Tea is not a drug, but it makes people addicted.
For many, its importance is just like water. True tea lovers never mind having tea after every few hours. The consumption of tea is increasing every year and is expected to reach 7.44 billion kilograms in 2025, which is not a surprising number given the craze for it on a global scale.
If you are confused about selecting the most refreshing type of tea, this guide will help you discover the incredible benefits each type offers. Whether you’re a seasoned tea drinker or a curious newbie, it will elevate your tea experience.
What Makes Tea Special?
Tea is more than just a beverage. Originating in China, It is tied to people’s emotions and traditions. Although there are many ways to brew tea, its significance transcends every culture. People have been drinking it for thousands of years and have crafted complex variations. Now, brewing tea has become an art with its enthusiasts globally.
But what makes it so special? The answer lies in its versatility, health benefits, and the sense of tranquility it brings. Another more realistic reason is that it is equally consumed by the poor and royals. Whether people are happy or just unwind after a tiring day, everyone wants a steaming hot cup of tea to relieve their stress.
5 Most Popular Types of Tea
Although there are countless variations of tea leaves, we will stick to the top 5 most popular ones.
Black Tea – High caffeine with a Bold Taste
Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a rich, dark color and robust flavor. It’s often enjoyed with milk and sugar, but can also be savored plain. Popular varieties include Earl Grey and English Breakfast.
The best time to have it: Morning
Why black tea?
It has antioxidant properties and helps in improving heart health. It can be safely used as an alternative to coffee because of its effectiveness in reducing the chances of chronic conditions.
Green Tea – Low Calorie & Flavourful
Green tea is minimally oxidized, preserving its green color and fresh, grassy flavor. It’s packed with antioxidants and is known for its health benefits, including improved brain function and fat loss. Sencha tea, for instance, is a popular type of green tea in Japan, known for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits. As seen at https://nioteas.com/collections/sencha-tea, these teas are celebrated for their rich flavors and high nutritional value. Sencha is typically enjoyed hot, but can also be served as a cold brew, making it a versatile choice for any tea lover.
The best time to have it: After a few hours of breakfast and in the evening
Why green tea?
It lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases and helps in balancing blood sugar levels. Plus, the caffeine and L-theanine in green tea can improve brain function.
Oolong Tea – Light to Floral and Toasty Flavour
Oolong tea is partially oxidized, balancing the richness of black tea and the freshness of green tea. It’s known for its complex flavors and is often enjoyed without any additives.
The best time to have it: Morning and afternoon
Why Oolong tea?
It has a distinct flavor profile with tastes ranging from floral and fruity to rich and toasty. Its natural fluoride content can help in preventing dental cavities and other tooth diseases.
White Tea – Sweet Taste with Floral Notes
White tea is the least processed of all teas, made from young leaves and buds. In the book “Jane Pettigrew’s World of Tea,” the writer Jane Pettigrew (who is a tea expert) says about the buds:
“The buds also contain high levels of caffeine, which acts as an insecticide to protect the new shoots as they develop.”
It has a delicate flavor and is often described as sweet and light. It’s also rich in antioxidants.
The best time to have it: Mid-afternoon and night.
Why white tea?
People on a diet can have white tea as it helps in weight management. Plus, it slows down the aging process.
Herbal Tea – Refreshing and Lingering Aftertaste
Herbal teas are not technically teas, as they do not come from the Camellia sinensis plant. They are infusions made from herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices. Popular examples include chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus.
The best time to have it: Morning or after meals
Why herbal tea?
Since they are caffeine-free, you can drink them without any worry. Herbal teas are famous for their refreshing taste and mood-enhancement effects.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea Every Day
Choose the Right Tea
Your choice of tea will significantly impact your brewing process. Each type of tea has its own ideal brewing temperature and steeping time.
Measure Tea
Use about one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea or one tea bag per cup of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
Heat Water
Different teas require different water temperatures:
- Black tea and herbal tea: Boiling water (212°F or 100°C)
- Green and white tea: Simmering water (160-185°F or 70-85°C)
- Oolong tea: Hot but not boiling water (185-205°F or 85-96°C)
Steep Your Tea
Steeping time varies based on the type of tea:
- Black tea and herbal tea: 3-5 minutes
- Green and white tea: 2-3 minutes
- Oolong tea: 3-4 minutes
Finally, Enjoy
Once your tea is ready, remove the tea leaves or bag and enjoy. Add sweeteners, milk, or lemon as desired.
Top Health Benefits of Drinking Tea
Antioxidant Power
Tea is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This can keep you looking young and lower your risk of chronic diseases.
Boosts Metabolism
Teas like green and oolong are known to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss. They can help improve fat oxidation and increase energy expenditure.
Enhances Mental Alertness
The caffeine and amino acids in tea, particularly L-theanine, can improve focus and mental alertness without the jittery effects often associated with coffee.
Also Read: Most Popular Coffee Trends
Supports Heart Health
Regular consumption of tea, especially black and green tea, is linked to improved heart health. It can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Also Read: How Exercise Helps Balance Cholesterol
Promotes Relaxation
Herbal teas, like chamomile and lavender, are known for their calming effects. They can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Different Ways to Enjoy Tea
Hot Tea
Hot tea is a classic way to enjoy your brew. It’s comforting and perfect for cold weather or a relaxing evening.
Iced Tea
Iced tea is a refreshing option, especially during the summer. It can be sweetened or flavored with fruits and herbs for an extra twist.
Tea Lattes
Lattes, a popular coffee variation, can also be made from tea. Tea lattes, like chai or matcha latte, offer a creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional tea. They can be easily made at home with steamed milk and brewed tea.
Cold Brew Tea
Cold brew tea is made by steeping tea leaves in cold water for several hours. This method brings out a different flavor profile and is less astringent than hot brewed tea.
Conclusion
Tea is more than just a drink; it’s a lifestyle. From its diverse types and flavors to its numerous health benefits, tea offers something for everyone. By following this guide, you can elevate your tea-drinking experience and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.