Whether you’re new to tea or just curious about what makes each cup so unique, welcome! This beginner’s guide is your go-to resource for understanding the basics of tea—from types and brewing to caffeine content and key terms. At Spot On Tea, we’re all about helping you find your perfect cup—one flavorful, feel-good sip at a time.
🌿 What Is Tea?
Tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and is categorized into five main types: black, green, white, oolong, and yellow. Each variety differs based on how the leaves are processed after harvesting—especially how long they’re oxidized (more on that below).
In contrast, herbal teas, also known as tisanes, are made from herbs, flowers, fruits, and roots—and they’re not true teas since they don’t come from the tea plant.
→ Read more about the difference between tea and tisanes
🍵 The 5 Main Types of Tea
1. Black Tea
Bold, rich, and fully oxidized. Great with milk or sweeteners.
Popular varieties: Assam, Darjeeling, English Breakfast, Earl Grey
2. Green Tea
Light and grassy with high antioxidant content.
Popular varieties: Sencha, Matcha, Dragon Well, Jasmine Green
3. White Tea
Delicate and subtle in flavor, made from young leaves or buds.
Popular varieties: Silver Needle, White Peony
4. Oolong Tea
Partially oxidized and beautifully complex. Falls between green and black teas.
Popular varieties: Tieguanyin, Milk Oolong, Da Hong Pao
5. Yellow Tea
Rare and mellow, made with a special slow-drying process.
Popular variety: Junshan Yinzhen
🌸 Herbal Teas vs. True Teas
Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus are naturally caffeine-free and made from ingredients other than the tea plant. They’re perfect for relaxing, soothing digestion, or winding down in the evening.
Some popular blends include:
- Chamomile – Great for sleep
- Peppermint – Cooling and helps with digestion
- Rooibos – Rich in antioxidants and naturally sweet
→ Explore our guide to herbal teas
🔥 Brewing Basics: How to Brew the Perfect Cup
Each type of tea has an ideal water temperature and steep time for best flavor:
| Tea Type | Water Temp | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|
| White Tea | 160–175°F | 1–3 min |
| Green Tea | 175–185°F | 1–3 min |
| Oolong Tea | 180–200°F | 3–5 min |
| Black Tea | 200–212°F | 3–5 min |
| Herbal Tea | 200–212°F | 5–7 min |
Tips:
- Use fresh, filtered water
- Avoid over-steeping (can make tea bitter)
- Try loose-leaf tea for better flavor
→ Check out our tea brewing guide
⚡ Caffeine Levels in Tea
Here’s a general idea of how much caffeine you’ll find:
- Black Tea – 40–70 mg per cup
- Oolong Tea – 30–50 mg
- Green Tea – 20–45 mg
- White Tea – 15–30 mg
- Herbal Tea – 0 mg
Want a boost? Go for black or oolong. Want to chill? White or herbal is your best bet.
📚 Tea Terminology 101
- Oxidation – A natural process where tea leaves darken after exposure to air. More oxidation = stronger flavor.
- Flush – Refers to the picking season (first flush, second flush, etc.). Often used with Darjeeling tea.
- Steep – Letting tea leaves sit in hot water to release flavor.
- Loose Leaf – Whole or partially broken tea leaves, typically more flavorful than bagged tea.
- Tisane – The technical term for herbal teas.
→ Discover more tea terms in our glossary
🛍️ Ready to Start Your Tea Journey?
We’ve curated a flavorful collection on our Amazon Storefront to help you begin your tea journey with ease. Whether you’re craving comfort, energy, or wellness, you’ll find a tea that’s just right.
→ Explore our Spot On Tea Select Picks
→ Follow us on Instagram @spotonteaworld for tea tips & vibes
Final Sip
Tea is more than just a beverage—it’s a moment, a ritual, and a whole world of flavor and culture. Whether you’re a first-time sipper or future connoisseur, we’re here to help you brew the perfect cup, every time.