but know what the tea bag is made from. This should also be organic and of a material that isn’t harmful when consumed. Many of your “white” tea bags have been processed with dangerous chemicals and contain not only pesticides but also contain carcinogens. If you find that you love certain teas – but their bags are dangerous, open them and brew them in a safe diffuser – no plastic, no aluminum.
Recommended reading – Dangers: https://www.sadakafirm.com/blog/tea-bag-containing-deadly-pesticides/
More recommended reading – Safest: https://www.mamavation.com/product-investigations/hidden-ingredients-in-tea-you-wont-find-on-the-label-safe-toxic-teas.html
Let’s start. I’ll go from highest amount of caffeine to the lowest in this list. I’ll include caffeine amounts for each. To compare with 8 oz of coffee which contains from 95 – 200mg. I won’t go into a lot of detail on how it is grown and processed, but it is quite interesting. I’ll add some links for that below each type.
Matcha (60-80mg). Most will be surprised to find that Matcha has the highest amount of caffeine. This is due to the fact that the entire leaf is used to make the tea. Rather than steeping the leaves and removing them, the leaf is ground and used in the tea completely. I’m not a Matcha fan, but I know many that are. It has a umami (savory) flavor with hints of nuts and grass.
Recommended reading: https://breakawaymatcha.com/blogs/masterclass-in-matcha/how-matcha-is-produced
Black Tea (40 – 70mg). Most commonly known tea. Your Lipton (brand) and Earl Grey (type) are both black teas. Black tea goes through the most processing. Tea leaves are picked and set out to wilt in the sun. Then, they are twisted and crushed to ferment and fully oxidize in the sun. This process changes the color of the leaves black when complete. There are different types of black tea – typically named for the region in which the tea is grown (i.e. Darjeeling, assam, and Ceylon). Black tea has a stronger, sometimes more bitter flavor and higher caffeine levels than other types of tea. Many Chai tea recipes are made with black tea.
Recommended reading: https://www.exoticteapot.co.uk/knowledge-centre/black-tea-the-harvesting-process
Pu’erh Tea (30 – 100mg). Pu’erh is considered a dark tea rather than black. It has a subtle mushroomy or earthy flavor. The reason for this is that the leaves are partially fermented as part of their processing. There are many health benefits of Pu’erh tea due to the fermentation process. It reduces cholesterol and clears your body of toxins and free radicals.
Recommended reading – taste guide: https://simplelooseleaf.com/blog/puerh-tea/pu-erh-tea-taste/
More recommended reading: https://www.artoftea.com/blogs/tea-101/what-is-pu-erh-tea
Oolong Tea (37 – 55mg). Is a hybrid of Black and Green tea. It is also wilted but only partially oxidized. There is a wide range of Oolong teas some almost black, some almost green. Oolong tea has a wide range of flavors from floral, to fruity, to grassy.
Recommended reading – taste guide: https://www.seriouseats.com/what-is-oolong-tea-where-to-buy
More recommended reading: https://www.teafromtaiwan.com/blog/processing-oolong-tea.html
Green Tea (35 – 45mg). There are two different types of green tea. Primarily the Chinese variety is roasted to dry the leaves. And the Japanese style to steam dry the leaves. Which is better? You’ll have to choose. Green tea leaves do not go through the fermentation stage like black and oolong teas. Green tea has a grassier / flowerier flavor and fragrance and much lower caffeine levels. I love jasmine tea. Smooth, slightly sweet and smelling of jasmine.
Recommended reading: https://www.artoftea.com/blogs/tea-101/what-is-green-tea
White Tea (15 – 30mg). Is the least processed of all tea. The top leaves and bud are picked very early in the season while the white hairs are still on the plant and the bud has not opened yet. They are not fermented, nor are they roasted / steam dried but let dry naturally in the sun. The flavor is much more delicate and sweeter than any other type of tea and is often mixed with fruit. It has the lowest amount of caffeine.
Recommended reading: https://www.artoftea.com/blogs/tea-101/what-is-white-tea
Herbal Tea (0mg). Is a combination of herbs, flowers, and fruits – no tea leaves are used. Herbal teas are typically used as herbal remedies. Since there is no uniformity in what is used, each tea has its own unique flavor.
Yerba Mate (0mg). I found this tea several years ago when I wanted to get away from caffeine. I LOVE Chai tea, and struggle with it when black tea is used. So, I set out to find something different. Yerba Mate came up. The thing with Yerba Mate is that it affects your body in a similar fashion to caffeine. But rather than crashing after several hours, it lasts and slowly brings you down. And get this, it isn’t really tea. It is much healthier for you than caffeinated beverages.
Recommended reading: https://matefactor.com/pages/yerba-mate-harvesting-processing
Roobios Tea (0mg). Another “non” tea tea. This one comes from Africa. This tea is quite distinctive due to its red color. There are some potential side effects to be aware of with Roobios tea like heart palpitations, increased anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Roobios tea has a very distinctive flavor which you will either really like or dislike. Slightly nutty and a bit sweet in flavor with a woodsy scent.
Recommended reading: https://www.klipopmekaar.co.za/rooibos-farming-production-process/
Up until recently, I have always gone to the store and chosen a variety of different prepackaged teas – usually green, white or herbal. My cousin introduced me to Phuong Le a master Tea Craftsman. And OH MY GOSH! I had no idea what I had been missing out on… all these years wasted! 🙂 Including several organic tea sites below that may interest you.
Why should I drink tea? What are the benefits of tea? Tea has a high concentration of antioxidants. White tea having the highest concentration. High in Vitamin C which boosts immune system and helps promote healthy skin. Tea contains polyphenol which fights certain cancers. It is known to soothe the digestive tract. Tea lowers cholesterol, boosts metabolism, and regulates blood sugar levels. It is also a detoxifier and a stress reliever. And most all of your herbal teas have additional specific benefits.
Go try a new blend today. We have some amazing loose leaf tea shops here, I’m sure you do where you live too. Go try some different types and flavors to find your perfect blend!
Blessings…E