We all know at least a couple of types of tea, perhaps the most famous ones like black and green. But How many types of tea are there really? The answer is: there are many and we will discover them in this article! But first let's dispel a myth: every type of tea comes from a single plant, the camellia sinensis. Therefore, the belief of many that different drinks originate from different plants is false: the only difference is the processing method, which as we will see can give very different results and health benefits. Let's enter the world of the most consumed drink on the planet to discover its secrets.

How many types of you are there?

Based on the different processing of the leaves of camellia sinensis we can distinguish a handful of “pure” types of tea:

• Types of Green Tea: they are made with unoxidized leaves or leaves that are left to oxidize slightly. The leaves therefore remain green, giving the drink its typical color.

• Black teas: they are made with very oxidized leaves that turn black, also giving the drink a darker color.

• White teas: the processing of this type is very particular because it only concerns the leaf buds, that is, those more tender leaflets that have not yet fully formed.

• Oolong Tea: the so-called “blue tea” is semi-oxidized, therefore its oxidation is halfway between that of green tea and that of black tea.

• Pu erh tea: this rare type is made of leaves that are not simply oxidized but are left to ferment, and therefore age. As with wines, the degree of aging makes a difference here too.

These are the types of “pure” teas, composed only of camellia sinensis leaves. They are drinks that have a very variable flavor, from the lightest to the most bitter, and present different characteristics and benefits.

Types of tea and properties

The different processing to which the camellia sinensis leaves are subjected means that the resulting drinks have different propertiesLet's summarize them briefly:

• Green tea: has excellent draining properties, containing caffeine, and works well as a purifier. Like all its "brothers" it has a strong antioxidant power. It also contains L-theanine, a substance that can improve cognitive function.

• Black tea: being highly oxidized this tea has fewer properties but remains an excellent draining agent thanks to the presence of caffeine within it.

• White tea: a tea with a low caffeine content that can therefore also be drunk in the evening, with purifying and antioxidant properties.

• Oolong Tea: combines the benefits of black and green tea, working as an antioxidant and purifying. It is also considered an excellent fat burner.

• Pu erh tea: it has little caffeine, so it can be enjoyed at any time of the day, and is considered, like Oolong, an excellent fat burner.

But the benefits don't end there. Regular consumption of tea, especially black and green tea, has been associated with a reduction in the risk of heart disease.The antioxidants in tea can improve cholesterol levels, keeping arteries more elastic and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that tea consumption can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Finally, the action of antioxidants is associated with a lower risk of diseases such as cancer.

Types of Flavored Teas

The world of tea is extremely broad and varied and in addition to the "pure" types there are the Flavored blends, which combine the leaves of camellia sinensis with leaves or flowers of other plants. The other plants present can improve the purifying and antioxidant functions of the tea, as you can see by consulting our collection of teas and herbal teas.

The main types of tea “with additions” are:

• Reprocessed teas

In Chinese called zai jiagong chalei, these are types of tea that undergo various and complex reworkings and treatments, while remaining “pure” in their essence.

• Scented teas

Scented teas are made with the addition of flowers: the most popular are jasmine, rose and osmanthus. The flowers add delicate flavor notes to the drink. These drinks are usually produced directly in the countries where the camellia sinensis is native.

• Flavoured teas

This group includes some types of English teas such as the famous earl grey, flavoured with bergamot. Flavoured tea is produced by combining camellia sinensis leaves with spices, fruit, aromas but also essential oils that contribute to modifying the flavour of the drink.

• Smoked teas

In this case, the tea, which can be of various types, is treated by smoking. This treatment occurs simultaneously with the drying of the leaves. The most popular types of smoked tea are yellow tea and black Lapsang souchong. This type of drink is popular in China.

• Mixtures

The blend is obtained by mixing together “pure” teas to obtain products with a rich organoleptic profile and complex benefits. Each blended product has its own aroma, perfected by the manufacturing companies.

• Pressed teas

Another type of tea very popular in China and Central Asia is the pressed one: the leaves are first softened with steam and then pressed. There are various forms of pressing and modification to obtain ever new flavors.

• Bouquet of tea and flowers

The bouquet is a composition of tea leaves and flowers tied in a bunch and left to dry to obtain a fragrant product, beautiful to look at and with a special flavor. In our country these bouquets are also known as "tea flowers".

The Importance of Organic Tea

We at Piggyweed strongly believe inorganic farming, without the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides. This type of agriculture is based on a series of ecological and natural principles aimed at promote biodiversity, improve soil fertility and protect the health of ecosystems. The products we distribute follow all the organic rules to be better tasting, but also better from a sustainability point of view. That’s why our teas are a panacea for your health and that of the planet.