Tea and herbal infusions have long been cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle and daily routine, offering a wide array of benefits that extend far beyond their comforting warmth. Over the years, I have had the privilege of sampling hundreds of tea varieties from around the world, each with its unique flavour profile, health advantages, and cultural significance. This journey has given me a deep appreciation for the art and science of tea, along with an understanding of how to maximise its benefits.
- Black Tea
Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves undergo a meticulous process of crushing, curling, rolling, or tearing before being fully oxidised, which gives black tea its rich, dark colour and bold, robust flavour profile. This oxidation process sets black tea apart from other varieties, infusing it with a depth of flavour that’s beloved worldwide.
Health Benefits:
Thanks to its higher caffeine content, black tea is a great choice for boosting mental alertness and focus. It also contains antioxidants that can promote heart health, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced lifestyle.
Popular Varieties:
Some well-known black teas include English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Lapsang Souchong. Each of these offers a unique taste experience, perfect for both seasoned tea drinkers and newcomers alike.
- Green Tea
Green tea is made from the fresh or slightly withered leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are lightly heated or steamed to prevent oxidation. This gentle preparation preserves the leaves' natural colour and results in a flavour profile that is light, fresh, and slightly grassy. Unlike black tea, green tea contains less caffeine, making it a more subtle option for those who want a gentle energy boost. Checkout our matcha cappuccino.
Health Benefits:
Green tea is celebrated for its impressive health benefits. It supports heart health, enhances mental alertness and cognitive function, promotes brain health, and aids the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress.
Popular Varieties:
Some popular green teas include Sencha, Long Jing (Dragon Well), and Genmaicha, each offering a unique taste experience and aroma.
Matcha:
Matcha is a special type of green tea that comes in powdered form. In Japanese, “matcha” means “powdered tea.” It is exceptionally nutrient-dense, providing the equivalent nutritional benefits of about 10 cups of regular green tea in a single serving, making it a powerful addition to any wellness routine.
- Oolong Tea
Oolong tea, sometimes referred to as wulong, is a semi-oxidized tea made exclusively from whole leaves. This tea falls somewhere between green and black tea in terms of oxidation, which can vary widely, creating a diverse range of flavours, colours, and aromas. The lighter the oxidation, the paler the tea; the more oxidised it is, the darker it becomes. Oolong tea also contains a moderate amount of caffeine, striking a balance between the gentle lift of green tea and the stronger effect of black tea.
Health Benefits:
Oolong tea is rich in antioxidants that help the body combat oxidative stress, supporting heart and brain health. These beneficial compounds make oolong a versatile addition to any wellness-focused lifestyle.
Popular Varieties:
Some well-known oolong teas include Wuyi Oolong and Tie Guan Yin, each with distinctive flavour profiles and aromas that reflect their unique processing methods.
- Pu-erh Tea
Pu-erh tea is a unique, fermented tea made from the leaves and stems of the Camellia sinensis plant, known for its deep, earthy flavour. Originating primarily from the Yunnan province in China, Pu-erh is often aged to develop its distinctive taste and is typically sold in various compressed forms such as bricks, cakes, pearls, or as loose dried leaves. This fermentation process sets Pu-erh apart from other teas, providing it with a rich, smooth, and slightly mellow character.
Health Benefits:
Pu-erh tea is valued for its high antioxidant content, which supports overall wellness. It may contribute to heart health, promote healthy skin, and improve mental alertness due to its caffeine content, making it a stimulating yet beneficial addition to a balanced diet.
Popular Forms:
You’ll find Pu-erh available in a variety of forms, including traditional cakes, bricks, and pearls, each offering a unique tea-drinking experience and flavor profile.
- White Tea
White tea is crafted from the young buds and tender leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The delicate silver hairs on the new buds lend the tea its characteristic pale, almost whitish hue. Immediately after harvesting, the buds and leaves are gently steamed or fried to halt oxidation, then dried to preserve their subtle, fresh flavour. This minimal processing results in a tea with a light, delicate, and slightly fruity profile. White tea also has a lower caffeine content compared to other teas, making it a soothing option for any time of day.
Health Benefits:
White tea is rich in antioxidants that help the body fend off oxidative stress and inflammation. Its unique blend of fluoride, catechins, and tannins also supports brain health and promotes dental health, making it a versatile choice for overall wellness.
Popular Varieties:
Some popular white teas include White Bud Silver Needle and Jasmine Silver Needle, both prized for their gentle flavours and delicate aromas.
- Infusions
Fruit and herbal infusions are caffeine-free beverages that are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, they are made from a wide variety of fruits, herbs, flowers, and spices, each bringing its own unique flavour and health benefits. Since they contain no caffeine, infusions are an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a soothing, all-natural beverage at any time of the day.
Health Benefits:
The benefits of herbal and fruit infusions vary depending on the ingredients used:
- Chamomile: Known for its calming properties, chamomile can promote relaxation, support better sleep, and aid digestion.
- Ginger: Ginger infusions help with inflammation management, soothe nausea, and alleviate motion sickness, making them a popular choice for digestive support.
- Hibiscus: High in antioxidants, hibiscus infusions may assist with cholesterol management and support liver health, adding a tangy, tart flavour to your tea routine.
- Mint: Often infused with green or black teas, mint aids digestion and promotes relaxation, making it a refreshing choice for both morning and evening.
- Rooibos: This South African herb is rich in antioxidants like aspalathin, nothofagin, and quercetin, which support the body’s defenses against oxidative stress. Rooibos also contains fluoride, calcium, and manganese, which may help strengthen bones and teeth, while also benefiting heart health.
Popular Varieties:
Herbal and fruit infusions range from single-ingredient options like chamomile or mint to complex blends that include rooibos, ginger, and hibiscus, offering a variety of tastes and health benefits for every preference.
Guillaume Bois
Tea Specialist
at The Lana, Dubai, UAE
Passionate about sharing the art of tea.