Varieties

All true tea comes from the tea leaf Camellia sinensis and its many sub-species. Yes, one leaf! People often ask what are the differences between green tea, oolong tea, black tea. The only difference is the way the leaf is processed. This determines the categories of tea.

Black tea

Black tea is a fully oxidized tea. Most people are familiar with black tea because of its dark-color liquor and the horrible tea bags that many of us were held prisoner to growing up. Black tea has the highest caffeine content of all teas, with a few exceptions. Still, a cup of black tea only has approximately 45 mg of caffeine

Oolong tea

Oolong tea is partially oxidized. Oolong is very special and there are many different types of oolongs. Because oolong is partially oxidized which means it falls between a green tea and a black tea, producers will make lighter oolongs that are oxidized 20% as well as darker oolongs that are oxidized 80%. The uniqueness of oolong is that it takes on many different characteristics in flavor. This makes it a tea connoisseurs dream. The caffeine content is roughly 30 mg per cup.

Green tea

Green tea has become very popular due to its newly discovered health benefits. Green tea is not oxidized and the color of its liquor is, well, green, but the shades and flavor differ depending on the region in which it was produced. Green tea is harvested throughout the tea-picking season. Green tea's caffeine content is very low, roughly 15-20 mg per cup.

Rooibos

Rooibos is a caffeine-free delight. This full-bodied red liquor is low in tannic acid and rich in antioxidants and minerals. It is a smooth, rich, and aromatic beverage. There has been much research conducted about Rooibos. It is said to have five times the amount of antioxidants than green tea and is referred to as a red tea, or African Bush tea, in some places. Rooibos grows wild in the Cerderberg mountain region of South Africa. There are two ways to produce Rooibos, fermented (red) or unfermented (green).

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate is also referred to as the tea of South America. It was enjoyed by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay for over 300 years. The Guarani praised the leaf for its uplifting benefits. Yerba Mate has more caffeine than coffee, but the energy comes from mateine which is in the same family as caffeine. The good thing about Yerba Mate is that it does not cause the nervousness and jitters normally associated with coffee. Today, Yerba Mate is a popular drink throughout Latin America. In addition to the good energy it provides, it is also filled with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and a long list of other health benefits.