Are you a connoisseur of tea? Everyone has their own opinion about what is the best tea in the world. Here are 7 great types of tea, including a few that you may not have tried yet.
Tea has been consumed in China since 2,000 BC, but it’s also produced in India, Kenya, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Vietnam. A popular drink throughout the world, there are many different varieties of tea.
What is the Best Tea in the World?
From healthy green tea to exotic Pu’erh, here are some of the finest teas that are ideal for a relaxing brew. Premium tea is often sold as loose leaf rather than in tea bags. This is because most tea bags constrain the tea and prevent it from releasing its aromas.
How you prepare your tea can make all the difference too. Use bottled or filtered water if your tap water has a strong taste.
Tea lovers will agree that a good cup of tea makes everything better! Here are the best teas ranked in order of popularity.
7. Pu’erh Tea
For centuries, puer tea has been prized for its subtle earthy medicinal taste and health benefits.
What is pu’erh tea?
This unique fermented tea is pronounced poo-air. Pu’erh Tea undergoes a unique ageing process, with the leaves being gently roasted then sun-dried and steamed into balls or cakes. This gives the tea a real depth of flavor over time.
Where does pu’erh tea come from?
It comes from the Yunnan province of China and is made from the leaves of the Dayeh variety of the Camellia sinesis plant.
What are the types of pu’erh tea?
Some popular types of pu’erh include ripened pu’erh, loose-leaf are raw pu’erh, and tuo cha. Ripened pu’erhs have a smooth and earthy flavor because they are made from leaves that have had their oils artificially broken down through a wet piling process that undergoes controlled fermentation over a period of time.
Loose-leaf puer teas are unprocessed and maintain their original qualities such as the untouched flavors and aromas of the tea leaves. Finally, tuo cha is a Chinese-style compressed cake with sharp aromas and thick peaty tastes. Try them all – you won’t be disappointed!
Vintage Pu’erh Tea from Yunnan is aged for between 4-6 years. It has floral notes of honeysuckle and an earthy finish.
What are the possible health benefits of pu’erh tea?
- May help to reduce cholesterol levels.
- Has low tannin levels so doesn’t taste bitter.
- Pairs well with food such as meat and chocolate.
- Compressed pu’erh cakes are easy to transport.
- Improves with age and has an extremely long shelf life.
6. Oolong Tea
Although lesser known than some other types of tea, oolong has many benefits.
What are oolong teas?
Oolong tea is an ancient type of Asian tea with a complex flavor profile. Accounting for around 2% of tea consumption worldwide, oolong tea is mainly drunk in Taiwan and China. One of the best teas in the world, oolong is ideally bought in loose-leaf form to conserve all the flavor.
Where does oolong tea come from?
Made from the Camellia sinensis plant, this partially fermented tea doesn’t contain much caffeine.
The best Chinese oolong tea hails from the Fujian province in China, where it has been grown and brewed for centuries. The best Taiwanese oolong tea comes from Dong Ding Mountain in Nantou County.
What are the types of oolong tea?
There are many types of oolong teas including Formosa Oolong which has a sweet and nutty flavor, Dan Cong Oolong which is earthy and smoky, and Ti Kuan Yin Oolong with its complex array of distinctive aromas. Whether you prefer light or dark, subtle or bold, there is an oolong tea out there that can satisfy your taste!
In Taiwan, Milk Oolong Tea or Jin Xuan is popular, with a natural taste of milk and a delicate floral scent.
What are the potential health benefits of oolong tea?
Oolong is rich in L-theanine, an amino acid which slows down the absorption of caffeine and gives a steady energy boost.
- Contains polyphenol antioxidants that may boost the metabolism.
- May lower the risk of heart disease.
- Regular consumption reduces the risk of cognitive disorders.
- May prevent tooth cavities.
5. Herbal Tea
Herbal teas have been enjoyed for centuries due to their mild flavor and the wide range of purported health benefits associated with various herbs.
