Our teas

What Is Tea? Origins, Varieties and Main Tea Families

The Main Types of Tea: Black, Green, White, Oolong and Matcha

It all begins with a single plant: Camellia sinensis. The way its leaves are harvested and processed determines the type of tea produced and plays a major role in the flavour, colour and aromatic profile of the final cup.

Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, helping to preserve its fresh, vegetal and sometimes grassy character. Black tea, on the other hand, is fully oxidised, resulting in deeper colours and generally richer, more robust flavours.

White tea is minimally processed and prized for its delicate character, while oolong tea sits between green and black tea, with oxidation levels that can vary considerably and produce an exceptionally broad range of flavour profiles.

Matcha is different again: this Japanese green tea is finely ground into a powder and traditionally whisked directly into water, meaning the entire tea leaf is consumed rather than simply infused.

Where Does Tea Come From? Major Origins and Their Characteristics

China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka are among the world's most renowned tea-producing countries. As with coffee, tea terroir matters: altitude, climate, soil, cultivar, harvest season and processing methods all influence the final cup.

A first-flush Darjeeling tea, for example, offers a very different sensory experience from a Japanese Sencha. Understanding origin is therefore one of the best ways to begin exploring the diversity of tea.

Organic Tea: Why Choose Certified Organic Production?

What Are the Certification Standards for Organic Tea?

Certified organic tea must be produced according to regulated organic farming standards, which restrict the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers and establish requirements governing agricultural practices.

Organic certification involves controls and inspections designed to verify compliance with the applicable standards throughout the production process.

Which Origins Produce High-Quality Organic Tea?

Japan, Sri Lanka, India and China all produce remarkable organic teas, from fresh and vegetal green teas to delicate white teas and full-bodied black teas.

Altitude can influence the development of the tea plant and the character of the leaves, but quality ultimately depends on a combination of factors including cultivar, terroir, harvest period and processing expertise.

Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags: Which Should You Choose?

Loose leaf tea or tea bags? The right choice depends on the quality of the leaves, convenience, brewing habits and the type of tea you want to explore.

Flavoured Teas: Fruit, Spice and Floral Combinations to Discover

Fruit, Spice and Floral Teas: Which Flavours Should You Explore?

Flavoured tea opens up a particularly diverse world of combinations. Green tea with white peach, black tea with cinnamon and cardamom, or tea delicately scented with jasmine can each create a completely different tasting experience.

The best blends maintain a balance between the character of the original tea leaves and the additional ingredients or aromas. Rather than completely masking the base tea, the flavouring should complement it and create a coherent aromatic profile.

How to Choose a Flavoured Tea for Different Moments of the Day

For an invigorating morning cup, a black tea with citrus notes can be an excellent choice. In the afternoon, you might prefer a fruity or floral green tea with a lighter aromatic profile.

And when it comes to gifts, an assortment of flavoured teas can provide an accessible way to discover several combinations, even for someone who is relatively new to tea.

Tea, Antioxidants and Everyday Well-Being

Antioxidants and Naturally Occurring Compounds in Different Types of Tea

Different types of tea contain different naturally occurring compounds. Their composition varies according to the cultivar, growing conditions, harvest and processing method.

Tea naturally contains polyphenols, while compounds such as catechins and the amino acid L-theanine are also present in varying amounts depending on the type of tea.

Organic certification relates to agricultural and production standards. It does not, by itself, mean that an organic tea necessarily contains more antioxidants or beneficial compounds than a conventionally grown tea.

Green Tea vs Black Tea: What's the Difference?

Green tea undergoes very little oxidation and consequently retains a profile particularly rich in catechins. During the production of black tea, oxidation transforms some of these compounds and leads to the formation of others, including theaflavins and thearubigins.

Rather than viewing green and black tea as competing choices, they can simply be enjoyed for their different flavour profiles and compositions.

How to Brew Tea: Water Temperature, Infusion Time and Dosage

Brewing parameters can make a significant difference to the final cup. Water temperature, infusion time and the quantity of leaves should all be adapted to the type of tea being prepared.

Many delicate green teas, for example, are better suited to water below boiling point. Excessively hot water or an overly long infusion can increase bitterness and astringency.

The following figures provide useful starting points, but always check the recommendations for the specific tea you are preparing.

Homemade Iced Tea: Tips for Cold Brewing Tea

How to Make Cold Brew Tea Step by Step

Making cold brew tea at home is remarkably simple. Place the appropriate quantity of tea leaves in cold filtered water and leave them to infuse in the refrigerator before filtering.

Depending on the tea and the desired intensity, several hours of cold infusion may be sufficient. A range of around 6 to 12 hours can be used as a starting point before adjusting the recipe to taste.

Cold extraction generally produces a smooth and refreshing cup with less perceived bitterness and astringency than many hot-brewed preparations.

Which Organic Green Teas Work Well for Iced Tea?

Organic green tea can be particularly enjoyable when prepared as cold brew, revealing fresh and delicate flavours.

Sencha is an excellent starting point, with vegetal, fresh and sometimes subtly marine notes. Gyokuro, which is shade-grown before harvesting, is known for its rich umami character, sweetness and depth. Bancha offers a lighter, approachable profile that can work particularly well for everyday iced tea.

There is no single best variety, however. The ideal choice depends on whether you prefer a vegetal, floral, fruity, sweet or more umami-driven cup.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations: How to Choose Tea Responsibly

Which Tea Labels and Certifications Should You Look For?

Certifications can provide useful information about how a tea has been produced, but different labels cover different criteria.

Organic certification primarily addresses agricultural production standards and the use of certain inputs. Other certifications or schemes may focus on working conditions, producer organisations, biodiversity or economic criteria.

Fairtrade-certified tea, for example, follows standards that include social and economic requirements. A tea can therefore be organic, Fairtrade-certified, both, or neither.

When choosing a more responsibly sourced tea, look beyond a single logo and consider origin, traceability, farming practices, certification and information about the producer or tea garden.

Loose Leaf Tea and Reduced Packaging

Choosing loose leaf tea can reduce the amount of individual packaging associated with each serving, particularly when it is sold in larger formats or refillable containers.

The actual environmental impact depends on the packaging materials, quantity purchased, transportation and how the packaging is disposed of or recycled. Reusable tea infusers can also help reduce reliance on single-use brewing materials.

Tea Buying Guide: How to Read Product Information and Compare Teas

How to Compare the Price of Loose Leaf Tea and Tea Bags

When comparing different teas, calculate the price per 100 g rather than relying solely on the price displayed for the pack.

Individual portions may cost more per gram because of additional packaging and convenience, although the difference varies considerably between products and brands.

Price per 100 g is therefore a useful comparison tool, but it should be considered alongside origin, harvest, leaf quality, certification and overall product quality.

What Should You Check Before Buying Tea Online?

Before buying tea online, several pieces of information can help you assess the product more accurately.

Start with the origin of the tea and, when available, information about the garden, region, cultivar and harvest. The appearance and grade of the leaves – whether whole, broken or finely cut – can also influence brewing behaviour and the final sensory experience.

For organic tea, look for recognised certification appropriate to the market in which the product is sold. If you are choosing a flavoured tea, also check the ingredient list to understand how the flavour profile has been created.

Finally, harvest information can be particularly valuable for certain teas, especially seasonal and premium lots. Storage conditions and packaging also matter: tea should generally be protected from light, heat, moisture and strong odours to preserve its aromatic qualities for as long as possible.