Origin and tradition
Regional history, how the tea is shared, and the difference between documented practice and a good origin legend.
Tea across place, craft and culture
Tea, honestly told.
Explore teas and herbal infusions through origin, history, drinking traditions, flavor, brewing, and carefully scoped research. One useful profile at a time.
A daily ritual · countless traditions
Read with confidence
How evidence appears here
Tea research is often broader than a named style and rarely predicts the contents or effects of one cup.
Category evidence
Research about green tea, black tea, or an herb is labeled as category-level unless the exact preparation was studied.
Limits and safety
We state uncertainty, distinguish beverages from extracts, and avoid individualized medical recommendations.
55 documented profiles
Tea & infusion library
A broad representative collection across green, white, yellow, oolong, black, pu-erh, dark, and herbal traditions. Search by name, origin, flavor, or category.
Explore by geography
Tea origin map
See how this collection is distributed across countries and regional tea traditions, then open the profiles connected with each place.
Browse every origin guide →Collection coverage
15 origin groups
Select a marker or country to see its regions and tea profiles. Multi-region herbs are kept separate when one defensible agricultural origin cannot be assigned.
Browse every origin guide →A visual reading key
Four leaf shades, two practical axes
Card color combines caffeine context with the cup’s dominant flavor character. It is a browsing aid—not a mood, energy, strength, or health score.
Bright / floral → Deep / roastedCaffeine-free → Caffeinated
Fresh meadowBright / floralNaturally caffeine-free
Autumn orchardDeep / roastedNaturally caffeine-free
Tea leafBright / floralCaffeinated / variable
Roasted forestDeep / roastedCaffeinated / variable
Green
Sencha
Japan · Steamed, rolled, dried
- Water
- 70–80°C
- Time
- 1–2 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Gyokuro
Japan · Shade-grown, steamed, rolled
- Water
- 50–65°C
- Time
- 1.5–3 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Matcha
Japan · Shade-grown tencha milled to powder
- Water
- 70–80°C
- Time
- 20–30 sec
- Method
- Western
Green
Longjing (Dragon Well)
China · Pan-fired and pressed flat
- Water
- 75–82°C
- Time
- 1.5–2.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Gunpowder Green
China · Pan-fired and rolled into pellets
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 1.5–3 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Genmaicha
Japan · Green tea blended with roasted rice
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 1–2 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Jasmine Green
China · Finished tea scented with blossoms
- Water
- 75–82°C
- Time
- 1.5–2.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
White
Silver Needle
China · Young buds withered and dried
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
White
White Peony (Bai Mudan)
China · Buds and young leaves withered and dried
- Water
- 80–88°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Oolong
Tieguanyin
China · Partially oxidized and tightly rolled
- Water
- 88–95°C
- Time
- 2–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Oolong
Da Hong Pao
China · Oxidized and roasted rock oolong
- Water
- 92–98°C
- Time
- 2.5–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Oolong
Oriental Beauty
Taiwan · Bug-bitten leaves, relatively high oxidation
- Water
- 85–92°C
- Time
- 2.5–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Black
Assam
India · Fully oxidized; orthodox or CTC
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Black
Earl Grey
Blend; base tea varies · Black tea scented or flavored with bergamot
- Water
- 92–100°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Pu-erh
Raw Pu-erh (Sheng)
Yunnan, China · Sun-dried, compressed and aged
- Water
- 90–98°C
- Time
- 2.5–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Herbal
Chamomile
Cultivated widely · Dried flower heads infused
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–7 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Hibiscus
Tropical and subtropical regions · Dried calyces infused
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–10 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Rooibos
South Africa · Leaves and stems usually oxidized then dried
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–8 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Spearmint
Cultivated widely · Dried leaves infused
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–8 min
- Method
- Western
Green
Bancha
Japan · Later-season leaves steamed, rolled, and dried
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 1–2 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Hojicha
Japan · Finished green tea roasted at high heat
- Water
- 85–95°C
- Time
- 1–2.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Kukicha
Japan · Stems and twigs separated from finished tea
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 1–2.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Kabusecha
Japan · Partially shade-grown, steamed, rolled, and dried
- Water
- 60–75°C
- Time
- 1–2.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Biluochun
Jiangsu, China · Pan-fired and hand-rolled into tight spirals
- Water
- 75–82°C
- Time
- 1–2 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Huangshan Maofeng
Anhui, China · Young leaves pan-fired and shaped
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 1.5–2.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Lu’an Guapian
Anhui, China · Mature leaf blades de-stemmed, pan-fired, and shaped
- Water
- 78–85°C
- Time
- 1.5–3 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Green
Chun Mee
China · Pan-fired and rolled into eyebrow-shaped leaves
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 1.5–3 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
White
Shou Mei
Fujian, China · Mature leaves and buds withered and dried
- Water
- 85–95°C
- Time
- 4–7 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
White
Moonlight White
Yunnan, China · Large buds and leaves withered and dried, often indoors
- Water
- 85–95°C
- Time
- 3–6 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Yellow
Junshan Yinzhen
Hunan, China · Bud tea lightly oxidized through wrapped yellowing
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 2–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Yellow
Mengding Huangya
Sichuan, China · Buds pan-fired and repeatedly wrapped for yellowing
- Water
- 75–85°C
- Time
- 2–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Oolong
Dong Ding
Taiwan · Rolled, partially oxidized, commonly roasted
- Water
- 88–96°C
- Time
