Tea is one of the most popular and widely consumed beverages worldwide. There are several different varieties of tea but its origin is similar among many different types. White, green, oolong, and black tea all derive from the same plant called Camellia Sinensis. What makes each kind different is the process used to pluck, and dry the tealeaf itself. Green tea is younger and milder whereas black tea is a much bolder flavour from a later plucked leaf and a longer drying process. Each tea has its own flavour profile and benefits so it’s quite easy to find one to enjoy!
Green Tea
Green tea is certainly one of the most well-known and popular varieties of tea. Other than being a delicious option when you want a cold or hot beverage, it also has many various health benefits. Green tea is a caffeinated beverage with an energy boosting quality that can easily be an effective swap for coffee. The caffeine level in tea is not quite as high as coffee or an espresso-based beverage but it can give you that midday kick. Green tea is also high in antioxidants and contains L-theanine to boost brain function. Reach for a cup of green tea to help you through that 3pm funk!
Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most common varieties of tea and is popular for its variances and flavours. English Breakfast, Orange Pekoe and Earl Grey are all different varieties of black tea and among the most commonly consumed. Black tea also contains polyphenols, which can help to maintain a healthy gut by promoting the growth of good bacteria. A cup of black can be truly satisfying and healthy!
Matcha
Matcha has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Matcha is made through a special process that includes hand picking and then stone grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder. When you drink, cook, or bake with matcha you are ingesting the whole tea leaf as opposed to other forms of tea that are steeped in water and consumed after. Matcha is truly delicious and can be beneficial to the body by providing a high level of antioxidants and slow release caffeine content. Next time you are in the mood for a morning coffee try matcha instead.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is widely known and enjoyed by the masses as it is one of the only tea options that is naturally caffeine-free. Herbal tea such as chamomile and peppermint are popular flavours for a caffeine-free beverage at night that can aid with digestion and calm the body for sleep. What is most interesting about herbal tea is that most do not contain any tea leaf at all as they usually are made up of dried fruit and nuts.
With an endless amount of varieties to choose from it is easy to make hot or iced tea your new go-to beverage. Along with touting several health benefits they are just down right delicious. Time to get sipping!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-tea-benefits#section4
