A Quick Guide to our Teas

June 15, 2015 1 Comment

The choice between black, green, white, herbal and rooibos tea may seem daunting. You may be wondering what in the world 'rooibos' is never mind how you pronounce it.

Below gives you a bit of information on each tea to help you decide which you may want to try! 

Black, Green and White Tea

Although black, green and white tea taste completely different, they all come from the same plant - 'Camellia sinensis'. The reason they differ is due to the way they are processed. Black tea leaves are the most processed and are fully oxidised which turns the leaves black. Green tea leaves are less processed and prevented from oxidising, and white tea leaves go through the least processing of all and are only lightly oxidised. Tea from the Camellia sinensis plant has on average half the amount of caffeine as coffee, and the caffeine in tea gets released over a longer period of time so its a better alternative for prolonged concentration. 

Black

• The most common type of tea in the UK - we all know of a builders tea! 
• Leaves are fully oxidised, allowing them to turn black and giving them a strong flavour
• Said to strengthen the immune system due to its high levels of antioxidants, and said to benefit general heart heath 
• Contains caffeine - great with or without milk - bold flavour 

Green

• Very common in Asia (used as a beverage and medicine) -  growing in popularity in the UK and USA due to its health benefits 
• Leaves are stopped from oxidising so they maintain their colour and have an earthy taste
• Said to contain very high levels of antioxidants due to not being oxidised, and said to help in the prevention of disease (read our Matcha blog for more green tea health info) 
• Contains caffeine - drunk without milk - earthy flavour  
• Green tea leaves are used to make Matcha - the superfood of superfoods! 

White 

• Very common is Asia (similar to green tea)
• The least processed tea - the purest form of the tea plant
• Similar to green tea, said to contain very high levels of antioxidants which aid in the prevention of disease
• Contains caffeine - drunk without milk - soft and sweet flavour 

Rooibos

Rooibos tea comes from a South African plant, called 'Red Bush' which needle like leaves have a natural sweetness and brew a soft red cup.  

• High in antioxidants and said to improve circulation and help prevent disease
• Rooibos is also known for its cosmetic benefits including protecting and repairing the skin
• Naturally caffeine free - drunk with or without milk

Herbal 

Herbal tea is essentially fruit and herbal infusions 

• Herbal tea is often used for medicinal purposes and its health benefits relate to its particular fruit/herbal ingredients 
• Peppermint tea is known to aid digestion, and tea containing camomile is often used for relaxation and headaches 
• Naturally caffeine free - usually drunk with out milk 

Check out our brewing guide for all of our different teas so you can be sure to make the best brew whichever tea you choose! 

Still can't decide which tea to go for? Why not try one of our starter boxes so you can find your favourite.

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