Black tea is roll broken after withering, there is no steaming as the enzymes need to remain active. (Withering is moisture evaporating from the leaf.) Roll breaking cracks the surface of the leaf exposing the leaf's enzymes to oxygen initiating oxidation. Oxidation is the process that results in the flavour profiles of Oolong & Black tea. After FULL oxidation occurs, the leaf is then finished with forced hot air.
Green tea is picked then steamed to neutralize active enzymes. After steaming, the leaf is withered then manipulated to achieve the desired leaf finish, then steamed again or pan fired. (Withering is moisture evaporating from the leaf.)
White tea is hand-picked, withered & baked dried. True white tea must contain bud, which is the newest growth of the plant. Traditional grades of white tea are Yin Zhen (Silver Needle), Pai Mu Tan (White Peony) & Shou Mei (Longevity Eyebrow) are made in Fujian Province from Dai Bai varieties of tea plants.
SerendipiTea uses all-natural flavoring on dry leaf.
