The Five Most Popular Chinese Tea in The West and Why They Are Popular

If you have ever visited a Chinese teashop, you will notice a wide variety of teas to sample. On the other hand, authentic Chinese teas originate from the Camellia sinensis tree and are divided into different kinds, each of which is distinct.

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Tea consumption is an integral aspect of Chinese culture. China is the world's first tea producer and is known for its expertise in tea cultivation and production. Tea drinking practices developed throughout Europe, America, and many other countries due to cultural interchange along the old Silk Road and trade routes. In the history of modern civilization, the Chinese people have left a remarkable record for their tea culture.

Now that the world is exposed to the rich Chinese tea culture, more people in the West are spending money to experience different Chinese teas. So, if you are wondering what these Chinese teas are and why they are popular, this article will give you the answer.

Here are the five most famous Chinese teas in the West: 

1. Green Tea
   Green tea is one of the West's most famous Chinese teas. Green tea is one of the earliest types of Chinese tea and the most widely manufactured. The tea leaves have not been withered or oxidized. Tea leaves are carefully steamed, fried, and sun-dried to eliminate the moisture and draw out the smell. Green tea is popular in the West because of its mellow, smooth, sweet, flowery, and fruity flavour and scent. Many people also enjoy it since it is regarded as the healthiest tea because it is high in antioxidants and nutrients that have significant health benefits. It has several advantages, including increased cognitive function, fat reduction assistance, and reduced cancer risk.

   
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   Green teas famous in the West include:
   • Bi Luo Chun tea.
   • Xinyang Mao Jian tea..
   • West Lake Longjing (Dragon Well Tea) tea.
   • Huangshan Maofeng tea.
   • Lu'an Melon Seed tea.
     
     
2. Pu Erh Tea
   Pu Erh tea is an oxidized and aged tea grown in Yunnan province. After being dried and rolled, the leaves are fermented. Pu Erh tea is processed and marketed as confections that look like buns or little cakes. Pu Erh tea is kept in direct sunlight to allow the fermentation process to continue. Like good red wine, the worth of Pu Erh tea increases over time. Pu Erh tea is famous in the West because it has a long-lasting scent, a robust and mellow flavour, amber or orange soup, and the tea leaves can be steeped multiple times. Pu Erh has several health advantages, making it widely popular in the West, including weight loss, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, and gastric health. Fujin, Baohexiang, Dayi, Douji, Chensheng, and Lancang are among the top Pu Erh tea brands.

    
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3. Oolong Tea
   Another well-known tea in the West is oolong. It is a semi-fermented tea, yet the ending procedure is similar to green tea. This variety of tea, mainly grown in Taiwan, Fujian, and Guangdong, falls between black and green tea. It is withered, damaged, and oxidized to some extent. It contains green tea's fresh, crisp flavour and black tea's deep, sweet scent. It is mainly. Oolong tea is thought to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancers, and diabetes mellitus. It is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants, reducing inflammation, supporting a healthy brain, and preventing bone loss. All of these advantages have contributed to its international recognition. Wuyi Rock Tea is a popular oolong tea kind all over the world. Because it has the subtle aroma of green tea and the smooth and sweet flavor of black tea, Wuyi rock tea is considered the best quality of oolong tea. It has a bent front that looks like a dragonfly's head and is brownish with metal grey undertones.
   
   
4. Black Tea
   The most extensively manufactured and consumed tea is black tea, also known as hong cha or red tea, which is also the most well-known among westerners. This tea is highly oxidized, withered, and even sometimes pulverized. While it is frequently alluded to as black tea in English, the Chinese call it red tea since the aqueous beverage is red. Black tea is aged rather than steamed or fried, triggering biochemical processes and changing the colour. Black tea was initially introduced during the Qing dynasty, and by the end, it had become the most popular form of tea sent to Europe and America. In Western societies, black tea is frequently consumed with milk, cream, sugar, sweetener, lemon, or honey. Keemun black tea, also known as Qimen black tea, is one of Europe's most well-known black teas. This tea is known as the "Queen of Black Tea" and is a favourite of the British royal family. Kung Fu Tea is a black tea with a tight, narrow, upright shape and a deep, vivid hue. This well-known Chinese tea is high in thiamine, folate, carotenoids, tocopherol, lutein, and fluoride, which is necessary for good health.
   
   
5. White Tea
   White tea, also known as bai cha, has the least amount of tea processing. White tea was traditionally plucked only a few occasions a year in China when fine white hairs developed on the delicate plants. Tea leaves are permitted to wither and then dried to avoid oxidation. White Chinese tea passes through the same method as green tea. White is one of the purest tea types since it retains its antioxidant characteristics.

   
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   White Peony and White Hair Silver Needle, both grown in Fujian, are excellent examples of white tea. The scents and tastes of the tea are subtle. White Silver Needle is the most luxurious form of white tea, and as a result, it is the most famous in the West. White tea is light, sweet, and pleasant. Because the flavour of this tea is relatively mild, it is preferable not to combine it with spicy dishes. White tea is said to defend teeth from infection, prevent skin aging, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, aid weight loss, and contain several antioxidants.
   

Final Thoughts: 

Many people associate China with tea. Tea is thought to have originated in China as early as 1600 BC, according to various anthropologists. Tea's medical benefits and flavour have been extensively recognized domestically and overseas since then, and tea farms have sprung up across China's south. The drink has grown so culturally engrained worldwide, particularly in Western countries, that drinking tea cannot be avoided.

The five Chinese teas listed above are now top-rated in the West. This article is your sign if you're considering tasting Chinese tea today. Enjoy yourself while learning about Chinese culture like a local!

References: 

1. China Educational Tours. 2020. Types of Chinese Tea. Retrieved from: https://www.chinaeducationaltours.com/guide/culture-chinese-tea-types.htm. Retrieved on 10 June 2022. 
2. China Travel. 2019. Top 10 Chinese Tea. Retrieved from: https://www.chinatravel.com/culture/chinese-tea/top-10-chinese-tea. Retrieved on 10 June 2022. 
3. Path of Cha. 2019. The World’s Most Popular Chinese Teas. Retrieved from: https://pathofcha.com/blogs/all-about-tea/the-world-s-most-popular-chinese-teas. Retrieved on 10 June 2022. 
4. Sapore Di Cina. 2022. The 7 Classes of Chinese Tea and the 10 Most Famous Brands. Retrieved from: https://www.saporedicina.com/english/classes-of-chinese-tea/. Retrieved on 10 June 2022.
5. The Culture Trip. 2017. 10 Most Popular Types of Tea in China. Retrieved from: https://theculturetrip.com/asia/china/articles/10-most-popular-types-of-tea-in-china/. Retrieved on 10 June 2022. 
6. Travel China Guide. 2021. 10 Best Chinese Tea. Retrieved from: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/best-chinese-tea.htm. Retrieved on 10 June 2022.