There are four types of tea and each is distinct in its own way. While tea is one of the the most popular drinks in the world along with water, its characteristics and types may not be familiar and known to everyone, including its drinkers. All tea leaves come from the plant Camellia sinensis.
Black tea is the most popular type of tea drunk in the West and can either be served with a squeeze of lemon or milk and a sugar cube to enhance the flavor. The Camellia sinensis leaves in black tea are heavily oxidized. When black tea is served plain, it has no calories, carbohydrates or fat making a refreshingly healthy beverage. It does, however, contain more caffeine than other of the other three types of tea.
Popular in Asia for many centuries, green tea is not as oxidized as black tea. Its health benefits have been well studied and have increased its popularity in the West. These benefits can include lowering cholestrol, the prevention of cancer and increase in metabolism.
White tea is the rare, more expensive and least processed tea compared to the others. Its Camellia sinensis leaves go through a longer process of steaming or frying, fermenting and drying. It also has a sweeter, more delicate taste and just a small amount of caffeine.
The last type of tea is Oolong tea, which is a common traditional Chinese tea. The name, referring to a black dragon, was given to the tea for its dark, long distinguished leaves. Its flavor is lighter than black tea yet stronger than green tea.
