Chinese Tea Names,Types and Benefits Explained by Native Chinese

Hey there, tea explorers! Ever stumbled upon the wild world of Chinese teas and felt like you’re decoding secret messages? Well, you’re not alone! Some teas go by cool English names, while others party in ‘pinyin’ (fancy Chinese in Western letters).

And guess what? Some teas even have different dance moves in the form of Mandarin and Cantonese romanizations – talk about a tea party!

Now, picture this: Tie Guan Yin, a superstar oolong from Fujian. It answers to ‘Iron Buddha’ or ‘Iron Goddess’ in English, and then sashays into the spotlight with ‘Ti Kuan Yin’, ‘Tit Kwun Yum’, and ‘Ti Kwan Yin’. It’s like tea with a secret identity!

But hold on tight, because we’ve got the ultimate tea treasure map – a complete lineup of Chinese teas, all sorted by their tea type.

Ready to dive in? Drumroll, please! Explore the enchanting realms of:

Green Tea – Black Tea – Oolong Tea – White Tea – Yellow Tea – Pu Erh Tea

Green Tea Name List (Including Cantonese Names)

Among all the varieties of tea, Chinese green teas have the most extensive list. The most renowned green teas are primarily produced in Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.

The key players in this category include Xi Hu Long Jing, Bi Luo Chun, and Huang Shan Mao Feng, which consistently rank in the top 10 Chinese tea lists.

Green Tea is my favourite of all and most Chinese girls like it for its WEIGHT LOSS EFFECTS.

Learn the best tea type for losing weight HERE💪 and more of GREEN TEA benefits below.

Black Tea Name List

The list of Chinese black teas is relatively shorter compared to the green tea list provided above. This is not surprising, given the shorter history of this category. Chinese black teas are primarily produced in the regions of Fujian and Yunnan.

Notably, Keemun and Lapsang Souchong were the first black teas to be exported to foreign markets, making their English names quite familiar to avid tea enthusiasts.

The right tea sets and tea pots for Chinese black tea are recommended here. Click to read 🍵

Oolong Tea Name List

Oolong tea is a distinctive semi-fermented tea, falling between the oxidation levels of green tea (minimally oxidized) and black tea (fully oxidized).

The renowned Da Hong Pao and Tie Guan Yin are produced in the Wuyishan and Anxi regions respectively.

Oolong tea might not be as widely recognized as black and green teas, resulting in some varieties being better known by their Chinese phonetic spelling.

Clay Tea Pot is recommended for Oolong Tea✨

(The number next to the Cantonese names are the tones.)

White Tea Name List

White tea represents one of the newer tea categories, celebrated for its minimal processing to retain the natural nutrients present in tea leaves.

White teas from Fujian can be categorized into four grades, the first four listed below. The final entry, Moonlight White, stands apart as it originates from Yunnan.

Read the recommended teaware for white tea ✨

Yellow Tea Name List

Yellow teas undergo a production process similar to green teas, with an additional steaming step that imparts a slight yellowish hue to the leaves, hence the name.

This steaming process helps reduce bitterness and enhances the tea’s smooth flavor.

Read the recommended teaware for yellow tea ✨

Dark / Pu Erh Tea Name List

In the Chinese tea category known as ‘hei cha,’ which literally translates to ‘black tea,’ the term ‘dark tea’ is now officially used due to the existing use of ‘black tea’ in the West.

Within this category, pu erh tea stands out as the most popular type, often leading to interchangeability between the terms ‘pu erh tea’ and ‘dark tea.’

It is also a great gift choice for business or to Chinese bosses. (Check more Chinese boss gift ideas here.)

Types Of Chinese Tea And Benefits

Ever wondered why green tea is called “green”💚 and red tea is called “red”?💗

It’s not about the color they turn when brewed, but rather the level of fermentation they go through. Chinese people have a deep understanding of tea!

Here’s how the different tea styles are classified based on fermentation:

• Green tea: 0% fermentation
• Yellow tea: 10 – 20% fermentation
• White tea: 20 – 30% fermentation
• Oolong tea: 30 – 60% fermentation
• Red tea: 80 – 90% fermentation (also known as black tea in the West)
• Black tea: 100% fermentation

Fermentation is the process of allowing freshly picked tea leaves to undergo oxidation. It’s what gives each type of tea its unique characteristics.

