How Many Types of Tea Are There?

Exploring the 6 True Teas from Camellia sinensis and Their Unique Benefits

In our previous article — Are Herbal Teas Considered True Tea? — we explored the difference between True Tea and Herbal Tea, and how both play important roles in health and mindful living.

But many tea lovers still wonder:
How many types of tea are there, and what makes each one unique?

Today, Chaidim will guide you through the 6 types of True Tea. Although all come from the same plant — Camellia sinensis — the differences in processing create a wide spectrum of flavors, aromas, and health benefits.

White Tea

• Process: Made from the youngest buds and tender leaves, carefully harvested and minimally processed
• Flavor: Light, delicate, smooth
• Benefits: Highest in antioxidants, supports anti-aging and skin vitality
• Example: Chaidim White Tea Lemongrass

Green Tea

• Process: Steamed or pan-fired to stop oxidation, preserving its natural green color
• Flavor: Fresh, grassy, sometimes nutty
• Benefits: Contains EGCG, known to support metabolism, heart health, and focus
• Example: Chaidim Chaidim Jasmine Bi Luo Chun Green Tea

Yellow Tea

• Process: Similar to green tea but with an additional mild fermentation step, giving the leaves a golden hue
• Flavor: Smooth, mellow, less astringent
• Benefits: Traditionally believed to aid digestion and soothe the stomach

Oolong Tea

• Process: Semi-oxidized (10–70%), between green and black tea
• Flavor: Complex and layered, ranging from floral and fruity to caramel-like notes
• Benefits: Aids digestion, supports fat metabolism, and improves heart health
• Example: Chaidim High Mountain Oolong Tea

Black (Red) Tea

• Process: Fully oxidized, giving it a deep brown to black leaf color
• Flavor: Bold, robust, malty or fruity, depending on terroir
• Benefits: Highest caffeine among all teas; energizing and antioxidant-rich
• Example: Chaidim Smoked Black Tea

Pu-erh / Dark Tea

• Process: Fermented and aged, with flavors that evolve over time like fine wine
• Flavor: Deep, earthy, sometimes sweet and smooth with age
• Benefits: Known for supporting digestion, reducing cholesterol, and boosting metabolism
• Example: Chaidim Blue Snake Pu-erh Vintage 2016

How Do the 6 Types of Tea Differ?

Although all six come from Camellia sinensis, what sets them apart is the oxidation level and processing method. These directly influence the color, taste, and caffeine content of the tea:

• White Tea = least processed, light and delicate, very low caffeine
• Green Tea = unoxidized, fresh and grassy, low caffeine
• Yellow Tea = lightly oxidized, mellow and smooth, mild caffeine
• Oolong Tea = semi-oxidized, floral and complex, moderate caffeine
• Black Tea = fully oxidized, bold and malty, highest caffeine
• Pu-erh Tea = fermented and aged, deep and earthy, variable caffeine

The diversity of True Tea comes not from the plant itself but from the art and science of tea processing, which transforms one leaf into many flavors and experiences.

Conclusion: 6 True Teas – Distinct Flavors, Distinct Benefits

From the refreshing brightness of green tea to the refined elegance of white tea and the deep complexity of Pu-erh, the 6 types of tea offer something for every mood and lifestyle.

At Chaidim Organic Tea, we carefully select premium teas from sustainable origins to deliver both enjoyment and wellness in every cup.

Discover More with Chaidim

Explore the world of True Tea and Organic Herbal Tea with Chaidim at www.chaidim.com

Chaidim Tea House (72 Trimit Road, Yaowarat, Bangkok).

Open 10:00–17:00 (closed Mondays) , Call: 081-110-5655