Arriving at a precise classification of the teas found in China is somewhat complicated. Although most come from the Camellia sinensis plant, the difference lies in how they are processed. The characteristics and chemical composition of their leaves influence the variety of their flavors. In this post, we'll introduce you to the 10 traditional types of Chinese teas.

There are thousands of tea brands in China, all of which process the plant's leaves in different ways. Despite this, the types of Chinese tea can be grouped as follows.

1. Chinese green teas

It's the most common tea in China. Chinese green tea leaves are harvested and barely oxidized during the process. This process prevents fermentation, thus eliminating the antioxidants that help prevent some cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

On the other hand, it's one of the Chinese teas for weight loss, as it speeds up metabolism and helps burn calories and fat. It's also considered one of the most famous Chinese teas because it prevents aging and boosts the body's defenses.

2. White tea

Another Chinese tea is white tea , which is not as well-known in the West as black, green, or Pu-erh tea . It's one of the Chinese teas for weight loss, due to its diuretic properties and because it eliminates toxins that accumulate in the body.

Its oxidation process is mild and it is primarily grown in Fujian Province. Its young leaves are dried in the sun, preventing oxidation and fermentation. This preserves its flavor and antioxidants.

3. Chinese yellow teas

Yellow tea is also known as the "tea of the five dynasties" because its history dates back to ancient China. It is said to have been cultivated and drunk exclusively by Buddhist and Taoist monks. Its color is due to the fact that the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant undergo a fairly short fermentation process.

It's also known as "yellow gold" and has a slightly bittersweet flavor. It offers numerous benefits for the body, including being a diuretic, containing antioxidants, and digestive aids. It's one of the Chinese teas for weight loss, improves vision, and enhances concentration.

4. Black tea

Black teas are those with a 100% oxidation level, which makes their strands dry. It's one of the Chinese teas with a smoky, tobacco, cocoa, or woody flavor. Other varieties, however, have floral, dried, and red fruit notes.

There is a wide variety of black teas with different profiles. Although they are all part of the same group, they depend on where they are produced. Throughout history, they have been shown to possess a number of properties, including:

• Lowers blood cholesterol.
• Keeps arteries healthy.
• Protects the immune system.
• Reduces stress.
• Inter alia.

5. Chinese Oolong Teas

Oolong tea is somewhere between green and black tea , which is what gives it its blue color. This tea is produced in the Chinese provinces of Funjian, Canton, and Taiwan. Its flavor is mild, not as concentrated as that of black tea.

It's usually sold in strands or bags. During the drying process, it's rolled, which is why it's often found in pressed forms. Its flavor and aroma depend on the tea garden, the oxidation, and the quality of the leaves.

6. Chinese red tea

Red tea, or Pu-erh, is another medicinal tea with properties that provide health benefits. It comes from the Pu'er region of China. For hundreds of years, it was consumed only by the nobility. Its reddish hue comes from its fermentation process, which lasts from a minimum of one year to a maximum of 60.

Its main benefits:

• One of the best Chinese teas for weight loss, because it helps metabolize food properly and stimulates the secretion of gastric juices.
• Take care of the cardiovascular system.
• Regulates cholesterol.

7. Scented Chinese teas

Teas can be blended to create a balanced flavor, using different origins and characteristics. One golden rule should prevail when blending teas: maintain the same flavor as the previous one, so that the consumer should not detect it.

Tea can be flavored with a blend of perfumes, essential oils, and flavorings. This blend can be used to cover or mask the inferior quality of a tea. Many of these are Chinese flowering teas, for example, with jasmine, rose, chrysanthemum, peach, and others.

8. Flower teas

Chinese flowering teas are a cross between flowering tea and scented tea. The flowers used are dried and typically include hibiscus, chrysanthemum, amaranth, lily, and others. Consuming these healing Chinese teas helps improve digestion, combat aging, and more.

9. Dark Chinese teas

It's a post-fermented tea, and its leaves are produced in the Chinese regions of Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Hunan. Its dark color is due to the moistened tea carried on the backs of the horses that transported it. The water is amber with a hint of red. Its flavor is very rich and pure.

10. Mao Jian Tea

This type of tea is a green tea from Henan Province, China. It has a very rich, sweet flavor. The word "Mao" means the velvety coating of the buds, and "Jian" refers to the pointed, tapered shape of the flowers.

At Tetique, we are experts in providing the finest Chinese teas for cafes and restaurants. We offer a wide variety of high-quality Chinese teas.

We select our Chinese teas from the finest tea plantations throughout China, ensuring an authentic, high-quality flavor. Plus, our Chinese teas are organic and fair trade, making them a healthy and sustainable choice.

We are committed to providing our foodservice customers with the best possible tea experience. If you're interested in offering high-quality Chinese teas in your café or restaurant, please contact us to learn more about our products and services. We're ready to work with you!