What Is Tea?
Tea is one of the oldest and most beloved, and most consumed beverages in the world — a simple infusion of leaves that has shaped entire cultures, ceremonies, trade routes, and daily rituals. But what exactly is tea?
All tea — whether black, green, oolong, or any of the six major tea types — comes from one ancient plant: Camellia sinensis.
Whether you’re sipping a grassy green tea, a rich black tea, or a delicate white tea, it all begins with this one evergreen shrub.
A Brief Origin Story
Tea is indigenous to China and India, where it grew wild for thousands of years before becoming cultivated. Chinese traditions point to Emperor Shennong in 2737 BCE as the mythic discoverer of tea, while India’s Assam region has its own ancient relationship with wild tea trees long before British colonization.
From mountain forests to royal courts, tea spread across Asia and eventually the world — becoming a global symbol of hospitality, spirituality, and daily comfort.
Two Varieties, Many Expressions
All real tea comes from Camellia sinensis, but there are two main varieties:
● Camellia sinensis var. sinensis
~ Small leaves, thrives in cooler high elevations.
~ Classic in China, Japan, Korea.
● Camellia sinensis var. assamica
~ Larger leaves, prefers tropical climates.
~ Famous in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa.
Different climates, soils, and elevations create different flavors — from sweet and floral to earthy, smoky, malty, or bright.
The Six Types of Tea
What makes each type different isn’t the plant — it’s the processing, especially oxidation.
● White Tea
~The least processed. Soft, silky, and delicate with natural sweetness.
● Green Tea
~ Lightly heated to stop oxidation. Fresh, grassy, bright, sometimes nutty.
● Yellow Tea
~ Rare. A slow “yellowing” process gives it a buttery, mellow character.
● Oolong Tea
~ Partially oxidized. Complex, floral, creamy, or roasted depending on style.
● Black Tea
~ Fully oxidized. Bold, smooth, malty, brisk — the world’s most popular style.
● Pu-erh Tea
~ Fermented. Earthy, grounding, aged like wine and prized for its depth.
From these six core categories come endless traditions, flavors, and rituals — each cup reflecting centuries of craftsmanship.
