Tea Terminology
Fill your cup with a fresh serve of Personalitea, and fill your brain with some tea terminology, because it is worthwhile understanding why tea is not just simply, ’tea’. To truly understand such a brew, there are several definitions of ‘tea’ to be familiar with, which in turn, can make the decision of what to fill your cup with, that little bit easier.
True tea:
These are the beverages served hot, which involve steeping leaves and buds of the ‘tea’ plant, camellia sinensis. As of 2016, the global tea industry agreed to recognise six type of true tea, which are created through varied methods of processing:
Black - The most common of true teas in Western society, this is the most rich in flavour.
Green - This tea contains many antioxidants and nutrients, and when quality leaves are steeped correctly, has a range of fresh vegetal tastes.
Oolong - Very broad in flavour profile, but offers a deep yet floral taste foundation.
White - Delicate and unique with a fresh, slightly sweet and very subtle flavour, these teas are considered rare and very special.
Puerh - Rich in health benefits, this tea is most often described as having an earthy flavour.
Yellow - Due to its rarity and expense, this tea is lesser known, but has a flavour profile similar to green tea, with a subtle mellow sweetness.
None of our “loose leaf tea, for me” range is purely just true tea. The reason for this is that no one personality is a single layer; we are all a unique blend of traits, and so are our Personalitea’s, in reflection of this. Which brings us to our next ‘tea’ definition:
Tisane:
These beverages are an infusion of fragrant flowers, fruit, spices, herbs or bark that is steeped or simmered in hot water. You may hear these beverages referred to as ‘herbal teas’. Some tisanes may also be suited to cold brewing (see our Cold Brew blog), and so make perfect thirst quenchers no matter the time of year.
Five of our signature "loose leaf tea, for me" blends are considered tisanes: Audacious, Sanguine, Exhilarate, Valorous and Quiescence. Check out these Personalitea's via our shop - they may just be the brew for you!
Flavoured tea:
Unlike a tisane, favoured tea includes true tea. It is most often a blend of a true tea with a tisane.
Three of our personalitea’s can be considered flavoured tea: Repose (with Oolong), Equanimity (containing Green tea), and Resplendent (with both Black and Oolong). Visit our shop to learn more of these Personalitea’s tastes, and who they are your perfect match!
So next time someone offers you a cup of tea, your answer might enlighten them.