Tea Types, Preparation, and Production

Practice flashcards covering the four basic types of true tea, their preparation methods, various grading descriptions, and the orthodox stages of tea production.

What is the defined composition of tea?

A non-alcoholic beverage made by steeping processed leaves, buds, or twigs of the tea bush, known as Camellia sinensis, in hot water for a few minutes.

How is Black Tea characterized in terms of fermentation?

The tea leaves are allowed to completely ferment or oxidize.

In which geographical region is black tea the most common form?

Southern Asia (Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.).

What is the required water temperature for brewing black tea?

Added at the boiling point ($100^{\circ}C$ or $212^{\circ}F$).

What is the oxidation timeframe for Oolong tea?

The oxidation process takes two to three days.

What is the Chinese name for semi-oxidized teas?

Blue tea (literally: blue-green tea).

What is the recommended brewing temperature range for Oolong teas?

Around $90^{\circ}C$ to $100^{\circ}C$ ($194^{\circ}F$ to $212^{\circ}F$).

How is the oxidation process stopped during the production of Green tea?

By the application of heat, either with steam or by dry cooking in hot pans.

What is "gun-powder tea"?

Green tea leaves that have been rolled into small pellets.

What is the general preparation temperature for Green or White tea?

They are best brewed at lower temperatures around $80^{\circ}C$.

In tea descriptions, what does the term "Finest (F.)" signify?

A further refines description for the finest available.

In tea descriptions, what does "Tippy (T.)" refer to?

The presence of fine golden tips from the budding.

What occurs during the withering stage of Orthodox tea processing?

Harvested tea flush is spread on troughs where hot and cold air is blown through to remove the moisture of fresh leaf to $30-40$ within $16$ to $18$ hours.

What is the main purpose of the withering process?

To make the turgid leaf flaccid and prepare it for the rolling stage.

What are the standard sizes of rollers used in the rolling stage?

Normally $36\text{"}$ and $48\text{"}$ rollers that can roll $70$ to $120\,kg$ of withered leaf.

On what specific materials are rolled leaves placed during fermentation?

Fermentation racks made of tiles, cement, or aluminum.

What is the fermentation percentage for semi-fermented tea?

$10\%$ to $80\%$ fermentation.

What are post-fermented teas?

Teas which are allowed to ferment and then have the process stopped and later fermented again.

During the Firing/Drying stage, what is the required dryer inlet temperature?

It must be maintained at $200$ to $2400^{\circ}F$.

What tool is used for the Sorting & Grading stage?

Mechanically oscillated sieves.

Which type of earthenware pot is suggested as the best for steeping?

Yixing pots, famed for the high quality clay from which they are made.

Who was the first to mention the addition of milk to tea, and in what year?

The epistolist Madame de S\u00e9vign\u00e9 around $1680$.

What are the ideal storage conditions for tea to stay fresh?

Stored in a dry, cool, dark place in an air-tight container.