Types of Chinese Tea
by Arthur Ding
All teas are made using the leaves of the plant with a scientific name “Camellia Sinesis”. The variances between the forms of Chinese tea are triggered by the difference in processing methods and the geographic area of the plan, including the infused tea’s taste and appearance. Chinese tea could be classified in 5 different groups and these include green tea, oolong tea, black tea, post-fermented tea and white tea. Usually, the scented teas as well as the compressed teas and the Pu-erh teas are also included in the list but here are the most commonly produced forms of Chinese tea that you can easily find in the market these days.
Green Tea
Green tea leaves are dark to light green in color and these are brew in a light green mixture. Green tea undergoes reduced oxidant throughout the processing. The raw leaves will be rolled, heated and dried with no fermentation. This will enable the leaves to preserve their true color while they are also helped to retain their antioxidants that are naturally occurring, according to a recent research. These antioxidants can help a lot in reducing the risk of cancer and they also slow down the whole aging process.
Having a longer history record compared to other forms of Chinese tea, this one is the most famous form of Chinese tea that is consumed by many people in China. This country is the biggest exporter of green tea across the world and its productions comprise over 80 percent of the overall international market. This form of Chinese tea is being produced across the country.
Black Tea
It is made using tea leaves which underwent complete fermentation prior the baking process. This is called red tea by Chinese people and the variety comes with brown to reddish brown leaves that produce that light brown blend. Compared to other forms of tea, this black tea usually produces a taste that is more full bodied. This form of Chinese tea accounts for more than 90% of the tea supplies supplied in the West, although green tea comes with the recently seen revival, because of its purported advantages to health. This is also the most famous type of tea that is consumed by people in South Asia. Lapsang souchong is one form of black tea that was the first one in the history.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is the specialty coming from the southeastern part of China that originates from the provinces such as Taiwan, Guangdong, and Fujian. Oolong tea comes with the process of partial fermentation and so, it features the characteristics and qualities of black and green teas. This one tastes fragrant and clear with green tea and it is refreshing and strong in the same way with black tea. Likewise, high quality oolong tea is producing a long, aftertaste which will linger to your mouth. This type of Chinese tea is semi fermented and it is somewhat potent in the breakdown of fat and protein, helping achieve weight loss. This form of Chinese tea is a best seller product in Japan.
White Tea
It got its name from the unique white colored look of dry tea. This form of Chinese tea is made using the uncured buds with the young leaves of a few tea cultivars from the province of Fujian. The leaves and the buds will go over the minimal processing so they will be kept closer to their known natural condition. Even the silvery white hair on the leaves will also be preserved that will give that white color to dry tea.
Post-fermented Tea
This is also called hei cha in China and it is made using tea leaves which underwent the lengthy fermentation period after these leaves are rolled and fried. The process is highly exacting. Compared to most forms of Chinese teas with fading aroma and taste with age, this one could be aged to enhance its taste. The leaves will last longer, compared to other forms of tea.
Scented Tea
The scented tea which is also called the flower tea is made through combining the base tea which is most frequently a green tea or oolong or black tea sometimes. Any of these will be mixed with the blossoms or flower petals that lend their fragrance to the leaves throughout the processing. The flowers that are used in this process are jasmine, chrysanthemum, osmanthus, rose and lotus. Among others, jasmine tea is the most famous form of scented tea that is commonly consumed in the northern part of China. Once infused, it produces that bright yellow green liquid that comes with a lasting and strong floral fragrance.
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