The Differences Between Popular Chinese Teas
Many people, especially those not familiar with Chinese teas, tend to become very confused about what each tea tastes like, how it should be brewed and what benefits it possesses. The first thing to realize is that all tea, aside from herbal teas, are made from the same plant, the “Camelia Sinensis” which is actually a relation to the regular garden variety of Camelias!
What determines the difference between tea types is the process of oxidization. Green tea is totally unoxidized. The leaves are processed as soon as they are picked and before any wilting occurs.
Next in line is white tea. It is unoxidized and the leaves are processed as soon after they are picked. They are allowed to wilt first, but as soon as they show signs of wilting they are processed.
Wu long tea is partially oxidized as the leaves are not processed until they have wilted.
Black tea is fully oxidized, meaning that the leaves have not only wilted but also been crushed before they are processed.
Western cultures as well as some Indian cultures have tended to drink more fully oxidized black tea as their tea of choice. Only in recent years have Chinese teas started to make inroads into Western society. Not only do the teas taste different, but methods of preparation and the way they are served are also different.
Chinese teas do have certain health benefits. For example they increase your basic metabolic rate thus aid in weight loss. There are no real side effects from drinking Chinese teas and the amount of caffeine in them is negligible.
Wu long (or Oolong tea as it is often called) and green tea can be bought in most supermarkets and health food stores these days. Of course shops that sell tea exclusively will be more likely to stock better quality Chinese teas including the loose leaf varieties. Most supermarkets sell wulong tea and green tea in teabags and although they do still contain some beneficial health properties you do get the best taste and the most benefits from loose leaf teas.
Chinese are adamant that aside from the health properties of green and wu long tea, they are also a great aid to meditation as the tea clears the mind and prepares you for your meditation. While this may not be the case with everybody who tries Chinese tea it definitely does have a calming and somewhat sedative effect when had on a regular basis. It is a great way to clear your mind and calm your spirit.
June 05 2010 11:31 pm | Featured and nutrition