Getting to Know the Wide World of Teas

Black to green, herbal to oolong. There are a crazy number of different flavors and styles of tea, but what's the real difference between them? Get to know your favorite teas (and maybe discover a new one!).

Black Tea

Black tea is the most common type of tea worldwide, comprising about 75% of global tea consumption. The flavor of black tea is slightly bitter and contains more caffeine than many other teas. So if you’re not a fan of coffee, you may enjoy drinking black tea instead to help you feel more alert and energized. Black tea also offers many health benefits as it has been shown to help boost heart health, maintain bone density and it may reduce the risk of cancer.

Green Tea

Originating in China, green tea has spread in popularity all around the globe. Depending on where they were grown and when they were harvested, green teas can have a range of tastes from earthy to sweet to nutty. Overall, green tea has a much more delicate flavor than black tea and tastes great with added flavors. Green teas have been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol, which can help to treat issues such as high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.

White Tea

The flavor of white tea is much more mild than other varieties because the leaves are picked when they are very young. Because of this, they also contain less caffeine than other teas. It is considered slightly sweet with no bitterness or aftertaste. As if it could not get any better, the anti-aging and antioxidant properties in white tea help you maintain healthy and youthful skin naturally.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is not as popular as other types of tea, but it is on the rise thanks to its distinctive taste. Oolong is similar to black tea, but it is fermented for a shorter amount of time. This gives it a richer taste that is more smooth and with a thicker body than most black teas. Research has shown that oolong activates an enzyme that dissolves triglycerides, a type of fat. This suggests that oolong tea may actually aid in weight loss.

Herbal Tea

Technically, herbal teas are not truly teas at all because they are not made from Camellia Sinensis leaves like all other teas are. Instead, they are typically made from a combination of dried herbs, fruits and flowers. The tastes of herbal teas vary greatly because they can be created from endless blends of natural ingredients, each with their own flavors and health benefits. This allows people to reap the benefits of various herbs through a format that is easy to consume.

As you can see, no two types of teas are the same. Each one has unique flavors and offers its own benefits. One thing that’s for sure is you will have no problem finding your perfect tea from Beverage Universe. We carry all the brands and flavors that you already know and love plus plenty of new varieties you have yet to try!