{"id":1789,"date":"2023-07-06T14:52:53","date_gmt":"2023-07-06T12:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coffee-spirit.maxicoffee.com\/guides-achat\/en-gb-tea-guide\/"},"modified":"2025-03-05T17:10:18","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T16:10:18","slug":"how-to-choose-tea","status":"publish","type":"buyer-guides","link":"https:\/\/www.coffee-spirit.maxicoffee.com\/en-gb\/guide\/how-to-choose-tea\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to choosing your tea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What is tea?<\/h2>\n

Before knowing how to choose tea<\/strong>, let’s start with the basics-what exactly is tea<\/a>?<\/p>\n

\"tea<\/p>\n

Tea is a drink, usually consumed hot though you can also make iced tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis<\/em> plant. While herbal infusions like chamomile or peppermint are often called ‘tea,’ true teas come exclusively from this plant. The processing methods used on the tea leaves after harvesting determine the type of tea produced \u2014 whether it\u2019s white, green, oolong, black, or pu-erh. The oxidation process, fermentation, and drying methods all contribute to the tea’s final flavour, aroma, and appearance.<\/p>\n

Today, it is one of the most consumed drinks in the world, loved for its unique characteristics, cultural significance, and ability to suit various tastes and preferences.<\/p>\n

History of tea<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Dutch<\/strong> imported this beverage<\/a> from Japan to Europe in the 17th century. Today, it is one of the most popular drinks in the world, particularly in the form of black tea. Japan, meanwhile, is by far the biggest consumer of green tea \u2013 no surprise given the cultural importance of tea ceremony. Each type does not come from a different tree, as was long thought in the West, but from the tea plant. It is instead the treatment of the harvested leaves that makes the difference.<\/p>\n

How is Tea Made?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The journey of tea from leaf to cup involves several key steps in the processing methods:<\/p>\n

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  1. Plucking<\/strong>: Tea leaves are carefully hand-picked by skilled farmers.<\/li>\n
  2. Withering<\/strong>: Leaves are laid out to reduce moisture content.<\/li>\n
  3. Oxidation Process<\/strong>: This step defines the tea\u2019s type, from white to black tea, based on exposure to oxygen.<\/li>\n
  4. Rolling<\/strong>: Leaves are rolled to shape them and release essential oils.<\/li>\n
  5. Firing<\/strong>: Heat is applied to stop oxidation and preserve flavour.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The final result depends on the chosen method and the desired type of tea.<\/p>\n\n <\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\r\n

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    Where is Tea Grown?<\/p> <\/header>\r\n \t\t \t\t\t

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    India<\/strong>: The world\u2019s largest tea producer. Its tea farmer collectives are responsible for about a third of global production. Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri are its most famous regions.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n\t\t \t\t\t

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    China<\/strong>: Regarded as the birthplace of tea, China produces a wide range of tea varieties<\/a>, including Dragon Well (Longjing) and Silver Needle white tea.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n\t\t \t\t\t

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    Kenya<\/strong>: The leading exporter of tea globally, people like it for its strong black tea with a full body.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n\t\t \t\t\t

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    Sri Lanka (Ceylon)<\/strong>: Produces Ceylon tea, this Sri Lankan Tea<\/a> often with floral and citrus notes.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n\t\t \t\t\t

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    Japan<\/strong>: Famous for its high-quality green teas like Sencha and Matcha, steeped in japanese tea<\/a> cultural tradition.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n\t\t \t\t\t

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    Other Producers<\/strong>: Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan all produce notable teas with distinct flavours and unique characteristics.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n\t\t\t<\/section>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\n

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    What Are the 5 Types of Tea?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    \"Type<\/p>\n

    The actually number of types of tea <\/a>is somewhat debatable. At the very least, there are 3 most popular varieties of teas<\/p>\n

    White tea<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The least processed tea after harvesting, white tea<\/a> is dried, very lightly oxidised, and consumed plain. It is the most delicate and the freshest. The instructions for white teas is to use 60\u00b0C water and brew the tea for 5 to 6 minutes.<\/p>\n

    Green tea<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Green tea<\/a> is a tea with many therapeutic properties, it\u2019s mainly obtained from young tea leaves. It releases vegetal notes with a slight astringency and is not oxidised. The instructions for green teas is to use 75-80\u00b0C water and brew the tea for 3 minutes.<\/p>\n

    Black tea<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Consumed plain or sweetened, black tea is oxidised. It can be prepared with milk and is often used for flavoured teas. Black tea<\/a> generally delivers a very round infusion. Smoked tea, also known as \u2018China tea\u2019, is a sub-category of black tea. Some popular varieties include English Breakfast, Darjeeling and Earl Grey. The instructions for green teas is to use 85-90\u00b0C water and brew the tea for 4 minutes.<\/p>\n

    Other Category of Teas<\/h3>\n

    Aside from the three main families, other types of tea are also available:<\/strong><\/p>\n