Everyone loves to have a good cup of tea, and Pakistanis are no different. We love our chai more than anything. However, do you know that there is a wide variety of tea that you can try?
In this blog, we have explained 10 different kinds of teas that are found in Pakistan and worldwide. You may have tried some of them but a few from the list may not be available here. Still, what is the harm in knowing about them?
Read on to know about the 10 different varieties of teas.
Top 10 Healthy and Popular Types of Tea:
1. Black tea
As its name indicates, black tea is liquored from fermented leaves. It has a deep flavor and is high in caffeine. The aroma of the tea varies depending on the cultivar used and processing methods applied, but typically it’s a strong, bitter green tea smell. It is quite common in Pakistan and some of the ladies even consume it for weight management also.
2. Green tea
Green tea is not fermented like black tea. It is steamed after rolling, which prevents oxidation, and then quickly heated to stop the oxidizing process. Because it isn’t fermented, green tea has no aroma in its freshly made form. Green teas are often described as grassy because of their chlorophyll content.
The oxidization odor disappears when heat is applied, and the smell changes to sweet, grassy, or hay-like. To produce green tea you can use any type of pan or teapot like iron ewer, porcelain pot, glass bottle, etc..
See also list of some most interesting facts about green tea.
3. Oolong tea
Oolong tea is partially fermented to allow the leaves to change color during processing. The leaves are allowed to ferment for a short time before they’re dried, and the semifermented tea is called “green oolong” (not like green tea with semi fermented leaves). Oolong is intermediate between black and green teas.
The color of the liquor ranges from pale yellow to orange-red, depending on the manufacturing process. Oolong tea has its own characteristics, which are between green tea and black tea because it is semi fermented through the process of oxidation.
4. White tea
White tea is steamed shortly to stop the fermentation process, then dried before any other processing step. The result is a leaf that looks much like green tea leaves, but with down on the surface.
White tea can be made of buds or full leaves that are withered under strong sunlight before they’re dried. The resulting liquor is pale yellow, and its aroma is very smooth, mellow, and sweet.
This is a rare and one of the most expensive tea varieties since the harvest is for a short time period. Consider yourself lucky if you have tried it.
5. Pu-erh tea
Pu-erh is a type of fermented tea produced in Yunnan, China. Black tea is partially fermented and then dried to prevent further oxidation. The result is a tea with a deep color and rich flavor.
Pu-erh tea has been produced in the region since the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In Southwestern China was called “chajian” or “chajang” tea which had been brought by merchants around the 14th century. It was also known as “cha” in some regions of China.
See also the list of countries producing most of tea.
6. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is made simply by steeping chamomile flowers in hot water. And it’s rich in dietary fiber, minerals, thymol, and carotene, so it’s considered to be effective for various diseases.
Chamomile tea can help you sleep well and maintain skin health. It takes about 4 minutes in the water to make chamomile tea. If you would like to try this tea, you can get the teabags from any superstore.
7. Passion fruit tea
Now, this is one unique and rare kind of tea. This tea is prepared with passion fruit, which is unlikely to be seen in Pakistan.
Passion fruit tea is made by steeping passion fruit with cold or hot water. The aroma is sweet with a strong fruity taste, which you will like. Because passion fruit tea has little caffeine, it’s good for both children and adults.
Try finding one in a superstore and maybe, you could get a taste of this unique tea.
See also list of world’s most expensive tea.
8. Raspberry tea
Another rare and one of the unique varieties of tea. This is made by steeping raspberry in hot water. If you want to enjoy its unique aroma and flavor, try using clean spring water or mineral water at about 80 degrees Celsius. If you use it with boiling water, its flavor will fade and disappear.
9. Rosehip tea
One of the best healthy and popular varieties of tea. Rosehip tea contains many antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals. It’s made by steeping dried rosehips in boiling water for 10 minutes. Rosehip tea has a refreshing aroma and slight acidity, which you will like.
See also the list of health benefits of black tea.
10. Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea is made by steeping hibiscus flowers in hot or cold water. It’s rich in vitamin C and minerals such as iron and calcium, so it’s very healthy. Hibiscus tea can be made in different ways.
By boiling and simmering dried hibiscus flowers until the color changes, or by steeping fresh flowers in room temperature water overnight.
The result is a deep red-colored tea with a fruity smell and sweet taste. Lemon juice is added to enhance its taste. Hibiscus tea is a good source of vitamin C and carotene, so it helps prevent diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and rheumatism.
Which one of these have you tried? Let us know in the comments below.