What is herbal tea?
Herbal tea, also known as tisane, is an age-old beverage that is made by steeping herbs, flowers and spices in boiling water.
Although these aren’t technically teas, but caffeine free herbal infusions, they’re too good to miss off our list. You can buy ready made herbal teas or make your own tea infusions from scratch.
Where does herbal tea come from?
To make your own herbal tea, simply infuse the leaves of any edible plant, such as chamomile flowers. One of the easiest homemade herbal teas is a fresh mint infusion.
Some common herbs that work well in tea blends include mints like peppermint and spearmint, rosemary, thyme, sage, ginger, licorice root and lavender. You could also mix and match these flavors for an interesting taste sensation. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try using more unique flavors like nettle or lemon balm?
What are the types of herbal tea?
If you prefer to buy readymade herbal teas or tisanes, there are many available. Try Blueberry Tea, Egyptian Chamomile, Peppermint or Pumpkin Pie.
What are the potential health benefits of herbal tea?
- Caffeine free, so can be consumed at night without impacting on sleep quality.
- Some herbal teas such as chamomile are thought to invoke a sense of calm.
- Other herbal teas like dandelion have diuretic properties to help flush your system out.
4. Matcha (Japanese) Tea
Matcha provides an uplifting boost of energy due to its high level of caffeine and an amino acid known as L-theanine. With its unique flavor profile and possible health benefits, matcha tea is quickly becoming a popular beverage choice around the world.
What is matcha tea?
Matcha is famous for its ritual preparation with a bamboo whisk. If your matcha tea tastes bitter, it is probably being served at too high a temperature. This should not exceed 175 degrees ad should ideally be 165 degrees or less. Ideally, invest in a matcha making kit to get the full tea ceremony experience at home.
An easier way to make matcha is with Organic Matcha Sticks which are pre-measured. Matcha Fresca is made with premium grade match and drunk cold over ice.
Where does matcha tea come from?
If you visit Japan, attending a matcha making ceremony is a great way to experience local culture. However, surprisingly matcha tea actually originated in China in the 12th century. The Japanese monk Eisai brought back tea seeds from a study trip to China.
Made from stone-ground tea leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, matcha is known for its vibrant green color. These days, genuine matcha tea with the highest concentration of antioxidants comes from Japan.
What are the types of matcha tea?
The two main types of matcha tea are Usucha and Koicha. Usucha is the most commonly consumed type of matcha, made out of a fine powder ground from high-quality leaves. It is recommended for those who have just started drinking matcha tea.
The tastiest tea is considered to be Koicha. This is made from much higher quality matcha powder, and is usually enjoyed as part of a special occasion or ceremony.
Stone ground ceremonial matcha comes from the most tender tea leaves. This tea has a distinctive umami taste and an earthy flavor.
What are the potential health benefits of matcha tea?
- Contains high quantities of polyphenols which may lower blood pressure.
- High in L-theanine, an amino acid which releases energy steadily.
- Consuming matcha tea may increase fat burning during workouts.
- Rich in the catechin known as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
How much caffeine is there in matcha tea?
Matcha teas are generally high caffeine teas, so if you are trying to reduce your caffeine intake they are not the best choice. They usually contain about 40–60 mg of caffeine per serving.
3. White Tea
White tea is a specialty tea that has surged in popularity over the past few years. Some believe it to be the best tasting tea, due to its intricate flavor.
Whether enjoyed hot or iced, white tea satisfies those who appreciate a subtle and pleasurable cup of tea.
What is white tea?
Harvested only for a few weeks each year in Spring, white tea is prepared from the first flush. The leaves are gently withered and rolled, resulting in a light colored beverage. White tea is usually made from young buds and leaves that are steamed, thus best preserving its naturally occurring flavor notes.
Where does white tea come from?
