Tea is nearly 5,000 years old. Legend has it that it was discovered by Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung, known as the "Divine Healer". The creation of tea was thought to occur when some tea leaves accidentally found their way into the Emperor's pot of boiling water.

Today, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water. Tea grows in high-elevation mountainous areas around the world, including China, Japan, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and India. All tea is produced from a warm-weather evergreen called Camellia sinensis. The thousands of different varieties of teas available in the world vary by the specific regions they were grown, the time of year picked, and the processing method.

The main types of tea are Black, Green, White, Oolong, and Pu-Erh. Although derived from the same plant, each variety results from the varying levels of processing and oxidation that the leaves go through. Interested in learning more? If so, take a few moments and read on. The information below will help to guide you as you explore the wonderful and fascinating world of tea!

Black Tea is the probably the most familiar tea within the United States. Approximately three-quarters of the world's tea is black tea. Black tea is the most processed of all the tea categories. After the tea leaves are picked, they are allowed to wither. The partially dried leaves are then rolled to release their juices and enzymes. From there, the leaves go through a process of oxidation that produces its unique color and flavor. Both India and Sri Lanka are very well-known for the growing and harvesting of black teas.

Green Tea has been popularized over the last several years because of its many positive health benefits. Countries that are renowned for their fine green teas include China, Japan, and Taiwan. Leaves are un-oxidized and instead are steamed or pan-fried immediately after being picked to destroy the enzymes that would begin the oxidation process. The leaves are then rolled and dried.

White Tea has very little caffeine, brews to a light color and has a subtle and delicate flavor. White teas are the least processed of all teas, contain the highest antioxidant properties, and are very low in tannins. Once the leaves are picked, usually in the spring, the leaves and buds go through only the steaming and drying phases of processing. Therefore, without the further processing of withering, rolling, and oxidation, the leaves are fairly unaltered.

Oolong Tea is between green and black on the spectrum of tea. The tea is semi-fermented, more than green, but less than black tea, so that it retains the freshness of a green tea while at the same time having the mature flavor of black. In general, Oolong tea is full-bodied and possesses a slightly sweet flavor. People often recognize Oolong as the type of tea most often served in Chinese restaurants.

Pu-Erh Tea is named for the town in southwestern China that popularized it. The rare and exotic taste of Pu-Erh has long been a traditional favorite in China, but has only more recently been gaining recognition in the U.S. It is unique in that it is neither a black tea, nor a green tea. Rather, Pu-Erh is a rare variety of broad-leaf tea that goes through unique processing that allows the tea to age very well. As a result of the aging process, the tea produces a pleasant earthy flavor profile. Through the aging process (which can be as long as 50 years), the tea typically takes on a darker color, as well as mellow flavor characteristics.

Rooibos or "Red Tea" (pronounced "roy-boss") is a naturally caffeine-free "tea" that is made from a South African non-flowering red bush. Despite its thin, needle-like appearance, it gives off a hearty, red infusion with a hint of natural sweetness that is fulfilling to tea and coffee drinkers alike. It is the perfect after-dinner tea, as it can satisfy a sweet tooth without the addition of calories or caffeine. Unlike most teas, Rooibos does not become increasingly bitter with a longer infusion time.

Herbal "Tea" actually does not contain leaves from the Camellia sinensis family and therefore is naturally caffeine-free. Herbals are most commonly referred to as teas because of the infusion process, but are also known as "tisanes". Herbal teas are made from a variety of naturally grown herbs, flowers, and fruits, such as chamomile, mint, and dried berries. Because herbals do not actually contain tea leaves, they can be brewed using boiling water and infused longer without becoming bitter.

Tea is really very simple to prepare. If you do not like your tea the first time you try it, try changing the way you brew it. If when you prepare it, you find that it is too strong or bitter, add more water, or next time, don't allow it to steep so long. If you find that the tea is too weak for your taste, try using more tea the next time. You can experiment with different varieties of teas, sweeteners (such as honey or sugar), and temperatures - hot or iced. It's really all about your personal taste, so enjoy exploring to find what you like the best!

Tea has been the beverage of choice for people around the world for literally thousands of years. Current research suggests that drinking 3 to 5 cups of tea per day can offer many health benefits, including increasing heart health and reducing heart attack risk to lowering cholesterol. In addition, growing bodies of research have developed findings regarding tea's ability to prevent various types of cancer, to increase bone and skin health, and perhaps to even aid in the regulation of body weight. All types of high quality loose teas offer health benefits, so find a flavor that appeals to you and drink to your health!

Black Tea Assists in lowering cholesterol and is great for your heart. Black tea helps your body to prevent the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream, thus helping to prevent heart disease. A research study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that black tea lowers bad cholesterol while at the same time leaving good cholesterol untouched. Medical research also suggests black tea promotes healthy teeth, skin, and bones.

Green Tea Studies show that green tea is high in antioxidants which flush toxins, boosts the immune system, and is believed to help prevent some cancers. Green tea also helps to regulate your blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure. In addition, because of its antiseptic and anti-viral properties, it can kill bacteria in an effort to promote healthy teeth, skin, and bones.

White Tea High in antioxidants, while also possessing the lowest level of caffeine, white tea aids in detoxifying the body. Studies show that it is excellent for promoting healthy skin complexion. A 2004 study by biologists at Pace University showed that this variety of tea inhibits bacteria that cause everything from staph infections to pneumonia to cavities.

Oolong Tea Studies show that drinking Oolong tea during or after a high-cholesterol meal has been found to lower the intake of fat content in the blood. According to a study last year from the Tea Research and Extension Association in Taipei, Taiwan, Oolong tea causes you to burn fat at higher rates than other teas by boosting your metabolism and increasing digestion. Oolong is also believed to promote healthy teeth, skin, and bones.

Pu-Erh Tea Pu-Erh is very similar to black tea when it comes to its health benefits. It is believed to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is cleansing and detoxifying to the bloodstream and helps to metabolize the fatty acids found in oily foods.

Rooibos "Tea" High antioxidant content and rich in vitamins and minerals, Rooibos is purported to have numerous health benefits. Rooibos is believed to help relieve allergies, aid digestion, and encourage healthy hair, teeth, skin, and bones. In addition, Rooibos has been associated with lowering high blood pressure, decreasing incidences of heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer. Rooibos is also naturally caffeine-free.

Herbal "Tea" Decaffeinated tea is tea from which the caffeine has been removed, through one of two possible decaffeination processes, whereas herbal tea, on the other hand, is not technically "tea" at all, but rather herbs and fruits brewed in the same way that tea is brewed. The health benefits of herbal tea vary from tea to tea, but most are high in vitamin C and rich in antioxidants as a result of the various fruits and herbs that they typically contain. Since herbals are not made from tea leaves they are also naturally caffeine-free.

It is difficult to precisely gauge how much caffeine is in a specific cup of tea, because it depends on many factors, such as the variety of tea itself, how much is used in the preparation process, and how long it is steeped. However, the following chart can be used as a general guideline:

Proper storage is essential to protect your loose tea leaves and to preserve the original freshness and flavor. Tea easily absorbs moisture and odors and therefore it is highly recommended to keep tea either in an airtight bag or in a tin. Tea should be kept away from heat, sunlight, air, and moisture. It is best to store your tea at room temperature. The specific length of time you can store tea depends on the type of tea, but in general our tea tins will keep your tea fresh for up to one year.