Tea Types 101: Black, Green, Oolong, Rooibos, Purple & Herbal

Walking into the world of tea can feel overwhelming. The good news is that most tea falls into just a few families. Here's a simple guide to every type in our apothecary.

The "true teas"

Black, green, oolong, and purple tea all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference comes from how the leaves are grown and processed. All true teas naturally contain some caffeine.

Black tea

Black tea leaves are fully oxidized, which means they're allowed to darken after picking. The result is a bold, rich, malty flavor, and the most caffeine of the tea family.

Brew: Water just off the boil (200–212°F) for 3–5 minutes. Shop Black Tea

Green tea

Green tea leaves are heated soon after picking to prevent oxidation. This keeps them fresh, grassy, and light, with a gentle, focused kind of energy.

Brew: Cooler water (170–180°F) for 2–3 minutes. Boiling water can make green tea bitter. Shop Green Tea

Oolong tea

Oolong sits between green and black tea. It's partially oxidized, so it can taste floral and light or toasty and deep, depending on the style.

Brew: 185–205°F for 3–5 minutes. Oolong leaves can often be steeped more than once. Shop Oolong Tea

Purple tea

Purple tea comes from a special variety of the tea plant, first grown in Kenya. Its leaves are naturally purple thanks to anthocyanins, the same plant pigments found in blueberries. It's smooth, light, and typically lower in caffeine than black tea.

Brew: 175–185°F for 2–3 minutes. Shop Purple Tea

Caffeine-free options

Rooibos

Rooibos (ROY-boss) comes from a red bush native to South Africa. It's naturally caffeine-free, with a sweet, nutty, slightly vanilla flavor. A lovely evening choice.

Brew: Boiling water for 5–7 minutes. It won't turn bitter. Shop Rooibos Tea

Herbal tea

Herbal "teas" are made from flowers, roots, leaves, and fruits rather than the tea plant, like chamomile, hibiscus, peppermint, and ginger. Most are caffeine-free, and each carries its own character.

Brew: Boiling water for 5–7 minutes, covered to hold in the aromatic oils. Shop Herbal Tea

Fruit tea

Fruit blends combine dried fruit pieces, often with herbs or flowers, for a bright, naturally sweet cup that's delicious hot or iced.

Brew: Boiling water for 5–8 minutes. Shop Fruit Tea

Not sure where to start?

Shop by how you want to feel instead. Try Calm & Restoration for evenings, Energy & Vitality for mornings, or take our Wellness Assessment for a personal recommendation.

If you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, check with your healthcare provider before trying new herbs.