Originating in the Fujian province of China, white tea is also now produced in India, Nepal, Thailand, Taiwan and Sri Lanka. Considered by many to be the world’s best tea, white tea is made from the freshest young tea leaves.
What are the types of white tea?
Some of the best types of white tea are Silver Needle, Sakura Blossom Tea and Organic White Peony Pai Mu Tan is a rare white tea made from small buds and leaves picked in early spring, with a smooth floral taste. These expensive teas have bold flavors and are of the highest quality.
What are the possible health benefits of white tea?
- Low caffeine content compared to black or green tea.
- May have antioxidant and antiseptic properties if rubbed on skin.
- Less processed than other types of tea, so retains antioxidants better.
- May boost metabolism and weight loss.
2. Green Tea
Green teas are widely popular in many cultures, and have been enjoyed for centuries. More than just a hydrating beverage, green tea is rich in natural antioxidants.
What are green teas?
Green tea originated in East Asia, specifically in Japan and is now widely available throughout the world. Green tea is made from green tea leaves that have undergone minimal oxidation during processing.
As such, green tea is naturally high in antioxidants which can protect our cells from unwanted damage. In addition to the green tea itself, green tea extract supplements can be purchased and taken as a concentrate for similar potential health benefits.
Regardless of its form, green tea consumption has become ubiquitous throughout many countries and it appears that this age old tradition will thrive for many years to come.
Where does green tea come from?
Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis bush, as is black tea. However, green tea is prepared by steaming or pan firing and dried to prevent oxidation.
This makes green tea much richer in antioxidants. Once brewed, green tea has quite a light color.
What are the types of green tea?
There are several types of green tea including Chinese pan-fired varieties such as Gunpowder tea. Dragonwell is often considered to be the best green tea in the world.
Somewhat confusingly, White Monkey is a type of green tea too. Jasmine tea is generally based on green tea, but may also use white or black tea. Jasmine Pearls Tea is made from organic jasmine blossoms, and hand-rolled into small “pearls”.
Organic Jasmine Gold is a steamed green tea, infused with the scent of jasmine picked at midnight. Japanese steamed green teas like Organic Sencha Fuji tea and Hojicha are increasingly popular.
Other types of green tea include chestnut and gyokuro green teas. The latter is grown in the shade and has a distinctive flavor that is favored by green tea aficionados everywhere.
When you drink green tea it can have quite a bitter taste. However, if you can get used to this type of tea, you’ll reap the health benefits.
What are the potential health benefits of green tea?
Drinking green tea products or taking green tea extracts or other green tea supplements may provide a number of health benefits.
- Polyphenols in green tea may decrease tumor growth according to some clinical studies.
- May protect against UVB radiation damage.
- Green tea catechins are natural antioxidants that may suppress the growth of bacteria in the mouth and reduce free radical formation.
- May lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes due to the active polyphenols in green tea.
Is green tea caffeinated?
It may surprise you to learn that green tea actually contains caffeine, just like many other caffeinated beverages. Despite the presence of caffeine, green tea is considered to be one of the lowest-caffeine beverages because it has approximately 30-48 milligrams per 8-ounce cup.
This is compared to coffee which contains 95-200 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup. However, some specialty varieties of tea can contain up to 70 milligrams of caffeine per eight oz cup. So for anyone looking for a relatively low-caffeine drink that still have a bit of kick, green tea is the ideal choice!
Moreover, certain brands such as The Republic of Tea have a good range of decaf green teas.
1. Black Tea
Black tea is a type of tea enjoyed around the world for its full-bodied flavor and rich aroma.
What is black tea?
Originating in China, black tea came to be known as a widely consumed beverage in many tea-drinking cultures, including Europe, Africa and the United States. Today, black tea is grown all over the world; particularly in India, Sri Lanka and parts of China.
Where does black tea come from?
Black tea is produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub. This type of tea is oxidized before being processed and dried, which turns the green leaves black.
What are the types of black tea?
