Drinking tea is a huge trend right now, but instead of just hopping on the bandwagon, Mairlyn Smith is here to educate us on the different varieties and how to brew them properly.

Types of teas:

Did you know that all tea comes from the same plant, called Camellia Sinensis? The different varieties of teas are created through processing and fermentation.

Green teas: Green teas go through a withering process: they’re picked, left to sit, and then are rubbed and dried. Because of their short fermenting time, green teas have high levels of ECGC, a powerful anti-oxidant.

Oolong tea: Somewhere partway between a green tea and a black tea, oolongs have been fermented longer than green teas.

Black tea: Black teas are darker because they have been fermented or oxidized for a longer period of time.

Rooibos tea: Rooibos is a type of herbal tea that comes from a South African red bush and has no caffeine.

Brewing time & temperatures:
White and green tea: 1-3 minutes, 80-90 C
Oolong tea: 3-5 minutes, 85-95 C
Black tea: 3-5 minutes, Boiling water
Herbal & rooibos tea: 5-7 minutes, Boiling water

Tips:
Don’t burn your teas! If you put boiling water on white, green or oolong teas, you’ll scald the leaves, which will destroy the flavour.
Keep your green teas pure by making them in a separate pot from your other teas.
“Hot the pot” first! You’ll get the best tasting tea if you warm your pot before you pour your tea into it.

For more tea tips from Mairlyn, watch the clip below: