The Types of Tea.

I have a cup of Earl Grey within reach. I have decided to learn to like Early Grey. Too many of my friends say it is their favorite. So, while I'm sitting here just enjoying a cuppa, I thought I would expand on the different types of tea - Black, Green, White, and Oolong. How the tea is processed will determine their final classification. The main difference is the amount of oxygen the leaves are allowed to absorb during processing.

BLACK is the most popular form of tea in the US today. It was originally produced out of necessity rather than taste. When tea was first exported from China, green tea was the only type available. On the long trip to Europe the green tea would lose its freshness. In order to keep the tea fresh on the long journey they would oxidize the leaves longer turning them black in the process. for many years this was the only way Westerners could enjoy tea. Many of today's popular teas are blends of black teas from different tea farms around the world. English Breakfast is a blend of Assam, Ceylon, Kenyan, or Keemun. Irish Breakfast is similar to English, but usually contains only Assam and Kenyan giving the tea a stronger, but malty flavor. These are only two of many blends of Black tea.

All I have time for tonight. Other types to come.