INTRO TO TEA CATEGORIES
If you are new to drinking tea or just want to learn a little more about how different tea categories differ, keep reading for a brief description of tea types.
Black Tea - Highly oxidized tea leaf that can keep its flavor for several years if stored properly. Contains more caffeine than other tea categories. Taste ranges from malty to flowery. Grown in mountainous regions of China, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. Our selection of black teas includes single-origins such as Darjeeling, Ceylon, and Lapu Mountain, as well as traditional blends and our own concoctions, blended to pay homage to our own mountainous region of the Big Sky Country.
Green - Grown mainly in China and Japan, green tea is unoxidized, and therefore retains a higher concentration of vitamins and antioxidants than black tea. Medically recognized to reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease, while preventing viral infections and strengthening teeth and bones. Taste ranges from grassy to toasty.
White - Widely considered the healthiest type of tea, due to the gentle methods used during production. White tea is air-dried at a low temperature shortly after picking, allowing the tea to retain its high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This process gives the tea a very delicate, fresh flavor.
Oolong - Oolong tea is allowed to oxidize more than green tea, but not as much as black tea, and can vary widely in color and flavor, from bright and floral to dark and nutty.
Chai - The word “chai” means “tea” in both Russian and Hindi. The beverage we call “Chai” originated in India and is basically any tea or tea substitute prepared with milk, spices, and sweetener. We love Chai at Steep Mountain Tea because it is delicious prepared either hot or iced and helps us stay comfortable in extreme weather we experience in Montana. We pride ourselves in our exceptional and varied selection of chais including non-caffeinated options.
Yerba Maté - Maté has been a part of the culture of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay for centuries. It promotes good health, stimulates the nervous system, and detoxifies the body. Don’t be surprise if you get a bit of a caffeine-like buzz going after a cup or two of strong maté.
Rooibos - Rooibos is indigenous to the steep slopes of the Western Cape Mountains in South Africa. Completely caffeine free and pleasingly full-flavored rooibos is considered a good substitute for black tea and is high in Vitamin C.
Herbal - Blends under this category are not actually teas, as they have no real tea leaves in them, but rather dried fruits, blossoms, and other herbs. Herbal teas are also known as tisanes. They are naturally non-caffeinated, often supply vitamins and minerals, and are noted for other beneficial health qualities. You can find an herbal infusion to help relieve stress, settle the stomach, or fight infection.
