Monsoon and tea go hand in hand, don’t they? Imagine sitting by the window, listening to the pitter-patter of raindrops, and sipping on a hot cup of tea – pure bliss! Whether you’re a fan of the strong, spicy kick of masala chai or the gentle, calming vibes of chamomile, there are types of tea for every kind of rainy day mood.
So, let’s dip into the world of teas and find out which ones will make your monsoon afternoons even more delightful. Here are 5 amazing tea types you can whip up at home, each bringing its own special something to the table.
Continue reading to find some bonus tea types that will refresh your mind and soul.
Here’s a list of 5 different and delicious types of tea that you can brew at home:
Black tea is the most popular and widely consumed type of tea globally. It is produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is primarily grown in regions with temperate climates, such as India, China, and Sri Lanka.
Black tea undergoes a unique oxidation process during its production, which gives it its distinctive dark color, robust flavor, and full-bodied character.
The oxidation process also enhances the tea’s caffeine content, making it a stimulating and refreshing beverage. Black tea is known for its diverse range of flavor profiles, from the bold and malty Assam teas to the delicate and floral Darjeeling varieties.
Consumers around the world cherish black tea for its versatility, as it can be enjoyed hot or iced, with or without milk and sweeteners, and is often a staple in traditional tea ceremonies and daily routines.
Popular black tea-based beverages include masala chai, which combines black tea with spices and milk for a warming and aromatic drink, and Earl Grey, a fragrant tea flavored with bergamot orange. English Breakfast tea is another favorite, known for its strong, full-bodied flavor, often enjoyed with milk and sugar.
For a refreshing option, iced black tea can be sweetened or flavored with lemon, mint, or fruit slices. Chai latte, a café favorite, blends spiced black tea with steamed milk for a creamy, indulgent treat.
Black tea’s adaptability and wide range of flavors make it a staple in many households around the world.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic masala chai or prefer the refreshing taste of iced black tea, there’s a black tea beverage for every occasion.
Green tea is a type of tea that is produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is native to Asia. Unlike black tea and oolong tea, green tea undergoes minimal oxidation during the processing stage, resulting in a more delicate and complex flavor profile.
The leaves used for green tea are typically harvested and processed soon after they are plucked, preserving the natural oils and antioxidants within the leaves.
This process also gives green tea a vibrant green color and a fresh, grassy aroma. There are several different varieties of green tea, each with its own unique characteristics, such as Japanese Sencha, Chinese Longjing, and Moroccan Gunpowder.
The specific cultivars, growing conditions, and processing methods used can all contribute to the final flavor and quality of the green tea.
Oolong tea is a unique and complex type of tea that falls between the categories of green and black tea. Unlike green tea, which is unoxidized, and black tea, which is fully oxidized, oolong tea undergoes a partial oxidation process.
The leaves used to produce oolong tea are typically from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that provides the leaves for all types of tea.
However, oolong tea leaves are distinctive in their appearance, often featuring a twisted, curled shape and a range of colors from green to dark brown, depending on the degree of oxidation.
The oxidation process, which is carefully controlled by skilled tea masters, helps to develop the tea’s distinctive flavor profile, which is often described as a harmonious balance of floral, fruity, and roasted notes.
Pu-erh tea, also known as Puer tea, is a unique type of fermented tea that originates from the Yunnan province of China.
Unlike other teas that are typically consumed shortly after processing, pu-erh tea undergoes a lengthy process of oxidation and microbial fermentation, which gives it a distinct flavor profile and health benefits.
The process can take several years, and the tea may be aged for decades, with the flavor and aroma becoming more complex and mellow over time.
Pu-erh tea is known for its earthy, rich, and sometimes slightly sweet taste, and it is often considered to have beneficial properties for digestion and weight management.
Many tea enthusiasts and connoisseurs highly value pu-erh tea for its complexity, versatility, and potential health benefits.
White tea is a minimally processed tea highly prized for its delicate flavor and numerous health benefits. Unlike other tea varieties, such as green or black tea, white tea is made from the young, tender leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are harvested before they fully open.
This early harvesting process results in a tea that is high in antioxidants, low in caffeine, and has a light, sweet, and slightly floral taste.
The production of white tea involves a gentle withering and drying process, which preserves the tea’s natural compounds and delicate flavor profile.
Unlike other teas that undergo more extensive processing, white tea is not oxidized or fermented, allowing it to retain its vibrant color and delicate aroma.
This unique processing method is what gives white tea its distinctive characteristics and makes it a popular choice among tea enthusiasts seeking a refined and soothing drinking experience.
Flower tea, also known as blooming tea, is a unique and visually stunning type of tea that has gained popularity in recent years.
Unlike traditional teas made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, flower tea is created by carefully hand-tying a bundle of dried flowers, typically including jasmine, chrysanthemum, or hibiscus, among others.
When steeped in hot water, the tightly bound flower bundle slowly ‘blooms,’ spreading into a beautiful display of colors and shapes.
The natural floral aromas and delicate flavors of the flowers are then infused into the water, creating a soothing and aromatic tea experience.
Flower tea is not only aesthetically pleasing but also often touted for its potential health benefits, as the flowers used may possess various antioxidant and therapeutic properties.
Whether enjoyed for its visual appeal or its unique taste, flower tea offers a captivating and refreshing way to explore the world of tea.
Herbal tea, a popular and universal beverage, encompasses a wide range of tisanes made from various plant materials, excluding the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are used to produce traditional black, green, and oolong teas.
These herbal infusions can be crafted from an array of herbs, flowers, spices, and fruits, each offering unique flavors and potential health benefits.
One of the most renowned herbal teas is ginger tea, a flavorful and soothing drink made by steeping fresh or dried ginger root in hot water.
Ginger tea is lauded for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and is often consumed to alleviate digestive issues, such as nausea or indigestion.
Other popular herbal teas include chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos, each with its own distinct aroma and purported wellness advantages.
Herbal teas are generally caffeine-free, making them a healthy and versatile option for those seeking a comforting, soothing, and potentially beneficial beverage throughout the day.
Whether it’s Assam black tea or a fragrant cup of Earl Grey, Milkbasket has all the ingredients you need to brew the perfect cup. Download the Milkbasket app, browse our wide selection of premium teas and essential brewing accessories, and add your favorites to the cart.
By 7 AM the next morning, we’ll deliver your tea essentials right to your doorstep without ringing your doorbell—silently and safely.
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