www.OolongDragon.com Simple Introduction to Six Tea Classes

www.OolongDragon.com Tea is one of the most highly consumed beverage second to water. The tea leaf comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant. It grows primarily in sub tropical and tropical areas.

www.OolongDragon.com Tea manufacturing can result in a tea which falls in several classes. Tea processing may vary thru what part of the plant was used, oxidation percent, climate, or where it grew.

www.OolongDragon.com The 1st steps in tea processing includes plucking tea leaves, sorting & cleaning, drying or withering. The tea master decides what class of tea he wants to make thru oxidation. Oxidation is when tea leaves are exposed to Oxygen which then releases enzymes giving flavors and aroma.

www.OolongDragon.com 1. White Tea is 8-15% oxidized. It is given its name because the tea buds have a white, silk-like feathering on them. Traditionally only young buds from a specific ancient tea plant are used – New Wave white tea vary in this.

www.OolongDragon.com 2. Green Tea has 0% oxidation. It is the leaf in its natural state which retains its color. Tea buds or young leaves are typically used. Flavors tend to be astringent, grassy, earthy or herbaceous.

www.OolongDragon.com 3. Yellow Tea has 0% oxidation. This is a rare type that comes from the fat spring buds on the bud. The leaves are allowed to turn yellow and produce its own distinct flavor. Flavors are less astringent, lighter, and lusher than Green Tea.

www.OolongDragon.com 4. Oolong Tea is semi oxidized from 10% to over 80%. Large, mature leaves of specific tea plants are used to make this tea that requires the most complex of processing steps. Flavors are complex and generally sweet, floral, and fruity with little astringency.

www.OolongDragon.com 5. Black Tea has 100% oxidation. Leaves used vary from a fine pluck to a coarse pluck. Flavors tend to be hearty, bold, earthy and full-bodied.

www.OolongDragon.com 6. Pu-Erh Tea varies in oxidation levels. The tea is allowed to ferment within months to years. Its flavor ranges from exotic, earthy, woody, nutty, sweet, musty to herbaceous. Its flavor improves over time.

www.OolongDragon.com Herbal tea is not considered as a class as it is not actually a tea. Herbal tea is made from fruit, spices or herbs. A tea is not made from roots, flowers, steams, fruits or seeds.

www.OolongDragon.com Visit our website for more information regarding the different types of tea.