Posted by Marco Graham on Oct 13th 2025

Types of Tea

A Serene Tree Apothecary Guide: Types of Tea

Tea has been enjoyed worldwide for centuries; tea is made by soaking dried tea leaves in water. Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and tea can be found in a multitude of types, from bold black teas to refreshing herbal blends. Tea contrasting directly with coffee has many more benefits and purposes: energy, soothes certain cold symptoms and can help you get a great night's sleep.

Discover Different Types of Tea

From classic black and green teas to herbal blends, the variety of teas is enormous. Every tea type possesses a unique flavor profile, health and wellness benefits, and can offer unique blends for you to try. Below are the most common types of tea and there exceptional properties that we hope you explore!

Green Tea

Green tea is world renowned for its energetic flavor profile and health benefits. Green tea is made from unoxidized tea leaves, with a lower percentage of caffeine than black tea. Green teas can be either pan-fired, for a dull green color, or steamed for a vibrant green color.

Flavor Profile: Botanical, grassy, earthy, and bright
Popular Green Tea Varieties: Matcha, Sencha, Gunpowder Green Tea

Benefits of Green Tea:

Antioxidants: Green tea has catechins that assist in combating free radicals.
Metabolism: Green tea has been known to promote weight management by boosting fat burning.
Brain Health: Green tea has L-theanine, which aids in relaxation and boosts focus.
Heart Health: Green tea may lower LDL cholesterol and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Immune System Support: Green tea assists in the fight against viruses and may ease the risk of certain infections.

How To Make Green Tea:

Heat Water: Heat water to 160–185°F (70–85°C). DO NOT BOIL, high temperatures can make green tea bitter in taste.
Add Tea Leaves: Use 1 teaspoon of loose green tea or one tea bag per 8 ounce cup.
Steep: Empty the water over the Green tea and steep for 2–3 minutes.
Strain or Remove Bag: Strain the leaves or remove the tea bag speedily.
Serve: Enjoy your green tea with no additions or with some lemon.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is semi-oxidized, sort of an in-between of green and black teas. The leaves have a unique bruising process that changes the oxidation, leading to a varied assortment of flavors.

Flavor Profile: Light and fragrant to dark and full-bodied, depending on oxidation
Popular Oolong Tea Varieties: Oolong milk tea, Tieguanyin Oolong tea, Peach Oolong tea

Benefits of Oolong Tea:

Weight Loss: Oolong tea has been known to boost a person’s metabolism and fat oxidation.
Mental Alertness: Oolong tea has moderate caffeine and L-theanine for focus and energy.
Heart Health: Oolong tea may reduce cholesterol levels and improve overall heart function.
Digestion: Can help calm stomach issues and promote healthy digestion.
Skin Health: Oolong tea Antioxidants may assist and reduce signs of aging and improve skin clarity.

How to Make Oolong Tea:

Heat Water: Heat water to around 185–205°F (85–96°C).
Rinse Leaves: Place 1–2 teaspoons of loose leaf oolong tea in your teapot or infuser. Quickly rinse the leaves with a splash of hot water, then discard the water.
Steep: Empty the heated water over the leaves and steep for 3–5 minutes.
Re-Steep: Oolong tea is a tea that can be enjoyed and re-steeped two to three times, with somewhat longer steeping each time.
Serve: Strain the leaves and enjoy.

Black Tea

Black tea is oxidized and bold, and it’s a traditional tea. Black tea has the highest caffeine content among all teas.

Flavor Profile: Malty, strong, bold, full-bodied
Popular Black Tea Varieties: Assam, Earl Grey, English Breakfast

Benefits of Black Tea:

Energy: Black tea’s high caffeine level can give you a strong energy boost.
Heart Health: Black tea may lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
Antioxidants: Black tea has theaflavins, which assist against oxidative stress.
Gut Health: Black tea helps your gut bacteria and improves digestion.
Stress Reduction: Black tea can lessen cortisol levels, for better relaxation.

How To Make Black Tea:

Boil Water: Use freshly drawn water and bring it to a rolling boil (around 200–212°F or 93–100°C).
Add Tea Leaves: Use 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf black tea or one tea bag per 8-ounce cup.
Steep: Empty the boiling water over the tea and steep for 3–5 minutes.
Strain or Remove Bag: Strain loose leaves or remove the tea bag.
Serve: Drink with no additions or add milk, sugar, lemon or any combination.

White Tea

White tea goes through very little processing, young tea leaves are picked then naturally wither and dry. White tea has a gentle flavor and a low caffeine level.

Flavor Profile: Floral, delicate, fruity
Popular Varieties: Silver Needle, White Peony

Benefits of White Tea:

Antioxidants: Helps fight free radicals and protect cells from damage.
Skin Health: Reduces inflammation and promotes collagen production.
Heart Health: May lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
Immunity: Contains catechins that help fight bacteria and viruses.
Low Caffeine: Great for those searching for calmness and a certain amount of relaxation.