Chinese Green Tea Benefits

1. Rich in Antioxidants: Green tea is high in catechins, which are natural antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Boosts Metabolism: The combination of caffeine and catechins in green tea can help increase metabolic rate, potentially aiding in weight management.
3. Heart Health: Regular consumption may improve cardiovascular health by lowering bad cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
4. Brain Function: Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can have calming effects and improve cognitive function.
5. Diabetes Management: Some studies suggest that green tea may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Chinese Oolong Tea Benefits

1. Metabolism and Weight Management: Oolong tea may help increase metabolism and promote fat oxidation, potentially assisting in weight control.
2. Digestive Health: It could aid digestion, reduce inflammation in the gut, and support overall digestive health.
3. Dental Health: Oolong tea’s polyphenols might help inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause dental cavities and bad breath.
4. Skin Health: Antioxidants in oolong tea may contribute to healthier skin by combating oxidative stress and promoting a radiant complexion.
5. Bone Health: Some research suggests that oolong tea consumption might enhance bone mineral density.

Chinese White Tea Benefits

1. High Antioxidant Content: White tea contains a high concentration of antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of certain diseases.
2. Skin Benefits: The antioxidants in white tea could help maintain youthful skin by fighting free radicals and supporting collagen production.
3. Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption might contribute to improved heart health by promoting blood vessel function and reducing blood pressure.
4. Anti-Inflammatory: White tea’s compounds have potential anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial for overall health.
5. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that the polyphenols in white tea may have protective effects against certain types of cancer.

Chinese Yellow Tea Benefits

1. Mild Flavor: Yellow tea is known for its delicate flavor and unique processing, which sets it apart from other tea types.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Similar to green tea, yellow tea contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.
3. Digestive Comfort: Yellow tea might have soothing effects on the digestive system, aiding in digestion and reducing discomfort.
4. Stress Reduction: The combination of amino acids and caffeine could offer relaxation and stress-reduction benefits.
5. Overall Well-being: Regular consumption of yellow tea might contribute to a sense of well-being due to its potential health-promoting compounds.

Chinese Pu Erh Tea Benefits

1. Digestive Aid: Pu erh tea is believed to aid digestion, help regulate metabolism, and support a healthy gut.
2. Cholesterol Management: Some studies suggest that regular consumption might help lower bad cholesterol levels.
3. Weight Management: Pu erh tea could assist in weight management by enhancing fat metabolism and reducing the absorption of fat.
4. Blood Sugar Regulation: It may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
5. Heart Health: Antioxidants in pu erh tea might contribute to improved cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Chinese Black/Red Tea Benefits

1. Heart Health: Black tea’s antioxidants may promote heart health by improving blood vessel function and reducing the risk of heart disease.
2. Energy Boost: The caffeine content in black tea provides a natural energy boost and increased alertness.
3. Focus and Mental Clarity: Black tea’s combination of caffeine and L-theanine can enhance focus and cognitive function.
4. Digestive Support: It might aid digestion and help alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Antioxidant Content: Black tea contains flavonoids that have potential antioxidant properties, supporting overall health.

FAQ:

Why is tea important in china?

1. Cultural Heritage: Tea is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, spanning generations and enriching traditions.
2. Social Bonding: Sharing tea fosters connections, symbolizing hospitality, and nurturing relationships.
3. Health and Well-being: Chinese herbal traditions attribute various health benefits to tea, promoting vitality.
4. Philosophical Connection: Tea embodies philosophical ideals like balance, harmony, and mindfulness.
5. Art of Preparation: Elaborate tea ceremonies showcase precision, elegance, and appreciation for detail.
6. Economic Influence: Tea trade historically bolstered China’s economy, shaping its role on the global stage.
7. Culinary Versatility: Tea’s flavor and texture contribute to diverse culinary creations.
8. Symbolic Meanings: Tea signifies purity, respect, and gratitude, often used to honor elders and ancestors.
9. Regional Diversity: China’s varied tea-growing regions offer an array of unique flavors and types.
10. National Pride: Tea is interwoven with China’s identity, reflecting its historical legacy and global stature.

Overall, tea in China encapsulates cultural values, historical heritage, interpersonal ties, and a way of life that resonates deeply within its society.