Brew Academy: What Is Tea?
WHAT IS TEA?
The World's Most Popular Beverage
Tea is one of the oldest and most widely consumed beverages on Earth. Every traditional tea—whether green, black, white, oolong, yellow, or pu-erh—comes from a single plant:
Camellia sinensis
The differences in color, flavor, aroma, and body are created by how the leaves are harvested, processed, and oxidized after picking.
A Brief History of Tea
Tea originated in China more than 4,000 years ago and eventually spread throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
Today, tea is grown in many regions around the world, including:
- China
- Japan
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Kenya
- Vietnam
Each growing region contributes unique flavors influenced by climate, soil, elevation, and processing traditions.
The Six Traditional Types of Tea
Green Tea
Fresh, grassy, vegetal, and often slightly sweet.
Green tea is minimally oxidized, helping preserve its natural color and delicate flavors.
Examples: Sencha, Dragon Well, Jasmine Green Tea
Black Tea
Bold, rich, malty, and full-bodied.
Black tea is fully oxidized, creating darker leaves and stronger flavors.
Examples: English Breakfast, Assam, Earl Grey
Oolong Tea
A balance between green and black tea. Oolong teas can range from light and floral to rich and roasted depending on oxidation levels.
White Tea
The least processed tea. White tea is delicate, smooth, and naturally sweet with subtle floral notes.
Yellow Tea
A rare Chinese tea that undergoes a unique slow-drying process, producing a smooth and mellow cup.
Pu-erh Tea
An aged and fermented tea known for earthy, complex flavors that can evolve over time.
Herbal Tea Isn't Actually Tea
Many beverages sold as "tea" contain no Camellia sinensis leaves at all. These are technically called:
Herbal Infusions (Tisanes)
Common ingredients include:
- Hibiscus
- Chamomile
- Peppermint
- Rooibos
- Fruit blends
- Spices
- Flowers
Popular Grave Shift herbal offerings include fruit-forward blends such as Grimberry Hibiscus.
What Determines Tea Flavor?
Growing Region (Terroir)
Climate, elevation, rainfall, and soil all affect flavor.
Harvest Season
Spring harvests often produce brighter, sweeter teas, while later harvests can create deeper flavors.
Processing Method
Oxidation, drying, rolling, roasting, and aging dramatically impact the final cup.
Brewing Method
Water temperature, steeping time, and tea quantity all influence flavor and strength.
Why Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose leaf tea typically contains larger, higher-quality leaves than standard tea bags.
Benefits include:
- ✓ Better flavor
- ✓ More complex aroma
- ✓ Multiple steepings
- ✓ Greater visual quality
- ✓ Enhanced brewing experience
At Grave Shift Coffee & Tea, our loose leaf teas are selected for quality, freshness, and flavor—crafted for those who operate after midnight.