Everyone loves a good cup of tea, and Pakistanis are no different. We love our chai more than anything. However, do you know that there is a great variety of tea that you can try?
In this blog, we have explained 10 different types of teas found in Pakistan and around the world. You may have tried some of them, but some on the list may not be available here. Still, what is the harm in knowing about them?
Read on for the 10 different varieties of teas.
Top 10 Healthy and Popular Types of Tea:
1. Black tea
As its name suggests, black tea is liquefied from fermented leaves. It has a deep flavor and is rich in caffeine. The aroma of the tea varies depending on the cultivar used and the processing methods applied, but it is usually a strong, bitter smell of green tea. It is quite common in Pakistan and some women even use it for weight control.
2. Green tea
Green tea is not fermented like black tea. It is steamed after rolling, preventing oxidation, and then rapidly heated to stop the oxidation process. Because it is not fermented, green tea is unscented in its freshly brewed form. Green teas are often described as herbaceous due to their chlorophyll content.
The rust smell disappears when heat is applied and the smell changes to sweet, grassy or hay-like. To produce green tea, any type of saucepan or teapot can be used, such as an iron jug, porcelain pot, glass bottle, etc.
3. Oolong tea
Oolong tea is partially fermented to allow the leaves to change color during processing. The leaves are allowed to ferment for a short time before they dry out, and semi-fermented tea is called “green oolong” (not like green tea with semi-fermented leaves). Oolong is intermediate between black and green tea.
The color of the liquor varies from pale yellow to orange-red, depending on the manufacturing process. Oolong tea has its own characteristics, which are found between green tea and black tea because it is semi-fermented through the oxidation process.
4. White tea
White tea is steamed shortly to stop the fermentation process and then dried before any further processing steps. The result is a leaf that looks a lot like green tea leaves, but with down on the surface.
White tea can be made from full buds or leaves that wilt in strong sunlight before they dry out. The resulting liquor is pale yellow in color and its aroma is very smooth, honeyed and sweet.
This is a rare variety of tea and one of the most expensive, as the harvest is for a short period of time. Consider yourself lucky if you’ve tried it.
5. Pu-erh tea
Pu-erh is a type of fermented tea produced in Yunnan, China. Black tea is partially fermented and then dried to prevent further oxidation. The result is a tea with an intense color and rich flavor.
Pu-erh tea has been produced in the region since the Tang Dynasty (618-907). In southwestern China it was called “chajian” or “chajang” tea, brought by merchants around the 14th century. It was also known as “cha” in some regions of China.
6. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is made by simply steeping chamomile flowers in hot water. And it is rich in dietary fiber, minerals, thymol, and carotene, which is why it is considered effective for various diseases.
Chamomile tea can help you sleep well and maintain healthy skin. It takes about 4 minutes in the water to make chamomile tea. If you want to try this tea, you can get the tea bags at any hypermarket.
7. Passion fruit tea
Now, this is a unique and rare type of tea. This tea is made with passion fruit, which is unlikely to be seen in Pakistan.
Passion fruit tea is prepared by macerating passion fruit with hot or cold water. The aroma is sweet with a strong fruity flavor, which you will like. Because passion fruit tea is low in caffeine, it is good for both children and adults.
Try to find one in a superstore and perhaps, you can try this unique tea.
8. Raspberry tea
Another rare and one of the unique tea varieties. This is done by soaking the raspberry in hot water. If you want to enjoy its unique aroma and taste, try using clean spring water or mineral water at around 80 degrees Celsius. If you use it with boiling water, its flavor will fade and disappear.
9. Rosehip tea
One of the best healthy and popular tea varieties. Rosehip tea contains many antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals. It is made by submerging the dried rose hips in boiling water for 10 minutes. Rosehip tea has a refreshing aroma and slight acidity, which you will like.
10. Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea is made by steeping hibiscus flowers in hot or cold water. It is rich in vitamin C and minerals such as iron and calcium, making it very healthy. Hibiscus tea can be prepared in different ways.
By boiling and simmering the dried hibiscus flowers until they change color, or soaking the fresh flowers in room temperature water overnight.
The result is a deep red tea with a fruity smell and sweet taste. Lemon juice is added to enhance its flavor. Hibiscus tea is a good source of vitamin C and carotene, which is why it helps prevent diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and rheumatism.
