You may feel overwhelmed as you consider all of the kinds of tea you have heard about. Red, black, green or white teas and all of the herbal varieties have their own benefits and flavor qualities. Depending on what it is you hope to gain by drinking tea, knowing more about the different kinds will help you know what to buy.

Black, Green and White Teas

These varieties are sometimes considered to be the only "true" teas, as they come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The differences among the three are the result of how the tea leaves are processed. White tea is the least processed, allowing it to retain its antioxidant properties and produce a light-colored, mild-tasting brew. Green tea is the result of the tea leaves being steamed and dried. This process does not remove much of the tea's natural antioxidant properties, making it a popular choice among health enthusiasts. Black tea, which may be the most common, is the kind of tea traditionally preferred by English and Irish enthusiasts. This tea is the result of a flavor-enhancing oxidation process that changes its color and reduces the antioxidant properties. It is also the foundation for such popular flavor varieties as Earl Grey, which has bergamot flavor added to the leaves.

Red Tea

In China, the label "red tea" may actually refer to what is more commonly called black tea among Western cultures. However, there is another red tea, also called rooibos. This tea does not come from the same plant as black, green and white teas, but from a plant, Aspalanthus linearis, native to South Africa. The leaves of this plant are fermented, dried and steamed before being sold as tea. The resulting tea produces a strong-flavored, red-colored brew. The brew is not caffeinated as the teas made from camellia sinensis are. Though it is not a "true" tea, companies such as Celestial Seasonings and Republic of Tea sell it and its flavored varieties alongside their true tea offerings.

Herbal Teas

While some teas marketed as "herbal" contain leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, many of them are not really tea at all. They are more aptly called herbal infusions or tisanes, because they contain any of a nearly endless number of possible herb combinations and are brewed in the same manner as true tea. When choosing an herbal tea or infusion, consider flavors you enjoy and what benefits are offered by the herbs in the blend. Chamomile tea is often chosen for its mild flavor and sleep-inducing properties. Other spices and herbs may offer stimulant effects, help for upset stomachs or headaches or simply a more pleasing taste.

Source:

Tea: Red, Green or Black?

About rooibos tea

Types of teas

just buy ones you havent had yet

Go to the store and look in their tea section. May I suggest Wal-Mart??

By buying different kinds of tea varieties.

Nearly every large grocery store or online.