Gong Fu Tea

White tea leaves are only slightly oxidized during a short withering process after being picked. Because of this, they are reputed to contain the highest levels of antioxidants and lowest levels of caffeine to be found in teas. Both the leaves and the resulting liquor are paler than one might be accustomed to in other tea varietals.

Ellow teas are so called because of the yellow-orange tint that the leaves impart to the water during the steeping process. They are unoxidized and created in a very different manner from most teas - a process which involves subjecting the leaves to a low heat for several days to create the unique flavor they possess. The result is a cup with a fresh fragrance and a clean, astringent taste.

Green teas are named for the color of the brewed liquor that they produce, although the greenish cast is often times tinged with yellow - depending on the variety of leaf and the area of origin. Both the smell and taste of green teas will be freshly vegetal in varying degrees.

Oolong (wulong) teas are semi-oxidized teas that lie in between green teas and black teas on the tea spectrum. They are processed in a manner similar to black teas, although the leaves are not allowed to oxidize as fully as their black counterparts. The liquor produced when steeping an oolong is typically a light green color, although a reddish tone is also possible from some types within this varietal - especially those that are more fully oxidized.

Black teas are known as "red teas" in China because they produce a brew that is typically dark red-brown in tone. They are the most oxidized of all tea types and have a very characteristic pungency to their aroma.

Puerh teas are fully oxidized teas which are unique in that they are aged - an attribute which is quite contrary to most tea production which values freshness above all. All puerhs, whether green, or black, are produced from special large-leaved tea plants that are inherent to the yunnan province in Southwestern China.

Herbal teas are not truly teas at all - they are simply a variety of herbs, fruit and flowers blended together in a manner which will allow them to be steeped like a tea and provide a tea-like infusion. There are many different herbal combinations possible, using ingredients that can be sourced from all over the world - some based on recipes for ancient herbal remedies, others blended purely for an agreeable taste.