Tea Varietals
Black Tea
Black tea is the most well-known variety of tea in the Western world. It is fully oxidized, which results in a richer flavor and darker liquid.
Popular Types: Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Masala Chai
Caffeine Content: 14 to 61mg per 8 oz. beverage
Steep Time: 3 to 5 minutes
Water Temperature: 200 to 212 degrees farenheit
Green Tea
Green tea is less oxidized than black tea. The leaves are quickly heated by pan firing or steaming. This results in a more earthy and even grassy flavor.
Popular Types: Jasmine, Genmaicha, and Sencha
Caffeine Content: 24 to 40mg per 8 oz. beverage
Steep Time: 2 to 3 minutes
Water Temperature: 160 to 180 degrees farenheit
White Tea
White tea is the least processed tea varietal. The leaves are withered in a controlled environment. This results in a fresh, light flavor.
Popular Types: Silver Needle and Monkey-Picked
Caffeine Content: 25mg per 8 oz. beverage
Steep Time: 3 to 5 minutes
Water Temperature: 190 degrees farenheit
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea falls between green and black tea. Processing oolong tea is more involved than processing for other tea varietals. Teatulia has a helpful guide to their process. View it here.
Popular Types: Milk Oolong
Caffeine Content: 14 to 61mg per 8 oz. beverage
Steep Time: 1 to 3 minutes
Water Temperature: 180 to 200 degrees farenheit
Herbal Tea/Tisane
Herbal teas are not made using the plant Camellia sinensis (what black, green, white, and oolong teas are made from). Instead, they are a mix of herbs, fruits, flowers, nuts, and other foods. There is no caffeine in herbal teas. David's Tea recommends steeping at near boiling temperature for 4 to 7 minutes.