Better understand the different types of tea

The second most consumed beverage in the world after water, tea is full of benefits for the body! Green tea, black tea, white tea, or even Oolong tea: there are many varieties and each has its own particularities. How are they made? What are their benefits? We help you choose your ideal tea! Whether it's black, green, white, or Oolong tea, they all come from the same plant: Camellia Sinensis , native to the Far East. Just like grapes, it's the degree of fermentation and the differences in processing that change its color and taste. Let's discover the different types of tea and their benefits.

Black tea, ideal for your mornings

Black tea is a tea that has been fermented . After the tea leaves are harvested, they are spread out in a ventilated room, then rolled and left to ferment in a very warm and humid atmosphere. Finally, the tea is dried and sorted. Very popular in the West, black tea production represents 78% of the world's tea production. Rich in theine and flavor, it is the perfect morning tea.

Why choose black tea?

• Energy and concentration: Rich in theine, black tea stimulates the central nervous system and improves concentration.
• Antioxidants: It is an important source of antioxidants that fight cellular aging and protect the heart.
• Bone Health Benefits: Black tea helps strengthen bones, especially in women.
• Anti-cholesterol and slimming: Thanks to the virtues of catechins, largely present in black tea.

How to enjoy it?

To fully enjoy its aromas, infuse your black tea in simmering water (around 95°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid boiling it to preserve its taste and nutritional qualities.

Green tea, a slimming ally

Green tea is made from young shoots that are not fermented, but dried at high temperatures . The leaves are then rolled and therefore retain their natural color. In addition to preserving the natural color of the tea, this method helps preserve its benefits . It is the most popular tea in Asian countries , especially China and Japan.

Why choose green tea?

• Natural Fat Burner: Rich in catechins and caffeine, green tea speeds up metabolism and promotes fat burning.
• Powerful antioxidant: It protects cells from premature aging and helps strengthen the immune system.
• Brain Benefits: Green tea improves concentration and memory, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

How to enjoy it?

To fully enjoy its benefits, steep your green tea leaves in water at around 80°C for 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid adding milk or sugar to preserve its properties.

Oolong Tea, a perfect ally

Oolong tea, also called Wulong or blue tea, is a semi-oxidized tea . It is halfway between black tea that has undergone complete oxidation, and unoxidized green and white teas. This process gives it a color between green and blue when brewed. Originating from the same Fujian region in China, it is a tea widely cultivated and appreciated in China and Taiwan . Little known, it represents only 2% of the world's tea.

Why choose Oolong tea?

• Balance and well-being: Thanks to its intermediate oxidation process, Oolong tea offers a perfect balance between energy and relaxation.
• Weight Control: Oolong tea is known for its fat-burning properties. It helps regulate triglyceride levels and promotes the elimination of toxins.
• Cardiovascular protection: Rich in antioxidants, it contributes to cardiovascular health and protects cells from oxidative stress.

How to enjoy it?

Oolong tea can be enjoyed at any time of day. Its delicate flavor pairs wonderfully with savory or sweet dishes. For optimal infusion, use water at approximately 85°C and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes.

Pu Erh tea, an exceptional tea

Pu Erh tea is a black tea made from large-leaf tea trees , the ancestor of Camellia Sinensis. It is mainly produced in Yunnan, China , although other regions also produce it. There are two types of Pu Erh tea: unfermented (Cheng Cha) and fermented (Shu Cha). The former is prepared with young leaf shoots that undergo a natural fermentation called "post-fermentation." Shu Cha, on the other hand, comes from mature leaves . Already naturally fermented, these leaves also undergo post-fermentation.

Why choose Pu-erh?

• Health Benefits: Pu-erh is renowned for its digestive properties, its effect on cholesterol, and its ability to promote good blood circulation. It is also valued for its slimming properties.
• Unique Aromas: The aromas of Pu-erh evolve over time, offering a rich and complex taste palette.
• Versatility: Low in theine, Pu-erh can be enjoyed at any time of day, hot or cold.

How to enjoy it?

Preparing Pu-erh tea is a true ritual. Traditionally, a gaiwan, a small, lidless porcelain teapot, is used. The Pu-erh leaves are quickly rinsed in hot water to revive them. Then, the water, heated to a temperature of around 95°C, is poured over the leaves. The first infusions are generally short to reveal the most delicate aromas. As the infusions progress, the time can be extended to explore the different facets of the tea. Pu-erh can be infused several times, offering new nuances of flavor with each tasting.

White tea, a treasure for your health

White tea , less consumed because it is rarer and more expensive, is made only from the young shoots and buds of the tea plant. Harvested only once a year in spring, the leaves and buds do not go through the oxidation or fermentation stage, but are simply left to wither for several days and then dried in the sun.

White tea is a rare and precious tea , named after the whitish down that covers the bud. Little consumed in the West, it is a specialty of Fujian province in eastern China, also found in northern Vietnam.

Why choose white tea?

• Concentrated antioxidants: White tea is particularly rich in antioxidants, molecules that fight against cellular aging and protect the body from external aggressions.
• Skin Benefits: It helps improve skin quality by reducing the signs of aging and evening out skin tone.
• Overall Health: White tea supports the immune system, promotes cardiovascular health, and helps prevent certain chronic diseases.

How to enjoy it?

To bring out all the aromatic nuances of white tea, it is recommended to use water at a temperature between 70 and 80°C. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes, then savor this delicate and subtle nectar.

Enjoy your meal!