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About Tea Leaves
by Michael Joseph Hall
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Overview
About Tea Leaves
Most of what we call "tea," including green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea, all comes from a single type of plant which botanists call the Camilla Sinensis. Depending upon the climate where this bush is grown, and how its leaves are treated after harvesting, there is a world of variety which can be obtained through this versatile plant.
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White Tea
White tea is not named for the color of tea it produces, but rather for the silvery down that covers the very young leaf buds used to make it. The unopened 2-3 day old leaf buds of the tea plant are plucked early in the season, and are immediately steamed and dried. White tea is the least processed of the Camellia Sinensis teas.
Silver Needle White Tea Leaves
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Green Tea
Green teas come from the same type of plant as white and black teas; the difference is in how they are processed. Leaves harvested for green tea are allowed to wither after plucking, and then heat-dried (traditionally in a wok) before any oxidation has a chance to take place.
Japanese Green Tea and Leaves
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Black Tea
Black tea is allowed to wither after plucking, but for a longer time than green teas--as long as 18 hours. The leaves are then rolled in order to break down the cell membranes, which facilitates the oxidation, or fermentation, process. Just as an apple slice will begin to turn brown when exposed to the air, so tea leaves will go from green to a dark brown if allowed to fully oxidize, allowing the aromas and flavors of the tea to develop and concentrate. Finally, the tea is baked dry in a large oven.
Golden Monkey Black Tea Leaves
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Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is somewhat of a cross between green and black tea. It is allowed to oxidize, but only partially--only about 25% for many Chinese Oolongs, more for Taiwanese Oolongs. Rather than the leaves being rolled (thus completely breaking down the cell membranes), Oolongs are typically shaken in a bamboo basket, bruising only the edges of the leaves. Due to the more vigorous process and the fact that Oolong teas are usually rolled into tight shapes prior to baking, older and larger leaves are generally used.
"Monkey Picked" Oolong Tea Leaves
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Rooibos
The Rooibos is a South African bush; it literally means "Red Bush." It is fermented, as is black tea, but using a process more akin to composting. It has no caffeine.
Rooibos Tea Flavored with Marigold Petals and Cinnamon
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Herbal
Herbal tea comprises just about everything that does not come from the Camilla Sinensis plant, from mint teas to dried fruit and flower teas and beyond. Generally, if a tea is labeled "herbal" it does not contain any caffeine.
About Tea Leaves