- 2–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Oolong
Baozhong (Pouchong)
Taiwan · Lightly oxidized, twisted, usually lightly roasted
- Water
- 82–90°C
- Time
- 2–3.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Oolong
Jin Xuan
Taiwan · Rolled and partially oxidized; roast varies
- Water
- 85–95°C
- Time
- 2–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Oolong
Phoenix Dan Cong
Guangdong, China · Single-bush or named-cultivar leaves oxidized and roasted
- Water
- 90–98°C
- Time
- 2–3.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Oolong
Wuyi Rou Gui
Fujian, China · Rock oolong oxidized and roasted
- Water
- 92–98°C
- Time
- 2.5–4 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Black
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, India · Seasonal orthodox tea; oxidation varies by flush and producer
- Water
- 88–96°C
- Time
- 3–4.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Black
Ceylon Tea
Sri Lanka · Usually fully oxidized; style varies by elevation and district
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Black
Keemun
Anhui, China · Fully oxidized and carefully fired
- Water
- 90–98°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Black
Dianhong
Yunnan, China · Large-leaf tea fully oxidized, often with golden buds
- Water
- 92–100°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Black
Lapsang Souchong
Fujian, China · Black tea traditionally dried or smoked over pine
- Water
- 92–100°C
- Time
- 2.5–4.5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Black
Nilgiri
Nilgiri Hills, India · Usually fully oxidized orthodox or CTC tea
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Pu-erh
Ripe Pu-erh (Shou)
Yunnan, China · Sun-dried tea pile-fermented, dried, and often compressed
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 2.5–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Dark
Liu Bao
Guangxi, China · Post-fermented dark tea, basket-aged
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Dark
Fu Brick Tea
Hunan and Shaanxi, China · Post-fermented compressed tea traditionally cultured with Eurotium cristatum
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 3–6 min
- Method
- Western + gongfu
Herbal
Peppermint
Cultivated widely · Dried leaves infused
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–8 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Yerba Mate
South America · Leaves and stems dried, sometimes smoke-dried, and aged
- Water
- 70–85°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Honeybush
South Africa · Leaves and stems usually oxidized and dried
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–8 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Lemongrass
South India and Sri Lanka / widely cultivated · Fresh or dried leaves and stems infused
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–10 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Ginger Infusion
Cultivated widely · Fresh or dried rhizome sliced or crushed and infused
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 8–15 min
- Method
- Western
Black
English Breakfast Tea
United Kingdom / multi-origin blend · Fully oxidized black teas blended for a brisk, robust cup; components vary by producer
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 3–5 min
- Method
- Western
Blend
Masala Chai
India / South Asia · Black tea simmered or steeped with a variable spice mixture, commonly with milk and sweetener
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–10 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea
South Asia · Fresh or dried leaves and flowering tops infused alone or in blends
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–10 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Tropical Africa / widely cultivated in Asia · Blue flowers dried and infused; acid such as citrus changes the infusion from blue toward purple
- Water
- 90–100°C
- Time
- 4–8 min
- Method
- Western
Herbal
Barley Tea (Mugicha / Boricha)
East Asia · Roasted barley kernels or crushed barley steeped hot or cold
- Water
- 95–100°C
- Time
- 5–10 min
- Method
- Western
Buy the actual tea
A top tea pick you can order now
This is the tea itself, selected through Tealefy’s comparison rubric and linked to the exact Amazon product—not a generic search and not brewing equipment.
Best overall Assam pick
Best overall · Assam · 84/100
Organic Positively Tea Company Assam · 16 Ounce
Amazon listing: Organic Positively Tea Company, Assam TGFOP Black Tea, Loose Leaf, 16 Ounce
The strongest all-around choice for most buyers, balancing clear tea identity, sourcing detail, seller confidence, practical format, and value.
5/5 Identity2/5 Origin2/5 Freshness5/5 Production detail5/5 Seller confidence5/5 Value
- Brand
- Organic Positively Tea Company
- Package
- 16 Ounce
- Form
- Loose leaf
- Stated origin
- India
Product details and sources
- assam product page on AmazonAmazon · The current Amazon page for the same product and package shown here.
- Assam options on AmazonAmazon · Alternative products used to compare sourcing detail, customer feedback, format, and value.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product information updated August 6, 2026.
Practical, not prophetic
Brewing tools
Use these for repeatable preparation and transparent estimates. Each tool explains its assumptions.
Tea brewing calculator
Scale leaf and water for a selected tea, vessel, method, and starting strength.
Tea brewing troubleshooter
Diagnose a bitter, weak, flat, or unbalanced cup and change one variable next time.
Tea comparison tool
Compare origin, processing, flavor, caffeine context, and brewing ranges side by side.
Gongfu session timer
Plan, time, and record a multi-infusion tea session.
Altitude and boiling point
Compare an estimated local boiling point with a tea’s brewing range.
Daily caffeine calculator
Add tea, coffee, soda, energy drinks, or label values to estimate a daily range.
Tea cost-per-cup calculator
Estimate sessions, cups, bag duration, and cost from price, leaf dose, and infusions.
Brewing equipment
Tools for making better tea
Kettles, infusers, teapots, and scales live here, separate from the actual teas you can buy.
Best everyday value
Electric kettles
COSORI 1.7 L Glass Electric Kettle
The straightforward value pick when you mainly need fast boiling water, auto shutoff, and a wide opening for cleaning.
Best controlled-pour value
Electric kettles
COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Five presets, stainless-steel water contact surfaces, controlled pouring, and a 60-minute hold make it useful across tea styles.
Best full-size variable temperature
Electric kettles
Cuisinart PerfecTemp CPK-17P1
A 1.7 L kettle with six presets and keep-warm control for households brewing several tea categories.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.