Chinese tea culture spans thousands of years, blending craftsmanship and wellness with everyday rituals. From delicate green teas to deeply aged dark teas, each variety offers unique flavours and health benefits. Enjoyed as part of meals and throughout the day, there are a range of popular teas that can benefit a multitude of lifestyles in a variety of ways. Whilst Chinese tea is some of the best quality in the world, due to a combination of geography, biology, culture, and time that no other place has all at once, there’s one often-overlooked factor that can enhance any cup. And that is the water quality.
Let’s explore the main types of Chinese tea, what they’re known for, and why using filtered water can dramatically improve both taste and the experience.
Green Tea and its Benefits
Green tea is one of the most well-known teas for hailing from China. Unoxidised and quickly heated after harvest, green tea retains a fresh, earthy flavour. It is available as leaves or sometimes in tea bag form from our supermarkets.
- Rich in antioxidants (especially catechins)
- Supports your metabolism
- Known to benefit heart health
- Provides a gentle, steady release of energy
Oolong Tea and its Benefits
Partially oxidised and sitting between green and black tea, Oolong tea has a slightly floral and toasty flavour. This tea is great for slow sipping and enjoying over long conversations.
- Supports digestion by breaking down oily food
- Boosts metabolism
- Has been associated with improved cholesterol balance
- Rich in antioxidants
- May help with oral health with natural polyphenols
Black Tea – Also Known as Red Tea – and its Benefits
Often called Red Tea due to its colour when brewed, Black Tea is fully oxidised, with the leaves developing rich flavours like malt, honey, cocoa and dried fruit. This makes it naturally less grassy and less bitter than green tea, which is why those new to tea usually enjoy it more.
- Pairs well with a variety of food
- Tastes great with milk or lemon, but can also be enjoyed without
- Provides a gentle energy boost without being harsh
- Brews more easily than most other teas
How does filtered water help tea?
Filtered water actually makes a big difference for all types of tea. Whether it's Green, Oolong, Black or Red! Here's how:
Clearer Flavour: Tap water has a range of contaminants in it, such as chlorine, heavy metals and microplastics that can taint the natural floral or roasted notes of tea. Filtered water helps to reduce these contaminants to let the true flavour shine through.
Crisper Fragrance: A lot of tea can rely heavily on scent to maximise the experience. Removing contaminants in your water helps the fragrance open up and adds an extra layer of crispness.
Prevents Cloudiness: Contaminants in unfiltered water can react with tea polyphenols, making the brew look murky. Filtered water keeps your hot beverages clearer in every cup.
Consistency: Ensuring that every brew is steeped to perfection, using filtered water provides consistent filtering results that also make your tea taste perfect every time.
So, whether you're exploring Chinese Tea for the first time or looking for ways to enhance an established daily ritual, investing in a water filter system is the best way to get the most out of your cup today!
