Did you know that drinking tea regulalry can reduce your risk of getting a heart attack by 20% on average?
Tea has been around for many centuries because of its healing properties and delicious flavors.
If you want to improve your health and drink more tea, you should know everything.
Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about tea buying and the differences between each kind!
Green Tea
If you are new to tea buying, the first kind of tea you should know about is green tea.
Green tea has a grassy and vegetal flavor that tends to be bitter on the tongue. Green tea is delicious when mixed with lemon, sweetener, and milk, however. Many people drink green tea for its health benefits and ability to make people slimmer in the stomach.
You can get standard green tea, that is caffeinated, or go with the decaf option. One of the active ingredients in green tea, matcha powder, is also used in specialty tea drinks.
Black Tea
Have you ever had chai tea or earl gray tea? If so, you have already tried black tea!
Black tea is a favorite amongst drinkers because it offers caffeine and a variety of flavors. You will taste complex layers of flavor with black tea because they are filled with spicy, fruity, and earthy notes.
If you drink black tea, about 4 cups a day, you will lower your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Diabetes and osteoporosis can also be prevented with this tasty drink that comes from Africa, China (you can learn everything about pu’erh teas, just one type of tea you might come across from China, on this site), and Turkey.
White Tea
Not all teas are made with petals and stems of flowers and herbs.
White tea comes from new buds that grow and the young leaves on the Camellia Sinensis plant. This type of tea is the least processed when compared to other types of tea and is one of the most natural and rare options to get.
Many people drink white tea to increase their energy and concentration. This tea is also beneficial for having healthy hair and skin. Drinking at least a cup of white tea each day can prevent tooth decay and keep sicknesses from getting to you.
White tea has a unique flavor that people compare to vegetal flavors and sweet honey.
Oolong Tea
The Chinese culture has used oolong tea in traditions and everyday life for a long time.
This tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant and resembles a black or green tea. Some people claim that oolong tea has a bitter or earthy taste, however, the oxidation levels can influence the aroma and flavors.
Oolong teas contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With all of these nutrients packed in the tea, you can manage your weight and overall health.
The New Mexico Tea Company has an excellent oolong tea called Bamboo Mountain. If you want to fight off inflammation and cancer, this is a great drink to try.
Herbal Tea
A lot of people are attracted to herbal teas because they are fruity, sweet, and refreshing.
Chamomile and hibiscus are two of the most popular herbal teas. You can also get herbal teas with berry flavors, notes of apple, and vanilla. Herbal tea is often used to help improve and induce sleep.
This type of tea can help soothe upset stomachs and reduce blood pressure levels. Herbal tea typically has a light color and only needs to be steeped for a few minutes.
Tea Lattes
Many people that don’t like to drink regular tea enjoy tea lattes.
Tea lattes are essentially tea of your choice mixed with steamed milk. The steamed milk creates a smoother texture and the beverage also becomes more filling. This is a great way to make a strong tea flavor calm down without losing the hints of fruit, spices, and herbs.
Chai and green tea lattes are two of the most common drinks that people get. Tea lattes can be drunk with ice or while they are hot.
Loose vs. Bagged
If you want to buy loose leaf tea, you will have a lot of options to choose from that have a stronger flavor and aroma.
Loose leaf tea is typically fresher and you can see all of the ingredients in their normal form. Tea that has already been bagged is often blended to a smoother consistency and isn’t as fresh. Both forms of tea are excellent, however, one is more convenient than the other.
When making loose leaf tea, you will need a pour-over system or a filter. Bagged tea is convenient and can be added to any cup of water or steamed milk.
Invest in a Kettle
Once you find the best place to buy tea online, you will want to invest in a kettle.
Heating your tea water in a kettle is better than tossing a cup of water in the microwave. When water boils on the stove, it can evenly heat and provide a consistent temperature. Microwaved water, however, doesn’t boil at the same rate and might have cooler spots.
Another reason you should invest in a kettle is that the water can change in flavor. When the water gets microwaved, it can create a bitter taste that lingers in your mouth. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a kettle, even the cheap options are effective.
The Only Tea Buying Guide You Need
When it comes to tea buying, the options can get overwhelming and you might have a hard time finding a favorite.
By understanding the differences between each type of tea, you can identify kinds that you like and try others that fall in the same category. Depending on your preferences, you can add sugar, steamed milk, or nothing to your tea to enhance the taste.
Don’t be afraid to try something new when you buy tea, you might like the unique varieties.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about how to buy tea online and choose from the large variety of options!