Nothing says Fall like a cozy cup of tea on a warm breezy day. For me, it's the perfect beverage to give you that little bit of warmth on chilly night.
I'd like to think of myself as a tea enthusiast. Throughout the day, in between work and my busy schedule, you will 9 times out of 10, find me chugging a big mug of Vanilla Chai. Now, although I'll whole heartedly admit that Chai is my favourite tea, it took me a while to figure out what kind of blend worked best for me. I mean, I still enjoy a Green Tea here and there and maybe the occasional White Tea but Chai is my heavenly go-to. It's warm, comfortable and has that extra kick.
For those new to the tea world, finding a tea that speaks to you, can be difficult. There are so many blends; from Oolong Tea to Green Tea to White tea, it's all a little overwhelming if you don't know where to start. Thankfully, today we're breaking down the biggest types of tea's, so you can find the perfect blend that suits your fall mood and your flavour palette.
Green Tea
Probably the most infamous tea of all, Green Tea is known for being one of the more health conscious options. Originating from China and India it's made from unoxidized Camellia sinensis leaves and has been proven to aid - in conjunction with healthier life choices - blood flow, stabilize blood sugars, and lower cholesterol. Green teas are generally very earthy and bitter to the taste. If you're thinking of enjoying a nice mug of Green, we suggest enjoying its pure flavour without any milk or sugar.
Preparation: 80C/185F, steep for 1-3 minutes.
Herbal Tea
My number 2 go-to tea group is herbal tea. Unlike other groups of teas that are made from leaves, Herbal Teas are made from "the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water". What's great about Herbal Tea is that each blend has it's own healing powers, Ginger Tea for example is great for digestion, Chamomile Tea is known for its calming effects, and Peppermint Tea has been known to help with de-bloating. With its range of benefits, Herbal Teas help to support a healthy body- not to mention it's the only type of tea that is naturally caffeine free. In terms of flavour, Herbal Teas are usually soothing to drink and have a very distinct taste. Much like Green Tea they are usually enjoyed without any added milk or sugar.
The Top Herbal Teas: Chamomile, Ginger, and Peppermint
Preparation: 100C/212F, steep for 3-6 minutes.
Black Tea
One of the boldest teas, Black Tea, is for tea lovers who like a strong flavour. Originating from China, it's made from oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves. Black tea comes in a variety of flavours and notes, and when brewed it gives off an amber color. In terms of taste Black Tea has a stronger and richer taste than others, therefore we suggest enjoying your mug of Black Tea with a bit of sugar and milk.
The top black teas: Chai, Earl Grey, and English Breakfast.
Preparation: 100°/212°F. steep for 3-5 minutes (6 if you want it bold)
Oolong Tea
If a bold flavourful tea is what you are looking for than look no further. Oolong is a tea originating from China and to many, is considered a mix of Green Tea and Black Tea because it's made up of oxidized and non oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves. Being composed of part Black Tea it is very bold and often has a malty scent and because it is part Green Tea it has a very high caffeine percentage. If you're looking to be more alert or to simply amp up your energy, Oolong Tea is your go-to. When drinking it, Oolong is great with or without milk, so spice it up and try it out both ways!
The top Oolong Teas: Tie kwan yin and Jin Xuan
Preparation: 80C/185F, steep for 2-3 minutes.
White Tea
Last but not least, the sweetest tea of all the varieties is White Tea. Once again originating in China, it is one of the most minimally processed leaves of the Camellia sinensisplant. With a lighter tint and a sweeter scent, white tea is perfect for those who want a more mild flavour and less caffeine. We love mixing White Tea with a splash of almond milk and some honey.
The Top White Teas: Tealyra White Peony Tea, Silver Needles of Feng Qing,
Preparation: 80C/185F, steep for 2-3 minutes.
When it comes to tea, there is a ton of variety. These are the most basic groups, however, the list goes on. From Roobios to Pur'eh to Matcha, we suggest giving them all a try. When you find one that you just can't stop craving, you know you've hit the jackpot.
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