TEA 101

WHAT IS TEA?
Tea is a drink made from mixing hot water and dried tea leaves together. There are many different types of tea leaves that give different flavor profiles, Assam tea being the most common and popular.

BLACK TEA, GREEN TEA, OOLONG TEA — what does it all mean?
The color of a tea (black, oolong, green, white) shows how much oxidation is in the leaves. Leaves are oxidized and become darker when they dry. To assist with the oxidation process, they are sometimes heated. The less oxidation in the leaves, the more floral the tea tastes. When there is more oxidation, it makes the tea taste earthier and more roasted. 

White tea — is made with tea leaves that have no oxidation.
Green tea — has light oxidation.
Black tea — has full oxidation.
Oolong — has oxidation levels somewhere between black and green tea.

What about other teas, like THAI, EARL GREY, CHAI, etc?
Thai, Earl Grey, and Chai are black teas infused with flavors from different herbs, spices, and/or oils. 

And MATCHA?
Matcha is Japanese green tea powder made from finely ground leaves. It contains antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial to health. Instead of brewing in water to release its flavor, matcha powder is mixed into water/milk, then consumed.