Technically, to be called tea, the product must come from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a warm weather evergreen commonly known as the tea plant. Although real tea always comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, you may find it under many different names in the store. The nomenclature appears confusing, but once you know a few simple facts about tea names, it becomes easy to understand. Types of tea Packagers may sell tea by its type. The processing of the fresh leaves determines the type of tea.
Tea leaves exposed to oxygen for up to three hours become black tea.
Partially oxidized leaves are called oolong tea which falls between black and green tea in color. Green tea is not oxidized at all and retains almost the same composition as fresh tea leaves. It is this processing which gives each tea type its characteristic taste and color. Varietal names Varieties of tea, such as Darjeeling or Assam, refer to the region where the tea is grown. Tea afficionados may prefer the distinctive flavor of leaves from plants grown in one specific part of the world.