Here are some facts on some of the most popular teas.
Black tea, green tea, Oolong tea and white are the four main types of teas. There are also other varieties like herbal, flavored and scented.
Fact: Most tea is picked by hand. The leaves are too delicate to be harvested any other way.
Black Tea is the most popular tea all over the world. It comes from the Camellia Senesis plant. Black tea is made from the young tea leaves and the buds. The leaves and buds are completely fermented or oxidized after they have been dried. Black tea has a strong, bitter flavor. Some different types of black teas are Orange Pekoe, and Earl Gray.
Fact: Seventy five percent of all tea grown is made into black tea.
Fact: The climate, soil and location of where the tea is grown effects the flavor of the tea.
Green Tea comes from the same plant as black tea, Camellia Senesis. It is even made from the same leaves as the black tea. The difference is that green tea does not go through a fermenting process. Instead the leaves are steamed after they are dried. Green tea has a grassy flavor.
Oolong tea only is partially fermented. This gives the tea a smoother taste that is not as strong as black tea and curbs the grassy flavor of green tea.
White tea was once reserved for royalty in China and has only been available outside of China for a few years. The leaves are also from the Camellia Senesis plant. The leaves are picked only twice a year at a very young stage just before the buds are beginning to open. The leaves are then partially fermented in a similar manner to the Oolong tea.
Health Benefits of Tea
Tea is filled with antioxidants called polyphenols, flavonoids, and catenins. These antioxidants prevent free radical damage that can lead to cancer.
Clinical trials held in Switzerland have shown that the caffeine in combination with catechin in green tea raises thermogenesis increasing metabolism.
Tip: Use caution before relying on green tea supplements. They have not been studied to know if they are as effective as actual brewed green tea.
Some experts think that regular tea drinkers have lower instances of developing diabetes.
Tea leaves contain fluoride and have been shown to prevent cavities.
Tea is also one of the few sources for the amino acid L-theanine which boosts the immune system and mental alertness.
What about Herbal Teas?
Herbal teas are made from flowers, leaves, roots or seeds of plants and generally do not contain leaves of the Camellia Senesis plant. Some examples of herbal teas are chamomile, mint, and Jasmine. The benefits of the herbal teas vary based on the herbs included.
Samantha Rufle - I am a home school and stay at home mom of two great boys. I have always been interested in nutrition and was always searching out ways to ...
