Black teas tend to be relatively high in caffeine, with about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. They brew up a dark, coppery color, and usually have a stronger, more robust flavor than other types of tea.
Green teas often brew up a light green or yellow color, and tend to have a lighter body and milder taste. They contain about half as much caffeine as black tea (about a quarter that of a cup of coffee).
White tea is a delicate, minimally processed tea that is highly sought after by many. White tea has a light body and a mild flavor with a crisp, clean finish. White tea tends to be very low in caffeine, although some silver tip teas may be slightly higher in caffeine.
Oolong is a partially oxidized tea, placing it somewhere in between black and green teas per oxidation. Oolong teas can brew up anywhere from a pale yellow to a rich amber cup of tea. Many oolongs can be re-infused many times, with subtle differences and nuances of flavor in each successive cup.
Pu-erh tea is an aged, partially fermented tea that is similar to black tea in character. Pu-erh teas brew up an inky brown-black color and have a full body with a rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying taste. Pu-erh teas are fairly high in caffeine, containing about the same amount as black tea (half that of a cup of coffee).
Purple tea is a relatively new kind of tea produced from a rare purple-leaved tea plant found growing wild in the Assam region of India. Today, purple teas are primarily produced in Kenya, Africa. They have a light body and mellow flavor, and are extremely low in caffeine and high in antioxidants and anthocyanins.
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea popular in Japan. It can be consumed on its own when whisked with water, and can also be added to lattes, smoothies, and baked goods. Matcha has a smooth, rich flavor with notes of umami and just a hint of bitterness.
Mate is a tea-like drink made from a plant native to South America. Mate is traditionally prepared in a hollow gourd by adding leaves and hot water to steep, then consumed through a filtered straw known as a bombilla. In many South American countries, mate is shared among a group of friends by drinking and refilling the same gourd as it is passed from person to person. Mate can also be prepared in the same way as other teas, by steeping the leaves in an infuser or filter in a mug or pot.
Herbal teas are composed of a blend of different herbs and spices, typically containing no caffeine. Herbal teas are also sometimes called herbal infusions or tisanes. Popular herbal tea ingredients include peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus, ginger, lavender, and more. Herbal blends often have medicinal properties, and depending on the blend can be used to treat everything from sore throats to upset stomachs.
Rooibos is a particular type of herbal tea made from a plant native to South Africa. These teas are sometimes also referred to as red tea or red bush tea, and are naturally caffeine free. Rooibos has a full body similar to that of a black tea, which makes it a good option for people who enjoy black tea but are looking to avoid caffeine. It has a pleasant natural sweetness, and is delicious when taken on its own or with a splash of milk. Rooibos can also be mixed with other ingredients to create flavored blends like Earl Grey Rooibos and Rooibos Chai.