Black tea is a true tea that comes from the camellia sinensis plant. Black tea leaves are allowed to fully oxidize before being processed and dried, which makes the leaves dark brown and gives the tea its signature flavor profile. Black teas tend to be bold and brisk, and they are often described as astringent.
White tea is a type of tea that has a delicate flavor and is naturally low in caffeine. It is harvested at the start of the season, and is comprised of buds and new leaves.
Green tea has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any tea. It is naturally low in calories and contains less caffeine than black tea.
Oolong is neither a black tea nor a green tea; it falls into its own category of tea. Yet an oolong may end up with more black tea characteristics or more green tea characteristics depending on the direction the tea master takes in the processing of the tea.
Herbal tea is simply an infusion of any edible plant. It is available in huge varieties and can be made using many different ingredients, including tree bark, flowers, leaves, roots, spices, seeds, and fruit.
Rooibos tea is a red herbal tea that comes from the fermented leaves of the aspalathus linearis shrub, a plant native to South Africa. Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants, which may benefit health.
