Types of Chinese Tea

China is the hometown of tea, with a long history of tea production and a vast tea region. As different regions have different climates, thus growing different varieties of tea trees, producing countless famous tea. According to the method and quality of tea, it can be divided into six categories: green tea, yellow tea, black tea, white tea, green tea (oolong tea) and black tea. To taste a pot of fragrant, suitable for their own taste of good tea, we must understand the characteristics of different types of tea, this article will introduce the detailed knowledge of Chinese tea.

Types of Chinese Tea

1. Green Tea

Green tea is also known as unfermented tea. Green tea is the oldest type of tea. It is made from the new tops of the tea tree, through the typical processes of greening, kneading and drying. Since there is no fermentation process, green tea retains more natural substances within the fresh leaves. The color of its dried tea and the tea water and leaves after brewing are mainly green. China has the most varieties of green tea and the largest production, the famous green tea are Longjing, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng and so on.

Green Tea

2. Black Tea

Chinese black tea is a fully fermented tea, which is divided into three types: Kung Fu Tea, Small Breed Black Tea and Black Broken Tea. The color of the dried tea and the brewed tea broth are mainly reddish-brown. The manufacturing of this type of tea includes the typical processes of shriveling, kneading, fermentation and drying. As a result of fermentation, the chemical composition of the fresh leaves changes considerably, producing a variety of new components. The aroma substances increase from more than 50 in the fresh leaves to more than 300. This makes black tea taste sweet and mellow, and has the quality characteristics of preservation and durability. Black tea belongs to the most popular tea in Southeast Asia and Europe, the representative of the tea products are Qi Hong, Dian Hong, Zheng Shan Xiao Seed, Lychee Black Tea and so on.

Black Tea

3. Oolong tea (green tea)

Oolong tea, also known as green tea, is a semi-fermented tea. Oolong tea synthesizes the green tea and black tea production method, the degree of fermentation ranging from 15-75%. After brewing, Oolong tea has the reputation of green leaves with red edges. Its quality is between green tea and black tea, both black tea rich fresh flavor, and green tea fragrance, extraordinarily fragrant and thick taste. Oolong tea is a unique tea in China, mainly produced in Fujian, Guangdong, Taiwan, the representative tea products are Qing tea, frozen top oolong tea, Iron Goddess of Mercy, Wuyi Rock Tea.

Oolong tea (green tea)

4. White Tea

White tea is a specialty of Fujian Province, China, because it is processed without frying or kneading, and is only dried or sun-dried, so that the white furry appearance is preserved and appears white. White tea has fat buds, tender and even leaf base, cool flavor, and lighter soup color than other teas. White tea is cool in nature and has the effect of reducing heat and fire. Representative teas include White Hair Silver Needle, White Peony, Gong Mei and Shou Mei.

White Tea

5. Yellow Tea

Yellow tea is a lightly fermented tea, characterized by yellow leaves and yellow soup. Yellow tea buds and leaves are tender, and the flavor is fresh and mellow. The yellow color of the tea leaves in the tea broth is wonderful and rhythmic. This yellow color is mainly in the process of tea making, the result of the pile smothered yellow. The representative teas are Junshan Silver Needle, Beigang Mao Jian, Huoshan Yellow Bud, Meng Ding Yellow Bud and so on.

Yellow tea

6. Black Tea

Black tea is generally piled up and fermented for a long time, and the leaf color is mostly dark brown, which is a good product for aging. It has a mellow flavor and is a necessity for the daily life of ethnic minorities in China. Black tea has a wide range of production areas, many varieties and colors, and has its own unique shape, such as green brick tea, flat tea, square tea and round tea. The representative teas are Pu’er tea, Liu’an tea, black brick tea, Yunnan tea and so on.

Black Tea

7. Flower Tea

Flower tea is a special type of tea that can be made into any of the above six types of tea. It is made by mixing refined tea leaves with fragrant flowers, and through certain processing methods, the tea leaves adsorb the fragrant aroma of the flowers. According to the division of flowers used, there are jasmine, white orchid, orchid, tortoiseshell, osmanthus, rose, pomelo flower and other flower tea. Generally baked green tea as tea blanks, because of its strong absorption of fragrance, can make the tea aroma of flowers into one. The main production areas are Fujian, Zhejiang, Anhui and Jiangsu Province.

jasmine tea

The differences between different types of Chinese tea

Due to different processing methods, there are differences in the biological composition of various teas. These components determine the differences in tea color, aroma and flavor. For example, unfermented green tea, its tea polyphenols, caffeine can be retained more than 85%, chlorophyll retention of about 50%, the loss of vitamins is also less, these natural substances on the prevention of aging, cancer, cancer, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and so on, especially effective, for the other teas are not as good as. Black tea in the fermentation process, the enzymatic oxidation of tea polyphenols, tea polyphenols reduced by more than 90%, but produced theaflavin, thearubigin and other new components, part of the more caffeine. Aged Pu-erh tea is rich in strong tea flavor, which can replenish energy and refresh the mind. Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea, and its pharmacological effects are highlighted in the breakdown of fat and the promotion of metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Tea

Q: Which Chinese tea has the lowest caffeine content?

A: The Chinese tea with the lowest caffeine content is white tea, which is made from the fresh buds of the tea tree and only undergoes two processes of withering and drying, resulting in a low caffeine content.

Q: Which Chinese tea is the healthiest?

A: There is no such thing as the healthiest Chinese tea. Each type of tea has its own health benefits. For example, green tea (Longjing, Biluochun, etc.) has antioxidant properties; black tea (Keemun black tea, ripe Puerh, etc.) is good for intestinal digestion. You need to choose according to your own situation.

Q: What are the three main types of Chinese tea?

A: Simplified according to the degree of fermentation is divided into three major categories:

Unfermented teas (containing green and white teas, such as Longjing and White Hair Silver Needle, which retain a fresh and refreshing flavor)

Semi-fermented teas (mainly Oolong teas, such as Iron Goddess of Mercy and Wuyi Rock Tea, which have a fresh and mellow taste).

Fully fermented/post-fermented teas (including black and dark teas, such as Zhengshan Xiaojiao and Pu’er, which are mild and have a strong flavor).

Q: Is Puerh tea an oolong tea?

A: No. Pu-erh tea is black tea, which is post-fermented; oolong tea is semi-fermented, with controlled fermentation by shaking and sun-drying. The process and taste of the two types of tea are very different.

Q: What is the most popular Chinese tea?

A: There are many popular teas in China. For example, green tea, the most famous are Longjing, Biluochun, etc.; black tea, Keemun black tea, Zhengshan Xiaochong is also very popular.