The Delights of Oolong Tea, White Tea, Pu'er Cha, and Herbal Tea

by Christine Chan — April 17, 2008

In addition to the widely popular black and green teas on the market, there are several other varieties making their way onto the shelves of American grocery stores. Among these are oolong tea, white tea, herbal teas, and my new favorite--Pu'er cha.

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea that is allowed to undergo partial oxidation. As a result, the flavor is not as subtle as green tea nor as full-bodied as black tea. It is often compared with the taste of flowers or fresh fruit.

White tea is distinguished by its baby tea leaves and buds of the plant, which are absent in other teas. No oxidation occurs and the tea contains a naturally sweet flavor and pale appearance. It contains more active cancer-fighting antioxidants than green tea. White tea is among the rarest and most expensive of teas.

Herbal teas and rooibos tea are not considered true teas because they are not made with leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas are decaffeinated infusions of fruits, flowers, or herbs. Chamomile and peppermint are two herbal teas known for their soothing properties.

Pu'er cha is an aged black tea from China prized for its medicinal properties and earthy flavor. The tea leaves are collected from a special broad-leaf tea tree, which are said to be related to ancient prehistoric tea trees in the Yunnan province. Pu'er requires a minimum of 10 years to mature and like wine, becomes smoother and richer with age. It is very strong with an incredibly earthy flavor. And I mean earthy. Those who don't care for the flavor compare drinking pu'er to consuming a cup of dirt. Health benefits include detox of the liver, reduction of cholesterol in the bloodstream, and weight loss.