Tea

leaves of Camellia sinensis

What is tea made from?

China (camellia sinensis also native to Tibet, India, & Myanmar)

Origin of tea

Using the top 2 youngest leaves

How do we cultivate tea?

Black tea

tea leaves are withered, rooted, fermented, & dried

Green tea

tea leaves are steamed, rolled to break cells to release aroma, and dried (NOT fermented)

Oolong tea

tea leaves are semifermented

White tea

least processed tea

Tannins

gives tea its dark color & bitter tast

Theophylline

similar to caffeine, has medicinal properties used for treatment of asthma

Polyphenols

has strong antioxidant properties

Catechins

strong antioxidants that may also be anti carcinogens & anti inflammatory compounds

15-25 mg

caffeine in green tea

33 mg

Caffeine in oolong tea

70 mg

caffeine in black tea