The source of all tea leaves is Camellia Sinensis, an evergreen plant with small white flowers that prefers acidic soil, 80-90 inches of rain per year and temperatures of 10-30°C (50-85°F.) The three subspecies of Camellia Sinensis are: China, Assam and Cambodia jat.
What makes the tea types different is the way in which they are processed. To produce the three distinct types of tea as we know them, the processing techniques are varied:
- For Black tea (rich, full oxidization)
- For Oolong (partial oxidization)
- For Green tea (no oxidization)
- For Herbals (infusion, non-tea)
Black Tea
Perhaps the most popular type of tea in the world, black teas are fully oxidized. Most black tea is produced in Kenya, India and Sri Lanka. Wholly oxidized, black tea is made when the enzymes in the tea leaves are activated by the rolling process. A reaction occurs with the oxygen in the air, turning the leaf from green to brown. The process is then stopped by applying heat to the leaves. Discover Twinings Classics, Origins, and Flavoured Black Teas.
Oolong
Semi-oxidised and falling between black and green teas, Oolong teas follow the same path as black teas, except that they are only fermented for a very short period of time, creating the distinctive coppery red colour and a delicate flavour. Traditionally, Oolong tea is grown in Fijian, a southwestern province of China, and in Taiwan, where it is known as Formosa Oolong. The types of Oolong range from very light, fragrant teas rolled only until oxidisation has set in along the leaves’ outer edges, to dark coppery teas with the taste of burnt caramel. Discover Twinings Oolong teas here.
World of Tea
Green Tea
Green Tea is a natural source of antioxidants that may help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Mainly produced in China, Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam, green tea preserves its colour and delicate flavour because the leaves are not oxidised. As soon as the tea arrives at the processing factory, the tea is usually withered, then either steamed or pan-fired to stop the oxidisation process. The leaves are then rolled and fired, a process that can be repeated depending on the type and style of green tea required. Discover Twinings Green teas here.
Oxidization
Oxidation, otherwise known as fermentation, is an extremely important part of tea production. The process of oxidisation ultimately creates the different types of tea - black, oolong and green. Learn more about oxidation.
Herbals
Although often referred to as "herbal teas", Twinings fruit and herbal infusions, like all herbal teas, do not contain tea. They are made from other plants, such as mint, lemon, and camomile, although the flavour combinations are infinite. Naturally caffeine-free and low in calories, they are popular for their medicinal and calming qualities, and perfect for those looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to tea and coffee. Discover Twinings Herbals and Infusions here.