Varieties of Tazo
There are over 3,000 varieties of teas, each named for the district in which it
is grown. All teas, whether black, green or oolong could, theoretically, come from
the same bush. The process of making black and green tea differs substantially,
but it is conceivable that green and black teas can be made from the same plucking.
Black Teas
All black teas are made from the fully fermented leaf of the Camellia sinensis and
contain caffeine. Premium black teas (like the ones in Tazo's blends) are grown
at high elevations for the best flavor then plucked by hand. Afterwards, the leaves
are crushed and tightly rolled into wiry threads to release an enzyme that, when
exposed to oxygen, begins the fermentation process. They are then dried by oven
firing, creating the malty, rich flavors and amber color that have been characteristic
of black tea for thousands of years.
See our black tea selection
Green Teas
Like black teas, green teas are made from the same botanical species, Camellia sinensis,
and often contain as much caffeine as black teas. Green teas are unfermented and
are prepared in a way that maintains the natural color and taste. They are steamed
to neutralize the oxidating enzyme then dried using a variety of techniques to bring
out the maximum flavor: steamfired, panfired or basketfired. Green tea has a mild,
delicate taste, with light to medium astringency, and a light green/golden color.
See our green tea selection
Oolong Teas
Oolong teas are a cross between green and black teas. They are fermented, but not
to the extent that black teas are. Oolongs usually have fruity and floral flavors
and a golden cup color.
See our oolong tea selection
Herbal Infusions
Even though these beverages are often called herbal teas, there is actually no tea
in them. Instead they are blends of flowers, roots, tree barks, berries, fruit peels,
seeds and grasses that have been used for centuries to enhance health and well being.
Herbal infusions contain no caffeine.
See our herbal tea selection
|
