This type of tea produces a dark liquid with strong flavors. The leaves of the tea are often treated by fermentation. This process darkens the tea leaves to brown or black thus mellowing the flavor. First the leaves of the tea are spread out and left uncovered to dry. Next the withered leaves are rolled in a drum. This bruises the leaves and brings out their essential oils which release the tea's natural flavor. The leaves are then spread out again and left uncovered. The flavor of the natural oils develops further.The leaves are then fired with a blast of hot air to stop the process. This dries out the tea leaves and preserves them for processing. These teas have a deep golden red or brown color and a rich flavor.
Green Tea is know as unfermented teas. The leaves are steamed to make them pliable. They are then rolled and fired because the tannin has not been oxidized. Green teas have a pleasant bitter flavor and yield a light colored liquid. Green teas make up 10 percent of the tea produced in the world.
Individual teas of all varieties and sizes are easiest to find at specialty tea stores. Even the most popular teas are blends of two or more varieties combined because their flavors balance each other. Often for additional flavor individual tea blends are flavored with citrus peel, flower blossoms or spices and cloves. In many cases size and designation form part of a tea's name. Many teas are identified by their country, district or city of origin.
Once purchased teas may be stored for up to one year. Keep in airtight
containers away from light or moisture that might oxidize leaves or cause
mildew.
| TEA VARIETIES | DESCRIPTION |
| Ceylon | A popular black tea with brisk sweet flavor. |
| Darjeeling | A black Indian tea grown in the foothills of the Himalayas. The flavor is like Muscat grapes. It is reserved for afternoon use. It is usually served plain with lemon. |
| Earl Grey | A blend of Indian and Chinese black teas flavored with oils of the citrus fruit. It is a smoky tea with a hint of sweetness. It is the second most popular tea in the world. |
| Green Japanese | A green tea producing a delicate scented astringent flavored tea. |
| Jasmine | A Chinese oolong tea scented with jasmine flowers |
| Java | A black tea with a slightly astringent flavor commonly used in blends |
| Moyune Gunpowder | A green tea from China yielding a fragrant fruity liquid. The name is from pellet-like appearance of the treated leaves |
| Rose pouchong | An oolong tea from Taiwan scented with rose petals. |
| Russian |
A black tea from Caucasus Mountains of the Soviet Union. It contains bits of twig that impart an earthy flavor. It should not be confused with Russian style tea which is often a blend of Indian and Chinese black teas. |
| Scented Orange Pekoe | A Chinese oolong tea that is made with leaf tips; it yields a flowery infusion. Oolong tea is known as the champagne of tea. It is grown in China. |
| Yunnan | A Black tea from China with sweet smell and smoky taste. |