Click Chart |
Tea Classification: By Type - Tea can be classified by form and shape into two categories: Loose tea and Brick tea. Loose teas are categorized by production method creating leaf color differences offering further classification by type.
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Loose Teas: Classification by Color - In China, classification of loose teas is done by the color as shown in the chart below:
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Green tea [Non-Fermented Tea]
Steamed (Japanese style), Pan Fried (Chinese style)
Steamed (Japanese style), Pan Fried (Chinese style)
Blue tea [Semi-Fermented Tea]
(Oolong, Paochung Tea, etc.)
(Oolong, Paochung Tea, etc.)
White tea [Slightly-Fermented Tea]
Baihaoyinzhen, Baimudan, etc.
Baihaoyinzhen, Baimudan, etc.
Red tea [Fermented Tea]
Referred to as Black tea in the Western countries.
Referred to as Black tea in the Western countries.
Black tea [Post-Heating Fermented Tea]
Pu’er, Liubao Tea, etc.
Pu’er, Liubao Tea, etc.
Yellow tea [Matured Tea]
Mengdinghuangya, etc. from older tea leaves
Mengdinghuangya, etc. from older tea leaves
Jincha (Jin Tea)
Shaped like roof tiles, hard like a brick
Shaped like roof tiles, hard like a brick
Zhuancha (Brick Tea)
Shaped like bricks
Shaped like bricks
Bingcha (Bing or Biscuit Tea)
Shaped like rice cake
Shaped like rice cake
Tuocha (Tuo Tea)
Shaped like twisted cloths
Shaped like twisted cloths
Brick Teas: Classification by Shape - In China, brick tea was popularized and it was a favorite with nomadic tea drinkers who found it easier to travel with. Classification of brick teas is done by shape as described below:
Jincha (Jin Tea)
Shaped like roof tiles, hard like a brick Zhuancha (Brick Tea)
Shaped like bricks Bingcha (Bing or Biscuit Tea)
Shaped like rice cake Tuocha (Tuo Tea)
Shaped like twisted cloths |
