How tea is brewed and cherished each day: 

“

It’s Always Tea Time!”

— Mad Hatter

My parents can describe me in five simple words; “World’s Most Addicted Tea Drinker”, and I have no shame. I can proudly say I have tried many varieties of tea from traditional to exotic flavors. But I was surprised to find how little I truly knew of tea varieties and the flavors I have yet to explore. To truly understand and appreciate tea culture, I wanted to learn more about the types of tea and it’s unique history. 

Types of Tea:

With endless selections to choose from, the tea world can be quite confusing and sometimes overwhelming. Yet all the different types of tea come from the same plant, a plant indigenous to Southeast Asia known as Camellia Sinensis. Camellia Sinensis produced the six primary types of tea; Black, green, white, oolong, pu-erh and yellow tea. 

Herbal infusions such as lemon and chamomile are often considered tea but they are actually known as Tisanes; a caffeine-free infusion made of spices, berries and more. 

And these are only the traditional, staple types of tea you would find in the tea aisle. 

In the past few decades, new and indulgent tea creations have taken the world by storm to a whole new level of creativi-TEA. 

Popular from Taiwan to the western world:  Bubble tea.                                         

Tea known to have converted opinions and often misleading assumptions:  Kombucha tea. 

With Earth’s natural remedies and medicine, Garlic tea is a warm herbal tonic made of garlic, honey and lemon. 

Add a splash of milk and a spoonful of sweetener to transform your favourite drink into milk tea, a truly luscious beverage. 

Tea from around the world; We are going to be here for an Oo-long time…

Pu-erh Tea:

According to “Spruce Eats”, Pu-erh tea has been grown in the Yunnan Province of China for thousands of years. Years of patience and fermentation, sometimes up to 20 years have produced quality flavor of Earthy, deep tea known to have great health benefits.

Rooibos Tea:

Fermented leaves grown in South Africa, known for it’s sweet, licorice and delicate flavor are the Indigenous herbs of Cederberg Mountains. Compared to other wide selections of teas, Rooibos pronounced, “Roy-boss” was recognized more recently, as recent as the 1700’s by Dutch settlers who thrived off of Rooibos tea and contributed to the development, popularity and branding. 

Yerba Mate:

A history rooted deeply in the tribal groups of South America, Yerba Mate is said to hold divinity and puriety, often worshipped in rituals. Some tribes believe it can enhance physical performance and some tribes have drunk the beverage for purification reasons.  Despite the countless tribal groups with different holy practices and ancient history, the communal aspect, togetherness has been translated into North America and other continents across the world. 

Bubble Tea:

In my personal opinion ,bubble tea is one of the best, creative, delicious and addictive drinks in the world, period. What makes this drink so “special” is the tapioca pearls that float to add not only texture but flavor too. From youth to adults, anyone can enjoy the endless options varying from tea-based to lattes, fruits, coffees, slush and more. You will never leave a bubble tea cafe empty handed. 

London Fog

London Fog, ironically enough, didn’t originate from London but was created by a pregnant woman who lived in Vancouver, Canada. Having been pregnant, coffee was not recommended and so she replaced her morning beverage with a creative tincture; Earl Grey tea with a warm steamed milk and vanilla stirred in. Now, not only can you enjoy this a warm mug, but as a cake or what I recommend trying is a shortbread cookie. 

Omija-cha

A staple in many Korean families, Omija-cha provides an experience unlike any other tea. Not one, not two and crazy enough not three flavors but five distinct flavors are in the Schisandra berries! Sweet, sour, bitter, salty and spicy, your palette will travel to every flavor. It’s also packed with antioxidants, detoxification benefits, remedies known to reduce stress and ease the mind whilst strengthening our stamina. 

Masala-Chai:

Easily on almost every cafe menu, Masala Chai or commonly known as “Chai tea” is an aromatic tea blend served either with warm water or steamed milk. This tea is not only packed with countless different spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and sometimes black pepper to just name a few but an endless list of health benefits. 

The combination of spices can help aid in lowering blood pressure to soothing migraines and for an added bonus of keeping our skin healthy. From Starbucks to a local cafe, I have yet to regret any chai tea orders. It’s simply that delightful. 

Hibiscus Tea:

Often it’s flavors are described as tart with familiar notes of cranberry, Hibiscus tea is a beautiful crimson beverage. You can enjoy it iced, in a cocktail or by pure curiosity, add the Hibiscus flower into a muffin batter for a citrusy punch! According to “Florgeous” in an article called, “Hibiscus Flower Meaning and Symbolism”, the flowers symbolizes women and the beauty of femininity. 

Some unique flavors of tea:

• Lavender
• Butterfly pea flower
• Rice tea
• Unicorn bliss
• Biscotti
• Gingerbread
• Maple french toast
• Strawberry rhubarb

There are simply no boundaries when it comes to teas, and companies continue to surprise us with new seasonal flavors each year, some bold and some truly tempting. 

I hope this article motivates you to try something new, or revisit some tea’s you haven’t tried in a while but nonetheless, tea is truly a comforting beverage we can all enjoy.