20 Basic Tea Terms You Should Know

Steep is the action of soaking tea leaves or other ingredients in hot water to extract their flavors and create a tea infusion. The length of time you steep your tea can significantly impact its taste.

Brew is a term often used interchangeably with "steep." It refers to the process of preparing a cup of tea by infusing tea leaves or other ingredients in hot water. You can also use "brew" as a noun to describe a cup of tea.

Loose leaf tea consists of whole or partially broken tea leaves, herbs, or botanicals that are not contained in a tea bag. Loose leaf tea is prized for its superior quality and flavor compared to tea bags.

Terroir refers to the unique environmental factors that influence the flavor and characteristics of tea, including the region where it's grown, soil quality, climate, and altitude. Each tea-producing region has its terroir, which contributes to the distinctiveness of the tea.

Oxidation is a natural chemical process that occurs when tea leaves are exposed to oxygen. It's a crucial step in the production of many types of tea, including black tea and oolong tea. Oxidation alters the flavor, aroma, and color of the tea leaves.

Tannins are naturally occurring compounds in tea that contribute to its astringency and mouthfeel. They can also influence the color and taste of the brewed tea. Tannins are more prominent in black and dark teas.

Herbal tea, also known as a tisane, is a beverage made from infusing herbs, flowers, spices, fruits, or other botanicals in hot water. Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free and come in a wide variety of flavors and potential health benefits.

Camellia sinensis is the botanical name for the tea plant from which all true teas (such as green, black, white, oolong, and yellow tea) are derived. The specific type of tea is determined by factors like processing and oxidation.

A blend refers to a tea that is created by mixing different types of tea leaves or adding herbs, spices, or flavorings to enhance its flavor profile. Blends can be a creative way to explore diverse tea flavors.

An infuser is a tool used to hold loose leaf tea or herbs during the brewing process. It allows for easy steeping and removal of the leaves from the water once the tea is ready.

Tea leaves are often categorized into different leaf grades, which reflect their size, appearance, and quality. Common grades include whole leaf, broken leaf, fannings, and dust, with whole leaf being considered the highest quality.

Astringency is a sensation characterized by dryness and a puckering feeling in the mouth, often associated with tannins in tea. Some teas, like certain black teas, may have a pronounced astringency.

Brick tea is a type of compressed tea that is typically found in regions like China and Mongolia. Tea leaves are pressed into dense blocks or bricks, making them easy to transport and store.

Pu-erh is a unique category of tea that undergoes fermentation and aging, much like fine wine or cheese. It's known for its complex flavors, earthy aroma, and the ability to improve with age.

Gongfu Cha, often shortened to Gongfu, is a traditional Chinese tea preparation method that emphasizes precision, multiple short infusions, and a focus on the art and aesthetics of tea brewing. It's often associated with oolong and pu-erh teas. With the ancient history of tea originating in China, Gongfu Cha has became a widely appreciated part of tea culture and tradition.

Artisanal tea refers to tea that is crafted by skilled artisans using traditional and labor-intensive methods. These teas are often considered premium and are highly sought after for their quality and craftsmanship.

Flush refers to the time of year when tea leaves are harvested. Different flushes produce tea with distinct flavor profiles. For example, the first flush is often prized for its fresh and delicate flavors.

We mentioned tisanes earlier, as it's another word for herbal tea. Tisanes are caffeine-free herbal infusions made from various herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices. They offer a world of flavors and potential health benefits.

A tea sommelier is a trained and certified professional who specializes in the art and science of tea. Similar to a wine sommelier, they have expertise in tea tasting, pairing, and serving.

Aging in the context of tea refers to the practice of allowing certain teas, like pu-erh, to mature and develop unique flavors over time. It's a fascinating aspect of tea appreciation.

Here's an overview of all 20 terms that you're welcome to copy for personal use: