TYPES OF TEA: HERE ARE ALL THE VARIETIES, FROM THE MOST FAMOUS TO THE LEAST KNOWN

The world of teas is very vast, as there are many different types all to be discovered and tasted, which however have a common denominator: they all come from a single plant, namely the Camelia Sinensis.

The latter was first cultivated in China and then spread throughout almost all of Asia and Western countries.

Over time, therefore, four types of Camelia Sinensis have been created, although the best known are the Camelia Sinensis Indian Assam and the Camelia Sinensis Chinese.

Varieties and types of tea

What characterizes the varieties and types of tea are the preparation, the cultivar and the processing of the leaves.

Teas can be divided into the following versions:

• black teas : they are made with highly oxidized leaves, which give the drink a dark colour. They are particularly rich in caffeine and it is recommended to limit their consumption;

• green teas : they are made with non-oxidized tea leaves, which remain green. The most famous and prized one is Japanese matcha;
• Oolong : they are less known and are obtained through partial oxidation of the leaves;
• white teas : to make white teas, the buds of the leaves are used, i.e. those that have not yet opened and are worked in a very delicate way;
• Pu erh : these are fermented teas that acquire more and more value over time, just like some wines.

Differences and benefits of the various types of tea

Based on the taste and the benefits to be obtained, the various teas have very specific characteristics.

Green tea , since it contains caffeine, as well as being an excellent antioxidant , has marked draining and purifying properties, just like black tea.

However, the latter, having oxidized leaves, has fewer beneficial properties.

Speaking instead of white tea , it becomes the ideal drink to consume in the afternoon or in the evening, since it contains a smaller amount of caffeine .

Furthermore, given its delicate taste , it can be considered a real cuddle.

If, on the other hand, you want help in burning fat , Pu erh and Oolong are particularly suitable .

Variety of reworked teas

It is important to know that, in addition to the original teas, there are different types of reworked teas , which are obtained through elaborations, manipulations and treatments.

This category includes:

• scented tea: involves the addition of flowers and is usually produced in the country where they are harvested. It can be Rosa rugosa, osmanthus or jasmine;
• flavored tea : as the word itself says, flavored tea involves the addition of aromatic substances or essences such as fruit, spices, essential oils and much more. Also in this case the tea is produced in the place of collection;
• smoked tea – this drink is smoked with smoke from coniferous wood. The operation is carried out together with the drying of the leaves;
• blends : they are composed of teas of different qualities and types;
• pressed tea: to obtain it we proceed with the traditional tea drying, which is softened with steam and subsequently pressed;
• bouquet of flowers and tea : this variant is made up of a composition of compacted and dried flowers tied in a bunch plus tea. In Italy they are sold under the name bouquet di tea or tea flowers and are really beautiful to look at.

All the benefits of tea

Tea, in addition to the pleasant taste, is an excellent moisturizing drink .

Keeping the body hydrated is very important, not only for its proper functioning, but also to keep the skin glowing and to counteract the stagnation of liquids.

As for the right amount to take every day, a maximum of half a liter is recommended, regardless of the variety chosen.

The ideal solution would also be to prepare and drink it at the moment to preserve the aroma and organoleptic properties, as they tend to oxidize quickly.

Tea bags, leaf tea and capsules

When preparing to buy tea, it is good to know the difference between the formats in sachets and the loose ones .

The former, which can be found in all supermarkets, consist exclusively of powder , which has lost all its organoleptic properties and original taste.

Loose products , on the other hand, are rich in taste and beneficial substances. For the preparation you need a little more attention, but it’s really worth it.

Furthermore, especially in recent years with the advent of home coffee machines, tea-based capsule preparations are also becoming increasingly popular .

Capsule drinks, such as the DolceVita capsules (compatible with the Nespresso® , A Modo Mio® , Dolce Gusto® , Espresso Point® , Uno System® systems ), allow you to make a good hot tea at home simply, quickly and with a wide range of aromas : whether it’s for a relaxing moment, a break from work or to be savored in company, this is definitely a new solution to try!