It is customary in China to classify varieties of tea into six main categories according to the production methods and quality. These are green, black, white, brick, scented, and Oolong tea.
Green Tea - this is the first and earliest type of tea. It is produced in the largest quantities of all teas in China and is also the most widely grown being produced in Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Hunan, Hubei, Guangxi, Fujian, and Guizhou provinces. It is so named, as the dried leaves and the infusion are both green. The leaves are dried immediately after picking. The flavor is fragrant and sweet, its effect refreshing, and said to resist aging, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and resist computer radiation. Among the various green teas, the most famous are Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea from around the West Lake in Hangzhou, HuangshanMaofeng Tea from Mt. Huangshan, Yinzhen (Silver Needle) Tea from Mt. Junshan and Yunwu (Cloud and Mist) Tea from Mt. Lushan. Green tea should be stored in a dry place away from sunlight, in a sealed container to prevent oxidization and contamination by strong odors. The ideal storage temperature is within the range of 0 - 5 °C (32 - 41 °F).
Black Tea - is produced mainly in Qimen and Shitai counties of Anhui Province, Xiushui and Wuning counties of Jiangxi Province, Zhenghe County of Fujian Province, Yibin City of Sichuan Province and most parts of Yunnan Province. It is produced from the new buds of the tea tree with several processes that include withering, twisting, fermenting, and drying. After the fermentation, the color changes from green to jet-black with a luster. When steeped in boiling water, the beverage is bright red with a good body and tastes fresh and mellow. China's most famous black teas are 'Qi Hong (originated in Anhui)', 'Dian Hong' (originated in Yunnan), and 'Ying Hong' (originated in Guangdong).
White Tea - the leaves of white tea are covered with white fuzz, hence its name. It is a local specialty of Fujian Province, mainly produced in Fuding, Zhenghe, Songxi and Jianyang counties. The basic production process includes withering, baking, selecting and re-baking; among which withering is the key step. When steeped in boiling water, white tea is a pale yellowish green, and is both clear and fragrant. It is said to help prevent and resist cancers, prevent sunstroke, be an antidote for poison and cure toothache. These medicinal qualities result from storing the tea for years. The most famous varieties are Yin Zhen Bai Hao (Silver Needles White Fuzz) and 'White Peony'.
Brick Tea - as the name implies, brick tea has been formed into a brick shape. It is a kind of laminated product with tealeaves and stems. Produced mainly in Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, it makes an amber colored drink that tastes mellow, is fragrant and has a good body. Drinking it for a long term can help the digestion, aide the body's metabolism, and promotes good health. This kind of tea is popular with minority people in the border regions. The most famous variety is 'Pu'er Tea' made in Yunnan province.
Scented Tea - a special kind in China, it is processed from quality green tea and scented with fresh jasmine, laurel, rose, and chloranthus flowers. It is produced in Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangxi, Sichuan, Anhui, Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei and Yunnan provinces. Scented tea has a strong fresh flower fragrance, and the infusion is bright light yellow. In recent years, more and more flower infusions have become popular as 'tea' because of their reputed medicinal qualities. For example, chrysanthemum is said to benefit the eyes, rose to improve one's looks, honeysuckle to clear away heat and toxic materials, while aloe assists with weight loss.
Oolong Tea - also known as blue or half-fermented tea, it is produced in large amounts in Fujian, Guangdong and Taiwan provinces. It grows on cliffs and the difficult picking process makes it the most precious tea in China. It is an excellent combination of the freshness of green tea and the fragrance of black tea. It functions well as an aid to body building and dieting, it is also regarded as 'beauty tea' and 'health tea' in Japan. The most famous varieties are rock tea from Mt. Wuyishan of Fujian Province, Fenghuang-Dancong Tea of Guangdong Province, Oolong tea of Taiwan Province and Tieguanyin tea from Anxi County of Fujian Province.
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