Chinese tea is a popular drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. It comes in many different types, each with its unique flavor and health benefits. Whether you like Chinese loose-leaf tea or tea bags, there’s always a perfect choice for everyone.
In this guide, you’ll learn about different kinds of Chinese tea, and how to choose the best variety for you.
What Types of Chinese Tea are there?
There are many different types of Chinese tea, but they all come from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis Plant. However, the difference lies in how the tea is processed. Here are five well-known ones:
1- Green Tea
Green tea undergoes the least amount of processing, so its composition is closest to fresh tea leaves. It is well-known for its refreshing taste and its ability to boost energy and strength. Because of its gentle processing, it retains many of the natural nutrients that are found in the tea plant.
2- Yellow Tea
Similar to green tea, yellow tea undergoes a special heating process, which makes it gentler on the stomach compared to green tea. While its taste is unique, the complex and labor-intensive production process makes it a rare find.
3- White Tea
White tea is minimally processed and made from a specific type of tea plant. It is often considered more of a medicinal drink than just a regular tea in China. White tea is praised for its anticancer properties, which makes it a great choice for everyday use, especially in polluted environments.
4- Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is more complex to produce and is known for its bright, fruity, and floral aromas. It is very versatile and has become increasingly popular for its weight loss benefits due to the high level of fat-burning compounds such as polyphenols. Furthermore, it contains several vitamins, minerals, and helpful antioxidants similar to black and green teas.
5- Black Tea
Black tea is a soothing and warm type of tea. It boosts immunity and invigorates the body. While often enjoyed with sweets in Western cultures, Chinese black tea is best savored on its own.
What Is The Most Premium Chinese Tea?
The most premium Chinese tea is Da Hong Pao, an Oolong tea with a rich history dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This tea is so special because it comes from ancient tea trees that grow in the Wuyi Mountains of China. These original trees are extremely rare, which makes Da Hong Pao one of the priciest teas in the world.
It is valued at over $500,000 per pound ($1.2 million per kilogram). The high price is due to its limited supply and the traditional methods used to produce it. The tea has a rich, smooth, and sweet flavor. Because of such unique qualities, Da Hong Pao is often treated as a treasure that is reserved for special occasions.
How to Choose a Good Chinese Tea?
When looking for high-quality Chinese tea, it's important to know where to find it and what to look for. There are three main aspects to consider such as appearance, aroma, and taste.
Appearance: You can look at color, shape, and safety. Fresh, high-quality tea leaves are typically light or dark green. For example, good green tea has a bright jade green color, while high-quality oolong tea has a greyish-green tint. You should be aware of leaves with black spots or non-uniform color.
After that, always make sure that tea is free from impurities like bamboo chips, wood or sediments.
Aroma: The next thing that you should consider is aroma. Fresh tea, especially high-quality tea, will have a strong, pleasant fragrance. If the tea smells stale, burnt, or astringent, it might not be high quality.
Taste: High-quality Chinese tea should be refreshing and leave a sweet aftertaste. When brewing a sample, always observe the clarity and color of the tea.
Lastly, try to buy your tea from a trusted specialty tea shop or reputable online store, such as Mua Yik Tea, which provides detailed information about the tea's origin, quality, and health benefits.