January is National Hot Tea month for good reason.  When the wind is rattling the windows with icy blasts a tea kettle whistling on the stove signals more than hot water.  It means that it is time for a warming cup of comfort.

While only a few decades ago the only tea available in most locales was Lipton, Red Rose, or Luzianne, now the tea and coffee aisle of the grocery store is virtually lined with tea from all over the world in every form and flavor imaginable.

As if that wasn’t enough there are hundreds of specialty tea shops on the Internet with even more flavors and combinations of tea.  Consumers now have a working knowledge of teas that their grandparents couldn’t even pronounce let alone describe the nuances of.

All tea comes from the same Camellia sinesis plant.  The different types of tea are created by different methods used during processing.

So, what are the different types of tea?

Black tea is more oxidized than the other types of tea. It isn’t a specific tea, there are many varieties of black tea, but it is generally more robust than white or green teas and has more caffeine. Some popular black teas are:

• English Breakfast is a strong tea that is easily able to withstand the rigors of milk and sugar and whose flavor will not be overwhelmed by bacon and eggs.
• Assam is from India. Another good breakfast choice it has a strong, malty flavor and reddish color.
• Lapsang Souchong will be a tea that you either love or hate. It has a smoky aroma that is reminiscent of campfires and bacon and the flavor is strong and smoked.
• Earl Grey is a mild black tea enhanced with bergamot, a Mediterranean citrus fruit. It has a delicate orange flavor that many people love.
• Darjeeling is also from India. It has a bright, fresh flavor.
• Irish Breakfast is stronger and maltier than the English Breakfast tea. If you tend to think of tea as weak and insipid this tea is for you.
• Keemun has a rich flavor which may have an almost chocolaty flavor. It is very robust and not for the faint of heart.
• Yunnan is the gourmet tea of the black teas. It has depth and complexity, almost like a good wine. Flavors are generally rich and fruity.

Oolong is processed between green and black teas.  Oolong teas are known for their health properties and are linked with weight loss. Wu yi tea is an oolong.

Oolong has none of the robust flavor that is associated with the black teas, however it is does not have the grass and raw vegetable taste that some people associate with green tea.  An interesting fact about the Oolong teas is that they can be infused a number of times with each cup being quality, albeit somewhat different in taste and complexity than the last.

Some Oolong teas are:

• Pouchong
• Wu yi
• Ti Kuan Yin
• Jasmine
• Ali Shan

Green tea is allowed to go through only a small amount of oxidation during processing.  It has a light flavor and many health benefits.  Some of these refreshing teas are: 

• Gunpowder Tea is a green tea that is rolled to resemble shot.  It is the most robust of the green teas and has a hint of smokiness.
• Green Pekoe is a smooth, delicate green tea.
• White Monkey is handpicked.  The tea is light and delicate with a sweet flavor and scent.

White tea is not allowed to oxidize, as well as being uncured.  The leaves are dried as quickly as possible.  It is the most delicate of all tea.  Many times it is described as having a “clean flavor” or “airiness” which basically means it tastes like water.  Some white teas you might like to try are:

• White Peony
• Silver Needle
• White Puerh
• Darjeeling White

While those are the proper teas there are other types of tea.

• Herbal tea comes in many flavors and combinations and is caffeine free.
• Chai is a black tea infused with various spices including clove, cardamom, and cinnamon. Chai means tea so it should never be referred to as “chai tea”. Just say Chai.
• Russian tea is a drink that is usually made with instant tea, lemonade powder, tang and cinnamon and cloves, as well as a copious amount of sugar. It is more of a powdered mulled drink than a tea.
• Blooming tea is a real tea that is hand tied and as it steeps it opens up to create a flower in the teapot. 

• Homemade Chai Mix
• Russian Tea Mix
• London Fog (Earl Grey Latte)
• After 5:00 Teas 

Tea is a great way to remind yourself to slow down and take a few minutes.  Life gets busy and too often we find ourselves gulping down a cup of lukewarm coffee, or a Coke. Try sitting down with a cup of your favorite tea, a cookie or other light snack, an just relaxing for ten minutes. 

See if things don't begin to look different.