Let’s Find Your Tea: Comparing Flavor Profiles Across Tea Varieties on the Tea Zaanti Menu
As you know, at our shop, we are all things tea. The world of tea is diverse, lively, and tends to everyone’s flavor profile; this is what we love so much about it, and we are excited to share that with you! Originating in ancient China, tea has become one of the most largely consumed drinks in the world, cherished for its delicious taste, cultural significance, and health benefits. Depending on how the leaves are steeped and processed, tea is classified into different categories that are commonly associated with a variety of flavors.
Each type of tea we carry offers a unique experience that can transport you to a different time or place, whether that be a nostalgic memory or a setting on your must-visit list. In this blog post, we will sort through the flavor profiles of the eight popular types of teas we carry: black tea, pu’erh tea, white tea, oolong tea, herbal tea, green tea, and matcha. To be a bit more helpful, I have listed the types of teas below from most caffeinated to least caffeinated.
Pu’erh Tea: Earthy, Complex, and Rich
Pu’erh tea is a traditionally fermented tea and is typically aged like fine wine. Its flavor ranges from earthy and wood-like to satin and mellow, with a slight sweetness that can emerge over time. We carry a few different pu’erh teas that explore the fermentation process of this brew, including those that are younger (more brisk and earthy) and those that are longer-aged (more deep and smooth). We have classic Pu’erh Leaf tea (a robust brew), Dark Rose Pu’erh (a medium bodied, romantic, rose-aroma tea), Chocolate Pu’erh (a rich and creamy blend with dark chocolate), and Pumpkin Spice Pu’erh (a spicy yet sweet, seasonal blend)
Check out the tab ‘Shop Teas’ to see the entirety of the pu’erh teas we carry, and then pop in the shop or order online to try them yourself!
One more note: This tea is best enjoyed after meals for its presumed digestive benefits. My favorite pu’erh tea we carry happens to be one of our most loved menu items, the Choco Tea Latte (the Chocolate Pu’erh in latte form with a bit of vanilla). I like to call it, “hot chocolate, but in tea form” as it’s the perfect drink to cozy up to mid-winter.
Black Tea: A Bold and Resilient Brew
Black tea is fully oxidized, which results in its deep amber and/or reddish-brown color. Its flavor is typically bold and robust, and it is often described as malty, full-bodied, brisk, and sometimes, even smoky. We carry a variety of black teas that are bold, including but not limited to organic Assam Reserve (a malty, strong, breakfast-styled tea), Darjeeling (a lighter and sweeter, golden brew with a natural wine flavor), classic Earl Grey (an atomic, citrusy Indian blend), and Everest First Flush (a hand-picked Nepali tea with notes of lilac).
For those of you who are wanting to experience these aromas but are still hoping to have some extra fun, we recommend you try out the Black Currant, Cinnamon Toast, Ginger Peach, Masala Chai, Pina Colada, or the Turmeric Chai. Check out the tab ‘Shop Teas’ to see the entirety of the black teas we carry, and then pop in the shop or order online to try them yourself!
One more note: This tea is best enjoyed in the morning or as a midday pick-me-up with or without milk or sugar. My favorite black tea we carry is the Golden Monkey, it's an exquisite brew with hints of apricot and honey. It’s great to enjoy hot or iced!
Oolong Tea: A Tasteful Middle Ground
Oolong tea is semi-oxidized, bridging a gap between black tea and green tea. Its flavor tends to depend on oxidation levels, meaning lightly oxidized oolongs are more light-bodied and floral and deeply oxidized teas have a sweet, roasted, and nutty-like flavor. We carry a bunch of oolong teas that can offer you a wide variety of flavors including Ali Shan High Mountain Oolong (a brew with floral and candy-like notes, grown on the slopes of Taiwan's Mt. Ali), Apricot Oolong (a delicate tea blended with perfectly ripe apricots), Ginseng Oolong (a earthy, refreshing brew that's great for multiple infusions), and Strawberry Oolong (a medium-bodied, silky brew with hints of fresh strawberries).
Check out the tab ‘Shop Teas’ to see the entirety of the oolong teas we carry, and then pop in the shop or order online to try them yourself!
One more note: This tea is best enjoyed in the afternoon. My favorite oolong tea we carry is the Vanilla Hazelnut tea. It’s toasty, rich, and always comforting.
Green Tea: Fresh and Earthy
Green tea is minimally-oxidized, conserving its fresh and vegetal flavor. If brewed correctly (don’t worry, we have your back– when you buy tea from us, brew times and temps are listed on packaging), its bitterness is subtle. We carry a great assortment of green teas, including Dragon Well (a widely celebrated tea, famous for its grassy flavor with hints of roasted chestnuts), Genmaicha (a nutty blend with bits of toasted rice), Lemon Ginger Snap (an organic, tart tea that is blended with ginger root), and Sencha (a well-known Japanese tea with grassy and floral notes).
Check out the tab ‘Shop Teas’ to see the entirety of the green teas we carry, and then pop in the shop or order online to try them yourself!
One more note: This tea is best enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon with or without a touch of honey. My favorite green tea we have is Houchija. This toasty tea is delicious in latte form and is featured as one of our popular menu items (the Toasted Tea Latte).
