Beginner's Tea Selection Guide: Taste Profiles of the Six Major Tea Types

It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed when choosing from the six major categories of Chinese tea, especially as a beginner. China has a vast tea-growing area with diverse climates, resulting in a wide range of flavors, even within the same tea category.

 We’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the taste profiles of these six major tea types. As a beginner, you can compare the flavor descriptions and choose the tea that suits your preferences. Take your time, experiment with each type, and discover your favorite tea. Below are the taste and aroma profiles of the six major Chinese teas, along with some famous Chinese tea recommendations.

Green Tea
Aroma: Fresh-cut grass, cucumber slices, mung bean
Taste: Refreshing with a light nuttiness, similar to roasted almonds
Recommended Teas: Longjing (Dragon Well), Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng
Green tea generally has a light, refreshing flavor. It’s easy to brew, even without specialized tea ware like gaiwans or Yixing clay teapots. A simple glass cup works perfectly for brewing green tea.

Black Tea
Aroma: Brown sugar, toasted bread
Taste: Sweet maltiness, reminiscent of raisins or dates, with a hint of dark chocolate bitterness
Recommended Teas: Keemun black tea, Dianhong, Zhengshan Xiaozhong
Black tea is very popular, especially in regions like the UK, where it's commonly enjoyed with breakfast. It has a robust flavor, richer than green tea. Be cautious with brewing time and temperature to avoid bitterness. Opt for lower temperatures and shorter steep times for a smoother taste.

White Tea
Aroma: Hay, chamomile
Taste: Gentle and mild, with a sweetness akin to honey water
Recommended Teas: Silver Needle, Shoumei, Gongmei
White tea is known for its subtle flavor and is often considered a tea for women, as it has a delicate, soft sweetness. It’s a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a less intense flavor. You can use boiling water to bring out the best of its aroma.