Types of Chinese Tea

Our tea lists are categorised according to these major distinctive types.

Green

This is undoubtedly the style of tea for which China is best known in the west. Green tea is dried soon after picking to prevent oxidation and retain the original colour of the leaf. Here you will find such famous green teas as Dragon Well, Hair Peak, Green Snail Spring and Monkey King, as well as many less familiar names.

Wulong

Also known as oolong or qing tea, Wulong has been partially oxidised which in the best examples can bring out astonishing complexity of flavour. Oxidation also makes Wulong less astringent than many green teas and therefore perfect for all-day drinking. Among our Wulong teas you'll find such classics as Iron Goddess of Mercy, Hairy Crab and Narcissus.

Red

Fully oxidised teas are known in China as red and in the west as black. Our red tea list at the moment is limited to the excellent Qimen (more familiar in the west as Keemun), but we're actively seeking more that meet our standards.

Pu'er

Definitely in a class of its own, Pu'er is a large-leaved tea that is oxidised twice, but stopping short of becoming red tea, then stored. This is the one tea that improves with age when stored properly, even in excess of one hundred years, and all our Pu'er teas have their ages listed.

Scented

Everyone's heard of jasmine tea, but few people know how exquisite it can be. From our everyday Jasmine Scented to the marvellous Dragon Hair and fascinating presentation cluster teas, we have something for everyone. We also have green and Wulong teas scented with osmanthus blossom.

Flower

You perhaps wouldn't expect to find tisanes in a website devoted to Chinese tea, but the ones we offer have been a central part of Chinese life for centuries. Our pure Chrysanthemum flowers and Rosebuds are both delicious alternatives to true tea with their own unique qualities.

Herbal

Only one offering in this category at the moment and also not a true tea. Wild Bitter Spike is prepared from Kuding which is actually a type of wild holly that is processed and brewed like a tea. Stuffed with vitamins, amino acids and minerals, this is one for the health-conscious.