Tea is one of the most versatile hot drinks, with countless varieties offering their own distinctive flavours and characteristics. Understanding the main types makes it easier to choose the one that best suits your tastes and the moment. Green tea, black tea, white tea and rooibos each have their own personality and are well worth exploring. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart and how to prepare them for the best possible flavour.
Green tea: fresh and delicate
Green tea is often recognised by its pale green or yellow-green colour and its fresh, vegetal flavour. After harvesting, the leaves undergo very little oxidation. Heat is applied early in the process to stop oxidation, helping preserve many of the plant compounds naturally found in the leaves. These include catechins, a group of polyphenols studied for their antioxidant properties.
Characteristics:
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Flavour: fresh and vegetal, sometimes slightly astringent or rich in umami, with noticeable differences between Japanese and Chinese varieties.
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Key features: naturally contains polyphenols and usually caffeine. Exact levels vary depending on the tea, harvest and brewing method.
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Preparation: depending on the variety, brew at around 70–80°C for 2 to 3 minutes to avoid excessive bitterness.
Would you like to explore other varieties of tea? At Louise & Gaston, our Tea Kit lets you discover a range of aromas and flavours. You can even create your own blends by combining tea with different spices for a more personalised tasting experience.
Black tea: bold and full of character
Black tea undergoes much greater oxidation than green tea, giving the leaves their darker colour and producing deeper aromas that can be malty, woody, spicy, fruity or even slightly caramelised. Black tea is particularly popular at breakfast because it naturally contains caffeine. The exact amount in your cup, however, depends on factors such as the variety, quantity of leaves, water temperature and brewing time.
Characteristics:
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Flavour: full-bodied and robust, with malty, woody, spicy or sometimes caramel-like notes depending on the variety.
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Key features: naturally contains caffeine and a variety of plant compounds. Its stronger character makes it particularly versatile.
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Preparation: brew at around 90–95°C for 3 to 5 minutes.
For a change, try adding a splash of milk or a little citrus zest, depending on the tea and your personal preferences.
White tea: delicate and subtle
White tea is one of the least processed types of true tea. It is often made from young buds and tender leaves that are mainly withered and dried after harvesting. This gentle processing creates a particularly delicate flavour profile, appreciated by tea lovers for its subtle and refined nuances.
Characteristics:
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Flavour: light, floral and delicate, sometimes with a gentle natural sweetness.
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Key features: like other true teas, it naturally contains polyphenols and caffeine, although the amounts can vary considerably between varieties and brewing methods.
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Preparation: depending on the variety, use water at around 70–80°C and steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
Its delicate character makes white tea a lovely choice for a quiet tasting moment when you want to appreciate subtle aromas and flavours.
Rooibos: a naturally caffeine-free South African infusion
Rooibos is sometimes referred to as “red tea”, but botanically it is not a true tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant. It comes from South Africa and is produced from Aspalathus linearis. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, making it an appealing alternative to traditional tea at any time of day, including in the evening.
Characteristics:
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Flavour: smooth, mild and naturally slightly sweet, often with woody, honeyed or vanilla-like notes.
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Key features: naturally caffeine-free and contains a variety of plant compounds. It is particularly appreciated for its mellow and easy-drinking character.
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Preparation: brew at around 95°C for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
Rooibos can be enjoyed hot or cold and pairs beautifully with spices. If you fancy something warm and comforting, try our recipe for spiced rooibos for cosy evenings. You can also find the ingredients you need in our Tea Infusion & Tasting Kit.
How do you choose the right tea for you?
The best choice depends mainly on your taste, the time of day and the flavour profile you are looking for:
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For a bold start to the day: black tea is a great choice thanks to its full-bodied flavour and natural caffeine content.
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For fresh, vegetal flavours: green tea is ideal if you enjoy lighter, elegant and sometimes slightly astringent notes.
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For a delicate tasting experience: white tea offers subtle, refined and often floral flavours.
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For a caffeine-free alternative: rooibos is a smooth and comforting option that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
With Louise & Gaston Tea Kits, you can explore different varieties and personalise your infusions with spices and other aromas. If you also enjoy experimenting with spirits, discover our Infused Rum Kit and Infused Whisky Kit to create drinks tailored to your own tastes.
