Brew Academy: One Plant. Six Teas
ONE PLANT. SIX TEAS.
How One Tea Leaf Creates an Entire World of Flavor
Many people are surprised to learn that green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, yellow tea, and pu-erh tea all come from the same plant:
Camellia sinensis
If they all come from the same plant, what makes them different?
The answer lies in what happens after the leaves are harvested. The way tea leaves are processed, oxidized, rolled, dried, and aged determines the flavor, aroma, color, and character of the final cup.
The Journey Begins
🌱 Fresh Tea Leaves
Every traditional tea starts as freshly harvested leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. From this point forward, processing decisions determine the type of tea that will be produced.
White Tea
Minimal Processing
White tea is the least processed of all traditional teas. After harvest, the leaves are simply withered and dried. This preserves delicate flavors and creates a smooth, naturally sweet cup.
Typical Flavor Profile
- Floral
- Honey-like
- Light-bodied
- Delicate sweetness
Green Tea
Heat Stops Oxidation
Green tea is heated shortly after harvest to prevent oxidation. This helps preserve its natural green color and fresh flavor.
Typical Flavor Profile
- Vegetal
- Grassy
- Sweet
- Fresh
- Nutty
Grave Shift Examples: Moonlit Matcha • Jasmine Green Tea
Oolong Tea
Partial Oxidation
Oolong tea falls between green tea and black tea. The leaves are partially oxidized, allowing tea makers to create a wide range of flavor profiles.
Typical Flavor Profile
- Floral
- Fruity
- Creamy
- Roasted
- Complex
Some oolongs resemble green tea, while others approach black tea in character.
Black Tea
Full Oxidation
Black tea is allowed to fully oxidize before drying. This process darkens the leaves and creates richer, bolder flavors.
Typical Flavor Profile
- Malty
- Fruity
- Sweet
- Rich
- Full-bodied
Grave Shift Examples: Graveyard Grey • Twilight Orchard • Witching Hour Chai
Yellow Tea
A Rare Art
Yellow tea undergoes a specialized slow-drying process that reduces some of the grassy characteristics found in green tea. The result is a smooth and mellow cup.
Typical Flavor Profile
- Soft
- Sweet
- Smooth
- Rounded
Yellow tea remains one of the rarest tea styles in the world.
Pu-erh Tea
Fermented & Aged
Pu-erh tea undergoes fermentation and aging, sometimes for many years. This unique process creates some of the most distinctive flavors found in tea.
Typical Flavor Profile
- Earthy
- Woody
- Rich
- Complex
- Deeply layered
Many tea enthusiasts collect aged pu-erh much like wine.
Not All “Tea” Is Tea
Herbal teas are different. Unlike traditional teas, herbal infusions do not contain Camellia sinensis leaves. Instead, they are crafted from:
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Herbs
- Spices
- Roots
Grave Shift Example: Grimberry Hibiscus
Brew Academy Takeaway
The world’s most popular teas all begin with the same leaf. What makes each tea unique is not the plant itself, but the decisions made after harvest.
From delicate white tea to bold black tea and aged pu-erh, processing transforms a single leaf into countless brewing experiences.