There are many different types of black tea products available.
Darjeeling tea from West Bengal, India is often considered to be the best black tea in the world. Darjeeling First Flush is one of the most coveted black teas.
Made from the first leaves harvested each season, it has a delicate taste yet is packed with nutrients. Second flush or Summer flush tea has a bolder flavor, so which you choose is a matter of personal preference.
Assam Gold tea from India, Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka and Lapsang Souchong teas from china are also highly regarded. Among black tea blends, Earl Grey is a type of black tea flavored with bergamot orange.
English breakfast tea is high in caffeine, so is a popular morning drink. This loose leaves tin is from Mariage Frères, one of the best tea brands. They have over 500 different types of tea.
In the United States, black tea chai is a blend of black tea and spices such as cardamom, ginger, star anise, cinnamon sticks and cloves. This spiced tea is often served as a chai tea latte with unrefined cane sugar, almond milk or coconut milk.
However, in India, a cup of chai is just black tea with milk and sugar. Chai is actually the word for tea in Hindi. Traditional chai tea is also known as masala chai. Indian chai has a rich history as a healing beverage, and chai recipes are prepared in local coffee shops.
You can also find chai tea at Indian markets, prepared by chai wallahs. Drinking chai tea lattes is a popular activity!
What are the possible health benefits of black tea?
- High in antioxidants.
- May lower bad cholesterol.
- Reduces plaque formation on teeth.
- May reduce blood pressure.
How much caffeine is there in black tea?
The amount of caffeine present in black tea varies depending on the amount used when brewed and how long it is steeped. Generally, a single cup of black tea contains about 47 to 70 milligrams of caffeine.
Drinking black tea can be an effective way to enjoy a more caffeinated beverage without consuming copious amounts at once.
Tea Accessories
These nifty tea accessories make great gifts for a loved one or yourself. From tea infusers to tea bag organizers, they’re all designed to help you enjoy the best tea ever.
A cast iron teapot is an important part of any Oriental tea ceremony. This stunning teapot, teacup, saucer and trivet set is handpainted.
Take the difficulty out of tea preparation with a Sleek Steep tea infuser. This innovative teapot makes the tea brewing process cleaner and simpler. You just place the tea leaves inside the tea steeper, pour hot water over, and place the infuser on top of your cup. Sleek Steep tea infuser is BPA free and dish washer safe.
Enjoy delicious iced tea with this clever iced tea kit. It comes with a BPA free 66oz Takeya iced tea pitcher and four 2qt iced tea pouches of your flavor choice.
Store your tea neatly with this handy bamboo tea box organizer. Featuring 8 deep compartments which can each hold up to 12 teabags, it also has a drawer and a magnetic lid. Thanks to the shatterproof acrylic window you can easily see which teas are inside.
This gorgeous BPA free rose gold tea tumbler keeps beverages hot or cold while out and about. With a no-leak sports top and stainless steel mesh insert, it’s ideal for hot tea, iced tea or even smoothies and juices.
Finally, keep your tea warm at home or in your office with this clever electric beverage warmer. Designed to keep your drink at 131 F, this handy device is suitable for ceramic, glassware, enamel or metal cups.
There’s a built-in gravity induction switch with indicator light, as well as a night indicator to help you find your drink in the dark!
In Conclusion: The Best Tea In The World
There you have it, the best tasting tea in the world! We hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of the historic beverage. When you discover tea that you like, stock up and enjoy it!
Which of these teas have you tried? What in your opinion is the best tea in the world?
And if you’re looking for more food-related content, be sure to check out our other articles. Bon appetit!
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There are so many other tea varieties too, especially in India. for eg. Ginger Tea. It is very famous now a days, because of COVID 19. Crush a fresh piece of ginger and boil it with water. Then add little bit of superfine dust tea. Drain and pour into a glass tumbler. use with or without milk or sugar.
and rooibos tea? I thought that was a type of tea too:)