In Europe, tea was blended, in part, to adjust to regional water qualities. To achieve the best taste from tea, use spring water or filtered water. Top of Page Explain the differences between Black, Green, and Oolong tea. There are actually White, Green, Oolong, Black teas. All tea comes from the plant camellia sinensis -the difference between the types of tea relates to the way in which the leaves are processed.
White teas are fairly rare, and often used for special occasions or ceremony.
New tea leaves are plucked from the plant and allowed to wither and dry in the shade. They produce a pale, delicate infusion the color of straw. In China, a few teas are steamed as well. The leaves are rolled after they become moist, and then re-heated or left to dry. Green teas, high in antioxidants, taste fresh and grassy and must be brewed in cooler water for a limited amount of time in order to achieve the best flavor.