A guide to the many varieties of tea

Are you intimidated by the many varieties of tea that are on the grocery store shelves? Do you find yourself buying the same teas every time because you aren’t sure what other flavors taste like (or how to brew them)?

With more than 3,000 varieties of tea worldwide, including all sorts of trendy, exotic-sounding loose-leaf teas, serving tea has suddenly become much more complicated than steeping a teabag in hot water.

Have no fear! We have some tips to help guide you through various tea varieties.

Varieties of tea

Teas are divided into 7 categories: black, white, green, oolong, pu-erh, flavored and blends.

However, all teas are actually derived from the same tree, the Camellia sinensis, which is native to China.

Note that this does not include tea-like herbal infusions or Tisanes, which are made with various herbs, spices and flowers, but do not contain actual tea. Below are descriptions for each of the seven types of tea.

So take note and try one of these varieties of tea next time you have tea on your shopping list!

1. Black tea

By far the most popular variety of tea, it has a distinctively hearty taste thanks to the fact that the leaves are fully fermented in order to boost both the flavor and caffeine levels.

2. White tea

The rarest of all teas, it’s made from just the unfermented buds of the plant, which impart a delicate, smooth and slightly sweet flavor.

3. Green tea

This unfermented tea is similar to white tea, but uses a higher proportion of leaves to buds to create a uniquely crisp, grassy taste.

4. Oolong tea

This partially-fermented (and pricey) tea boasts a delicate, slightly floral flavor, which is why it’s best served without any cream or sugar.

5. Pu-erh tea

Also known as Puer, this medicinal tea is double-fermented and matured until it forms a thin layer of mold, which imparts a potent earthy taste, as well as serves as an all-natural digestive.

6. Flavored tea

Tea drinking cultures around the world have long used flowers, herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of their teas, but more recently tea producers have started experimenting with everything from banana to toffee pudding flavors, according to StarChefs.com.