Different tea colors and reasons behind it on International Tea Day 2023
Different Types of Tea Colors To add to the confusion, a tea may assume a variety of colours unrelated to its actual appellation. While it is generally true that yellow tea is yellow and red tea is red, the actual colour of a cup of tea may not always match the label. Only a few varieties of Japanese green tea are truly green, while the preponderance of green teas around the world are more yellow. Despite their orange coloration, raw puerh teas are often mislabeled as “dark tea” or “black tea.” Let’s classify the various hues of tea that you might encounter. 1. White Tea “Pale” tea, also known as white tea, is sometimes so pallid that it almost appears transparent. White teas, which are typically made from the buds of the tea plant and have names such as “silver needle” and “powdered cloud,” tend to have these tints. The colour of sun-dried tea bud blossoms is remarkably pastel. White or pale tea can be transparent to very faint beige in colour. White tea is the least processed of all the varieties. By harvesting and then sun-drying the leaves and buds, the oxidation process is delayed or stopped entirely. White tea derives its name from the plant’s white buds; however, the tea can be prepared with either old or juvenile leaves. 2.Yellow tea These hues are among the most prevalent for tea. Green tea is the norm in both China and Japan, and the majority of it has a yellowish hue. Not the infusion but the colour of the leaves lends green tea its name. This is the rarest of the six different types of tea. Men huan, also known as sealing yellow, is a tea preparation technique analogous to the preparation of green tea. After being pan-fired, the leaves are enveloped in fabric to preserve their distinct aromas. This apparently distinguishes it from other green teas, as it conceals the characteristic grassiness. 3. Green Tea Green teas of both the light and dark green varieties are commonly regarded as the norm, but they are actually the exceptions. The only teas that consistently emerge this green are fukamushi or teas that have been thoroughly steamed. Green tea tints are also present in matcha green tea powder, which is produced by grinding dried tea leaves into a fine powder and then whisking it into hot water. When you consume the entire leaf, you receive more of the tea’s health benefits and its vibrant colours. No oxidation occurs in green tea. After being chosen, they are steamed for approximately one minute to prevent further oxidative deterioration. The tea retains its verdant hue and has grassier or more vegetal flavours. Did you know that when green tea is steeped, its colour can change to a dark brown hue? Learn the reason why by perusing this article. My green tea has changed colour; what happened? 4. Gyokuro tea Occasionally, Gyokuro tea, particularly when prepared as a cold infusion, can acquire these green tea hues. The protracted exposure to shade improves both the flavour and chlorophyll content of the tea. A high concentration of chlorophyll gives the foliage their vibrant green hue. Typically, the brewed tea is a pale yellowish green, but it can sometimes take on a more genuine green hue. This tea is only partially oxidised and is known as oolong. Although there are numerous varieties of oolong tea, the majority share common characteristics. The oxidation is initially sped up before being slowed down once more. Tea leaves can be harmed to bring enzymes to the leaf surface and expose them to oxygen, thereby accelerating the oxidation process. This initiates the oxidation process, which is subsequently slowed by heating. We recommend the Oolong Miyazaki Sabou to anyone looking for a superior Japanese oolong tea. 5. Orange Tea Tea is a type of beverage. Tea served with Orange Slices. This is an additional ubiquitous hue of tea. Orange tints are desirable in some types of oolong, white, and dark tea, but are indicative of poor quality in green tea. Orange infusions are typical of oolong tea, and white teas brewed primarily from the leaves as opposed to the blossoms will also produce an orange infusion. Raw puerh is typically orange in pigmentation, whereas aged puerh is typically black. 6. Red Tea Red tea is one of the few instances in which the colour of the tea and the type of tea correspond. The infusion of red tea, or “black tea,” as it is known in the West, is typically an intense crimson hue. Even though many red teas have already begun to trend towards brown, a closer look reveals a faint red hue when the cup is held up to the light. This may be one of the most visually attractive shades of tea! Despite being known as “Black Tea” in the English-speaking world, this tea variety is more commonly referred to as “Red Tea” or “Hong Cha” in most of Asia. After harvesting, this tea is allowed to oxidise naturally, as opposed to being boiled. As the foliage change colour, the wine takes on a beautiful hue of amber or crimson. This variety of tea is also known as “post-fermented” Although “Pu-erh” refers only to black teas produced in the Pu-erh region, this category includes the more popular Pu-erh tea. Dark tea, also known as “heicha,” is a more inclusive term. These teas should be compressed into cakes and aged for an optimal flavour. 7. Black Tea The hue of black tea is gloomy. Last but not least, black tea is the darkest tea variety. Black tea is known as “red tea” in China and Japan, adding to the already bewildering multitude of tea colours and varieties. This aligns the tea colours with their respective varieties. Heicha refers to post-fermented teas, also known as “dark tea.” The most well-known example of this variety of tea is Pu’erh, a black tea produced in Yunnan. A mature puerh tea’s infusion is as dark
Read More