When it comes to loose leaf tea, there are seemingly endless options. If you're new to loose leaf tea, how do you decide which one to try? Lotatea is your source for high-quality, ethically sourced loose leaf tea. We are dedicated to helping you experience the pleasure of tea in all of its wondrous forms. Whether you want a relaxing cup of chamomile, an energizing green tea, or any other type of loose leaf tea, we've got the right option for you! Read on to learn more about how to decide what loose leaf tea to try, and shop our selection today!
Know Your Options
When it comes to loose leaf tea, there are several different types to choose from. The most popular varieties include black, green, white, and oolong teas. Each type of tea is made from a different variety of Camellia sinensis plant, and each has its own unique flavor profile. Black and oolong teas are typically the richest and most full-bodied, while green and white teas are more delicate. If you're not sure which type of tea you want to try, we recommend going with one of our Sample Packs so you can taste a few different types of tea and get a good starting point for what you like best!
Basic Categories of Loose Leaf Tea
- Black tea - Black tea is the most common type of tea. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea is oxidized, meaning that the leaves are exposed to air for a period of time before they are dried and rolled. This process gives black tea its characteristic dark color and strong flavor.
- Green tea - Unlike black tea, green tea is not oxidized. Instead, the leaves are steamed or pan-fried to stop the oxidation process. This gives green tea its characteristic light color and delicate flavor.
- Oolong tea - Oolong tea falls somewhere between black and green tea in terms of oxidation. The leaves are partially oxidized, giving oolong tea a light brown color and a moderate flavor.
- White tea - This is the least processed type of tea. The leaves are simply dried without being oxidized or rolled, resulting in a tea with an elegant flavor and a pale yellow color.
- Herbal tea - Herbal teas are made from a variety of dried herbs, fruits, and spices. Because they do not contain tea leaves, herbal teas are caffeine-free. Chamomile and peppermint are two popular types of herbal tea.
- Rooibos tea - Made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, rooibos tea is native to South Africa and has a reddish-brown color. It is caffeine-free and has a slightly sweet flavor.
Know What Kind of Experience You're Looking For
Another important factor to consider when choosing a loose leaf tea is what kind of experience you're looking for. Are you looking for a tea that will help you relax and unwind after a long day? Or are you looking for an energizing tea that will give you that extra boost you need to start your morning off right? Different types of teas offer different benefits, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your needs.
For example, chamomile tea is well-known for its calming properties, while green tea is a great source of antioxidants and caffeine. If you need something delicious that can help you cool down on a hot summer day, hot tea probably won’t cut it. Fortunately, Lotatea carries a wide selection of Iced Tea with flavors ranging from hibiscus to elderberry, orange blossom, ginger, lemongrass, rosemary, spearmint, and so much more!
Follow Your Nose!
Finding the category of tea you want to try is one thing, but choosing between the myriad flavors available in each type of tea can be overwhelming. Our sense of smell is responsible for around 80% of what we taste, so the aromas you are drawn to are a great indicator of the flavors you’ll enjoy. If you're new to tea, ask a tea enthusiast if you can take a whiff of some of the teas in their collection, or stop by a teahouse and do a little investigating for yourself. When you open a tin of loose leaf tea, take a deep breath in and see what aromas jump out at you. Do you smell floral notes? Fruity notes? Spicy notes? Once you've zeroed in on the types of aromas you're drawn to, it will be easier to find a tea that suits your taste.
If You're Still Stumped, Ask For Help!
There's no shame in admitting that you need a little help when it comes to choosing the right loose leaf tea for you. Tea has become increasingly popular in recent years, so it's likely that you know at least one avid tea drinker. In fact, many coffee drinkers have made the switch to tea in order to avoid the drawbacks commonly associated with coffee, so don't be afraid to ask around for recommendations. Hearing about different types and flavors of tea from someone who enjoys them can help guide you in the right direction.
Now that you know more about how to choose a loose leaf tea, it's time to start shopping! Lotatea offers a wide variety of teas made with the finest ingredients and no artificial colors and flavors. If you’re ready to start your tea-drinking journey, browse our selection of loose leaf tea and place your order today!
