Types of Chinese Tea and Their Effects on the Body
Types of Chinese Tea and Their Effects on the Body
China has a long history of tea cultivation and processing. Incomplete statistics show over 300 tea varieties cultivated and more than 1,000 types produced. Classification methods vary. Based on processing techniques and fermentation degree, teas are divided into fermented, semi-fermented, and unfermented teas. Based on quality, including differences in flavanols, moisture content, and color, they are classified into six major types: green tea, yellow tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea, and red tea. According to common consumption habits in China, here we introduce five main types:
1. Black Tea: Fermented tea. Famous examples include Qihong from Qimen, Anhui; Dianhong from Fengqing, Yunnan; Minhong from Fu’an, Fujian; Yihong from Yichang, Hubei; Ninghong from Xiushui, Jiangxi; Huhong from Anhua, Hunan; Yuehong from Shaoxing, Zhejiang. Among these, Qihong, Dianhong, and Yihong are top-quality teas renowned worldwide. Characteristics: dark lustrous color, tight and compact strands; deep orange or golden yellow infusion.
Black tea strengthens the stomach, promotes diuresis, and has anti-aging effects. Research on aging drugs found black tea significantly extends lifespan. It is ideal for laborers and postpartum women who benefit from black tea with brown sugar.
2. Green Tea: Unfermented tea, the most common type in China. Processing involves high-temperature killing of greenness, rolling, and drying, preserving original green color—tight, glossy strands; clear green infusion; rich, fresh, astringent taste. Numerous varieties include Longjing from Hangzhou, Zhejiang; Dafang from She County, Anhui; Biluo Chun from Wuxi, Jiangsu; Yunwu from Lushan, Jiangxi; Zhu Cha from Shengxian, Zhejiang; Zhenmei with wide distribution. Southerners generally prefer green tea. High in vitamin C and tea polyphenols, it offers excellent health and pharmacological benefits—effective against bacteria, radiation protection, preventing vascular sclerosis, lowering lipids, and increasing white blood cells. Green tea effectively blocks nitrosamine formation in the body, showing superior anticancer effects compared to black tea. However, elderly people, especially those with habitual constipation, should avoid green tea, as it may worsen constipation. Young adults in puberty are suitable for green tea. Writers and intellectuals should particularly drink green tea.
3. Oolong Tea (also known as Blue Tea): Semi-fermented tea combining the best of black and green teas—sweet and smooth like black tea, fresh and intense like green tea. Clear, rich, smooth, not overly astringent, fragrant. Famous varieties include Wuyi Rock Tea from Wuyi Mountains, Fujian; Tieguanyin from Anxi, Fujian; Fenghuang Shuixian from Chao'an, Guangdong.
Oolong tea contains less caffeine, suitable for all ages. It has noticeable diuretic effects and is an excellent aid for weight loss.
4. Flower Tea: Re-processed tea made by blending green tea with fragrant flowers. Characterized by strong aroma, clear infusion, rich taste, fresh yet not turbid, fragrant yet not fleeting—combining benefits of both flowers and tea. Classified by flower type: jasmine tea, magnolia tea, osmanthus tea, pearl flower tea, pomelo flower tea, citron tea, rose tea. Widely produced in Fujian, Jiangsu-Zhejiang, Hunan-Hubei, Sichuan-Guizhou, Anhui-Jiangxi.
Northern Chinese generally prefer flower tea. Typically made from green tea infused with flowers, it inherits green tea’s benefits. Flower tea has liver-soothing, detoxifying, qi-regulating, menstruation-balancing effects. Middle-aged women during menopause and girls before/after menstruation often feel irritable—flower tea helps alleviate this. Patients with liver disease, prostatitis, or enlarged prostate should drink flower tea.
5. Compressed Tea: Also known as tea bricks, made from coarse old tea leaves or by-products of black, red, or green tea. Processed by steaming, molding, and pressing—classified as reprocessed tea. Shapes include brick, bowl, and round cake. Varieties include Huazhuan, Qingzhuan, Kangzhuan, Mizhuan, Heizhuan, Tuocha, Bingcha. Convenient for long-distance transport, ideal for remote regions. Compressed tea generally aids weight loss. French young women love Chinese Pu’er tea, calling it "oil-scraping tea" or "slimming tea."