Matcha: A Delicate and Delicious Cup
Matcha is a powdered green tea with a Japanese origin. Made from shade-grown leaves, this tea has a vibrant green color and an intense, rich flavor. Depending on the grade, matcha can taste fairly sweet and grassy, or it can taste more bold and bitter. At Tea Zaanti, we offer a few different blends of Matcha to satisfy everyone’s pallets. We have Original Matcha (an unparalleled brew that is earthy and robust) and Ceremonial Matcha (a finer grade of matcha, making for a smooth and refined drink) as well as pre-sweetened, flavored Matcha such as Raspberry Matcha, Blueberry Matcha, Vanilla Matcha, Nutty Matcha (a powdered Genmaicha tea with vanilla syrup added), and Sweet Matcha.
Check out the tab ‘Shop Teas’ to see the entirety of the matcha we carry, and then pop in the shop or order online to try them yourself!
One more note: This energizing treat is best enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon. My favorite cup of Matcha is our Vanilla Matcha in latte form. I love drinking this latte hot with a dash of cinnamon on top!
White Tea: Gentle, Airy, and Subtle
In comparison to pu’erh tea, white tea undergoes minimal processing, thus resulting in its light and dainty flavor. It often has a floral and/or fruity taste with a whisper of honey-like notes. We carry a few different white teas that offer a silky and subtle experience, including Bai Mu Dan (a sweet, creamy tea with an aroma of muscatel grapes), Bai Hao Silver Needle (a medium-body liquid with floral notes and a clean finish), White Ambrosia (a brew naturally flavored by layers of apple, cinnamon, orange, and almonds– this tea contains nuts), and White Peach (a sweet blend of Bai Mu Dan and peach).
Check out the tab ‘Shop Teas’ to see the entirety of the pu’erh teas we carry, and then pop in the shop or order online to try them yourself!
One more note: This tea is best enjoyed mid-morning or as a more subtle pick-me-up. My favorite white tea we carry is the White Peach. I love to sip on this tea in arnold-palmer form (as half lemonade, half tea). It’s fun, fruity, and naturally sweet!
Rooibos Tea: Naturally Sweet and Tastefully Nutty
This deep red tea comes from a South African plant. It is naturally sweetened with hints of honey and nuts and is caffeine-free. We have a variety of Rooibos tea that offer a plethora of flavors. These teas include Apple Pie (a delicious blend with traces of apple and honeybush), Berry Berry Tart (a lively blend paired with hibiscus, rose, elderberry, and rose), Coconut Chai (a soothing tea with hints of sweet cinnamon, deep ginger, and cardamom), and Soothe (a delicate blend of rooibos with peppermint and chamomile).
Check out the tab ‘Shop Teas’ to see the entirety of the rooibos teas we carry, and then pop in the shop or order online to try them yourself!
One more note: This tea is best enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening. My favorite cup of rooibos tea to sip on is the Soothe tea with a touch of honey. Drinking this tea before bed always ensures a good night's rest.
Herbal Tea: A Botanical Balance
Herbal tea differs from our others, as the process for making this tea lies within the infusion of herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers. The flavor spectrum for this naturally decaffeinated tea is vast, and we offer a large variety of herbal brews that can ensure an exceptional experience. Some herbal teas we have are Chamomile Lavender (a sweet brew that summons relaxation), Hibiscus Punch (a tangy and tart tea with hints of hibiscus, cherry, and orange), Licorice Mint (a refreshing blend of sweet licorice and cool mint), and Raspberry Rose Petal (a luscious, floral tea blended with dried fruits and flowers).
Check out the tab ‘Shop Teas’ to see the entirety of the herbal teas we carry, and then pop in the shop or order online to try them yourself!
One more note: This tea is best enjoyed at any time of day, though my personal favorite time to sip on this is before bed. My favorite herbal tea we carry is Relax. This blend is light and sweet, but its hints of lemon balm and strawberry make for a citrusy taste as well.
How to Choose the Right Cuppa Tea for You:
Are you looking for a classic cup that’ll serve as your day’s source of energy? Try our Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Gunpowder, or Ceremonial Matcha.
Seeking out a cup of sweet relaxation? Try our Chamomile Lavender, Coconut Chai, Biscotti Oolong, Relax, Licorice Mint, or Lemony Mintz.
Craving something complex and fun? Try our Chocolate pu’erh, Energize, Moroccan Mint, Pina Colada, or any of our pre-sweetened matchas.
How about something earthier? Try our Ginseng Oolong, Pu’erh Leaf, Original Matcha, Dragon Well, Fukamushi Sencha, or Sencha.
Or do you prefer more floral? Try our Jasmine Pearls, Raspberry Rose Petal, Comfort, or Hibiscus Punch.
We are here to help aid your personal journey of all things tea. Whether you're seeking out a bold and robust sip of black tea, savoring the creamy notes of an oolong tea, or dipping into a calming cup of an herbal tea, we have you covered. Each cup of tea we sell and serve is an opportunity to reconnect with a distant yet fond memory, discover a new experience, or lean into a variety of traditions and cultures. Which tea will you try next? Pop in the shop to connect with your communi(tea) over your next cup.