How to make White tea:

Heat Water: Heat water to 160–185°F (70–85°C).
Add Tea Leaves: Use 2 teaspoons of loose white tea per cup, as its larger leaves require more volume.
Steep: Empty heated water over the tea and steep for 4–5 minutes.
Strain: Strain the tea leaves to avoid over-steeping.
Serve: Enjoy white tea on its own to savor its refined flavors.

Herbal Tea

Unlike Traditional teas, herbal teas are made from dried herbs, flowers, and fruits, with many caffeine-free options for relaxation and dietary requirements.

Flavor Profile: Fruity, herbaceous, delicate, sweet
Popular Varieties: Chamomile, Peppermint, Hibiscus

Benefits of Herbal Tea:

Helps Relaxation: Chamomile and lavender can ease stress and mend sleepless nights.
Digestion: Herbal tea Ingredients like peppermint and ginger calm the digestive system.
Anti-Inflammatory: Herbs like turmeric and hibiscus assist with inflammation and wellness.
Immunity: Herbal teas that contain Rosehips and Echinacea add strength to the immune system.
Hydration: Herbal tea may help conserve hydration.

How To Make Herbal Tea:

Boil Water: Bring water to a rolling boil (around 200–212°F or 93–100°C).
Add Herbs: Use 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs, flowers, or fruits, or one tea bag per cup.
Steep: Empty boiling water over the herbs and steep for five to ten minutes, depending on the desired strength.
Strain: Strain the herbs or remove the tea bag.
Serve: Sweeten with honey or lemon if it pleases you.

Tips for All Tea Types:

Fresh Water: Always use spring water or purified water for the best flavor.
Pre-Warm the Teapot: Rinse your teapot or mug with hot water before brewing to maintain the correct temp.
Experiment: Modify the tea-to-water percentage and your steeping time to find your perfect taste.

Here’s a Handy Loose Leaf Tea Brew Chart:

Type of Tea	Water Temperature	Measure of tea leaves in 8 ounces of Water (Hot)	Measure of tea leaves in 8 ounces Water (Iced)	Steep time
Black Tea	195 - 205 F	1 - 1 1/2 tsp	2 - 3 tsp	2 - 3 minutes
Green Tea	175 F	1 - 1 1/2 tsp	2 - 3 tsp	45 sec - 1 minute
Herbal Tea	208 F	1 1/2 - 2 tsp	3 - 4 tsp	5 - 6 min hot, 8 - 15 min iced
Oolong Tea	195 F	1 - 1 1/2 tsp	2 - 3 tsp	3 minutes
White Tea	175 F	1 - 2 tsp	2 - 4 tsp	4 - 5 minutes

Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags

Preferring loose leaf tea over tea bags offers various benefits, many tea aficionados that value quality, flavor, and sustainability choose loose leaf tea and here’s what they say:

Loose Leaf Tea has Superior Taste and its Scent is Wonderful

Whole Leaf: Loose leaf tea uses full or broken leaves, protecting the tea’s flavors.

Loose Tea is Complex: Fuller flavors yield a better, extraordinary taste.

You can Customize your Brewing of Loose-Leaf Tea

Control: You can adjust the amount of tea used to find your perfect taste.

Multiple Steeps: High-quality loose-leaf tea can steep multiple times, offering a different flavor profile with each steep.

Loose Leaf Tea has Higher Quality Natural Ingredients

No Tea Dust: Tea bags often contain "tea dust," which can result in a less tasty brew.

Better Nutritionary Value: Loose leaf tea retains more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than its tea bag counterpart.

Loose Leaf Tea is Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

Packaging Waste: Loose leaf tea usually offers a recyclable package, making it green.

Microplastics: Some tea bags, the nylon or plastic ones, may release microplastics when steeped. Loose leaf tea avoids this entirely.

Loose Leaf Tea provides a Journey of Aesthetics and Meditative

Visual Appeal: Watching whole leaves unfold in water is a sensory and calming process.

Mindful Brewing: Prepping loose leaf tea supports a methodical, attentive approach to tea drinking.

Loose Leaf Tea Provides More Value for Your Money

Better Yield: While loose leaf tea might seem more expensive at purchase, you can re-steep your tea and the higher quality make it a more frugal endeavor in the long run.

Cons of Loose Leaf Tea (and How to Manage Them)

Requires Tools: You will need a teapot, steeper (infuser), or sieve, but they are affordable and reusable.

Takes Time: Brewing loose leaf tea needs a little work, but the work will pay off with great flavor and the endeavor itself will provide you with relaxation and calm.

FAQs About Tea

Does Tea Contain More Caffeine Than Coffee?

While tea leaves have more caffeine than coffee beans, once it is brewed tea contains less caffeine than coffee. Black tea (The most caffeine of all tea) averages 47 mg of caffeine per cup, compared to 95 mg in a cup of coffee.

How to Store Tea?

Store tea in non-see-through, closed containers shielded from strong light, warm temperatures, and dampness to preserve flavor and extend shelf life.

Does Tea Expire?

Tea doesn’t expire but can lose flavor over a period. Keeping your tea leaves fresh ensures a great cup each and every time.