Understanding the Differences Between Sencha Green Tea, White Tea, Ceylon, and Assam
At Full Moon Tea Company, we love blending teas with unique flavors and profiles. Some of our blends feature teas like Sencha green, white, Ceylon, and Assam, each with distinct characteristics. Here’s a guide to help you understand what makes each tea special.
1. Sencha Green Tea
Sencha is a type of Japanese green tea that is steamed soon after harvesting. This process helps preserve its bright green color and fresh, vegetal flavor.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, grassy, slightly sweet, with mild astringency Caffeine Level: Moderate Uses: Excellent for both hot tea and iced tea blends. Often found in teas that highlight light, refreshing flavors.
Why We Love It: Sencha adds a bright, clean note to blends and pairs beautifully with fruits and floral ingredients.
2. White Tea
White tea is minimally processed and made from young leaves and buds of the tea plant. Its subtle, delicate flavor makes it a favorite for lighter blends.
Flavor Profile: Light, slightly sweet, floral, and delicate Caffeine Level: Low to moderate Uses: Works well in delicate blends, often paired with fruit, flowers, or gentle spices.
Why We Love It: White tea offers a soft, mellow base that allows other ingredients in the blend to shine.
3. Ceylon Tea
Ceylon tea hails from Sri Lanka and is typically a black tea known for its bright, brisk flavor and citrusy notes.
Flavor Profile: Bold, brisk, sometimes citrusy, with a light malt undertone Caffeine Level: Moderate to high Uses: Ideal for strong breakfast teas, chai blends, or teas that benefit from a lively, robust base.
Why We Love It: Ceylon provides a clean, lively base for blends, complementing spices, citrus, and creamy lattes.
4. Assam Tea
Assam is a black tea from India known for its rich, malty flavor and deep amber color. It’s often a key ingredient in strong, full-bodied teas.
Flavor Profile: Malty, robust, slightly sweet, full-bodied Caffeine Level: High Uses: Perfect for breakfast teas, spiced blends, and teas meant for milk or cream.
Why We Love It: Assam brings depth and warmth, balancing brighter or more delicate ingredients in a blend.
In Summary
- Sencha Green Tea: Bright, grassy, refreshing
- White Tea: Light, delicate, floral
- Ceylon: Bold, brisk, citrusy
- Assam: Malty, robust, full-bodied
Understanding these foundational teas helps you appreciate how each contributes to the unique flavor profile of Full Moon Tea Company blends. Whether you’re sipping a light, floral cup or a bold, spiced chai, knowing your base tea makes the experience even more delightful.
