Black Tea:

The process of creating black teas is similar to that of green tea but with the extra step of fermenting the tea. Although techniques differ in both regions and countries there are four basic steps to creating black teas. The tea must first be withered to remove any excess moisture. This is done by spreading the tea out on giant beds. The tea is then rolled (usually by machine) to help separate the leaves, exposing the inner leaf to air. The next step is to ferment the tea usually for 5 - 20 hours. The tea begins to change colour during this process. The last step is to heat the tea either in large pans over a flame or by using hot air.

Oolong Teas:

Oolong teas are semi-fermented teas that endure a unique process to produce the finished product. The leaves are processed immediately after picking, being shaken, to slightly bruise the leaves. They are then left to dry until the leaf begins to turn yellow. As the leaves begin to oxidize (ferment) they turn a brown reddish colour. After about two hours (the leaf is about 20 percent fermented) the leaves are fired to stop any additional oxidation. Methods differ slightly between China and Taiwan (the main oolong producing regions) but the bruising of the leaf and a short fermentation period remain the same.

Green Teas:

Green teas are unfermented teas that are immediately treated after being plucked from the field. There are two main ways to stop the fermentation process; steam process or the pan-fried method. Both techniques require the tea to be processed in the first couple of hours after plucking. The leaves remain green because the chlorophyll is not broken down.

Rooibos (Red) Teas:

These teas are exclusively found and harvested in South Africa. The native shrub is not a member of the Camellia Sinensis tea bush but is from the Aspalathus linoaris leaf. This tea is high in vitamins and minerals and is caffeine free making it an excellent nighttime drink. Rooibos teas can be taken with or without milk and are a very good base for blended beverages.

Herbal Teas:

Herbal teas contain no tea leaves and are usually dried spices, fruits and flowers. These drinks infuse their flavour through water and provide numerous health benefits to the consumer. The taste of the infusion can vary from mild to intense and health benefits can cover everything from digestive properties to insomnia treatment. All herbal teas are 100% caffeine free and usually make the best iced teas.

White Teas:

Similar to green teas, white teas are unfermented using very similar processes and most are naturally withered. The difference in white teas is that the tea is plucked once a year in the spring before the tea buds have opened. The leaves show a very light green almost white colour and each set of two leaves contain a bud. White tea is very high in anti-oxidants and has been shown to help detoxify the skin.

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