Ready, set, flavors – here are the best teas for your every need.
While there are literally thousands of varieties of teas, you might be surprised to find out that there are really only five types of tea. Many of the most popular teas come from these five teas: black, green, oolong, white, and pu-erh. I’m won’t be going into details about the different types of teas but rather sharing varieties of some of the most popular teas. As a huge tea lover, specifically green tea, I had to do a round up of some of my favorite. Whether it’s for health benefits or flavour, there are certain teas that just hits the spot. Tea is the perfect beverage because it suits any occasion and can be served at any time of the day. I just love the comfort of sipping on a hot cup of green tea or chai latte. You can shop some of these teas here.
Green Tea
Green tea comes in all its varieties – such sencha, jasmine, and matcha. They are all fantastic for giving us a similar kick to coffee but without the crash. Best for antioxidants, energy and detoxification. The catechins in green tea provide a significant amount of antioxidant support, which is important to help balance out free-radical damaging pollutants and foods.
Black Tea
Black tea is a type of tea that is more oxidized than oolong, white and green teas. Black tea is generally stronger in flavour than other teas. Black tea is stronger, bolder and richer than green tea. A brewed black tea can range in color from amber to red to dark brown, and its flavor profile can range from savory to sweet, depending on how long it was oxidized and how it was it was heat processed. Black tea typically has more astringency and bitterness than green tea, but if brewed correctly it should be smooth and flavorful. Some types of black teas are: Earl Grey, English Breakfast Tea, Ceylon Black Tea, Keemun Black Tea and Assam Tea.
Matcha Tea
A derivative of green tea, which is high in antioxidants and nutrients. Matcha is the ultimate form of green tea in the whole world. It comes exclusively from Japan, where the benefits of matcha are strongest due to the special climate and cultivation techniques. With traditional green tea, the leaves are steeped in hot water and then discarded. But with matcha, the dried leaves are actually ground into a powder, mixed into the drink, and consumed. The tea has a unique, non-bitter taste and vibrant green color and is regarded as the most aromatic form of green tea.
Oolong Tea
Falls between green and black tea and is one of the top five true teas. Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea. It’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. The difference is in how the tea is processed. Oolong is a semi-oxidized tea that can vary depending on the leaf style, level of oxidation, color, and the roasting degree. Falling somewhere between green and black teas, it is one of the most complex varieties regarding production, and it can take on a wide variety of flavors and aromas. There are quite a few varities of Oolong teas such as Dong Ding, Da Hong Pao and Tieguanyin.
Chai Tea
Chai tea is a traditional Indian tea made with spices, ginger, and milk. Indian chai tea is a robust blend of spices, herbs and tea. However, in America, “Chai” has come to mean a blend of spices (usually cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and peppercorns), mixed with some type of tea. Aside from green tea, this is also one of my favorite teas, especially when it’s a chai latte.
Jasmine Tea
This tea has a delicate aroma and a refreshing flavor. Jasmine tea is made by, as the name suggests, blending jasmine flowers with tea. Even though it can be made with green, white, or black tea, if you want it to wake you up, go for black since it has the highest caffeine content.
Peppermint Tea
This tea tastes like mint leaves and helps to soothe upset stomachs. This refreshing tea contains a good amount of flavonoids and can help deal with digestive issues, abdominal pain, and bloating. If you are prone to bloating after meals, a warm cup of peppermint tea will make your stomach feel lighter. It also soothes stomach cramps, which is why this should occupy a very crucial place in your period care kit.
Chamomile
This tea is known for its soothing properties with a floral flavoring. It’s also best for insomnia, stress, and digestion. Chamomile is an herb that comes from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. To make chamomile tea, the flowers are dried and then infused into hot water. Many people enjoy chamomile tea as a caffeine-free alternative to black or green tea and for its earthy, somewhat sweet taste.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a combination of ginger root and boiling water. It’s a spicy drink that can be adjusted to taste by adding more ginger or letting it steep longer. When made with fresh ginger root, it will be far tastier than ginger tea brewed from a stale tea bag. You will always find ginger root in my house as this tea has so many amazing benefits. Such as helping to treat nausea, boosts your immune system, reduces inflammation, fights colds and sore throats, aids digestion and vomiting.
