For those of you who are as lost as I was when I began drinking tea I have broken down some of the most popular ones here to help you become your very own tea expert.
White Tea
White Tea is the least processed of all teas. White tea also has a low amount of caffeine in it and a high level of antioxidants in it. White tea is a simple tea to make because it involves very little processing of the plant.
The leaves used in making white tea are harvested before the leaves are fully open; also the buds of the plants used have not fully matured and are still covered in fine white hairs. Perhaps this is where white tea gets its name from?
Green Tea
Green Tea is processed much differently from white tea. The tea leaves used are dried and not fermented, or oxidized. The shorter processing time from black tea gives green tea a lighter flavor than its darker cousin.
The caffeine content of green tea is only about half that of a cup of coffee. Approximately forty grams and eighty five grams respectively. Like the other teas green tea contains the same polyphenols which give the tea its antioxidants and possible cancer fighting abilities.
Black Tea
Black Tea is processed more than green or white tea. Despite its bad rap for not being as healthy for you as green or white tea black tea has been shown to be just as good for you in other ways.
Different studies show that black tea is heart healthy. A study in the Netherlands shows that black tea may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. Another study done in Saudi Arabia shows that black decreases the chance of coronary heart disease.
Although that was just three types of tea, there is almost and endless variety of teas that are not mentioned here, such as red tea, chia tea or oolong tea. There are just as many ways to serve tea as there are teas. For example tea can be served plain, or with cream and sugar or maybe the tea was steeped with ginseng or ginger or other additives for flavor or health benefits. Also is it served hot or cold, the varieties are endless.
