Tea Types

Walk into a tea shop and you’ll see dozens of names — Dragon Well, Iron Goddess, Silver Needle, Big Red Robe. They all fall into six categories of Chinese tea, determined by how the leaves are processed. This guide explains the six types of Chinese tea, what makes each unique, and the famous teas you … Read more

Green tea and oolong are two of the most popular Chinese teas — but they’re often confused. They come from the same plant and differ mainly in how much they’re oxidized, which changes everything about their flavor and brewing. This guide breaks down the difference between green tea and oolong tea. The Key Difference: Oxidation … Read more

Pu-erh is the most unusual tea in the world — a fermented, aged tea that improves with time, like wine. If you’ve only drunk green or black tea, pu-erh is a completely different experience. This guide explains what pu-erh tea is, the difference between its two types, and what makes it so special. What Is … Read more

Oolong is the chameleon of the tea world — partially oxidized, it can taste floral and light or dark and roasted. If you’ve heard the name but aren’t sure what it actually is, this guide is for you. This guide explains what oolong tea is, its two main styles, and why it’s the favorite of … Read more

White tea is the most delicate and least processed of all teas — and a perfect entry point for anyone new to Chinese tea. It’s subtle, sweet, and almost impossible to brew badly. This guide explains what white tea is, how it’s made, and the famous white teas you should know. What Is White Tea? … Read more

Here’s a fun fact that confuses many Western tea drinkers: what we call black tea is called red tea (红茶, hong cha) in Chinese — named for the reddish color of the brewed liquid, not the leaves. This guide explains what Chinese black (red) tea is and the famous varieties you should know. What Is … Read more