What is your favorite Asian tea?

One of the most beloved drinks in many Asian countries: tea. From Chinese pu-erh to Japanese matcha, make sure you have enough varieties at home so you can choose whichever one you feel like at that moment. What types are out there? We have listed the most popular ones for you.

Green tea

One of the most popular types of tea is green tea, which comes in many varieties. The difference between black and green tea lies in the oxidation process. With black tea, the leaves are oxidized further and therefore become darker than with green tea, where the oxidation is stopped earlier. So the difference is not in the type of tea leaf, but in how the leaf is processed. The flavor is milder than that of black tea. There are literally thousands of types of green tea, from Japanese sencha to Chinese gunpowder.

White tea 

With white tea, the oxidation process is also stopped early on. The difference between white and green tea lies in the leaves used. For white tea, only the topmost leaves of the flower buds are used. White tea has an even lighter flavor than green tea and is wonderfully subtle. 

Jasmine 

One of the best-selling types of tea is jasmine, made with leaves from the jasmine flower. These are dried together with tea leaves, which infuses the tea with a floral flavor. Green tea is often used, but sometimes a combination of green and white tea as well. The aroma and flavor are fragrant but not too overpowering, which is why jasmine tea pairs well with almost anything. 

Oolong 

The name oolong means "the black dragon" in Chinese, yet oolong is not a black tea. In terms of oxidation—and therefore flavor—it falls between green tea and black tea. Oolong is oxidized up to 75%. Taiwan is also known for its high-quality oolong tea, and it is often drunk there as iced tea. To make it, you can let the tea steep in cold water for 24 hours and serve it the next day with plenty of ice cubes.

Pu-erh In the Chinese province of Yunnan lies the town of Pu-erh, where perhaps the world's finest tea is made. For many tea connoisseurs, pu-erh tea is the absolute pinnacle! The production process is very labor-intensive, which can drive the price up significantly. The color is dark, almost reddish, and the flavor is very earthy. The tea is often pressed into blocks or discs, but we also sell loose pu-erh tea. 

Matcha 

Japanese green tea matcha is sold in powder form, which you mix with hot water. The flavor is very mild and pairs wonderfully with a Japanese meal. Matcha has become extremely popular lately and is also widely used in food. Nowadays you can find plenty of cookies, cakes, or even tiramisu made with matcha.

Ginger 

Because ginger is believed to have healing properties, ginger tea is becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands. Technically, it is not a tea since it is not made from tea leaves, but it is drunk in the same way. Often, hot water is poured over fresh ginger root, but you can also buy ginger tea in tea bags.