Why Fermentation Matters: Discovering Every Kind of Tea

Tea is one of the world's most enduring pleasures: simple at first glance, yet endlessly nuanced once you begin exploring it. From bright, grassy greens to deep, malty blacks, every tea tells a story shaped by not the plant itself, but by the way it's cultivated and crafted. Whether you're a casual drinker or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding how differen teas are made unlocks a whole new appreciation for every cup. 

This guide walks you through the foundations of tea types, the role of fermentation, and the remarkable craftsmanship behind Japanese tea traditions. 

What Counts as "Real" Tea?

Around the world, many beverages are casually "tea", from kelp tea to dokudami tea. However in the strict, traditional sense, true tea refers only to drinks made from the leaves of the evergreen plant Camellia sinensis. This single species, with its delicate leaves and complex chemistry, gives rise to an astonishing range of flavours, colours, and aromas. 

What sets each tea apart is not the plant itself, but how the leaves are treated after harvest, especially the degree of fermentation, or oxidation. By mastering this process, tea producers transform the same leaf into completely different experiences. 

The Three Main Families of Tea 

1. Unfermented teas (Green Teas)
   
   
   Green tea is made by halting oxidation immediately after plucking. Steaming, roasting, or boiling the leaves deactivates the enzymes responsible for oxidation, preserving their fresh, vegetal character. 
   
   There are two main approaches:
   - Steamed teas (Japanese style): Bright, aromatic, with vivid green liquor. 
   - Pan-roasted teas (Chinese style): Toastier, lighter, and slightly nutty.
   
   This minimal processing keep the tea close to its natural state: vibrant, grassy, and refreshing.
   
   
2. Semi-fermented Teas (Oolong Teas) 
   Oolong teas sit beautifully between green and black tea. After picking, the leaves undergo a controlled amount of oxidation, creating layered aromas and nuanced body. 
   
   
   They're often categorised by oxidation level: 
   - Baozhong (light oxidation): Soft, floral, and elegant.
   - Traditional oolong (medium oxidation): Fruity, creamy, and complex.
   
   This is where craftsmanship becomes especially visible: the subtle timing of oxidation makes all the difference.
   
   
3. Fully Fermented Teas (Black Teas)
   Black tea embraces full oxidation, allowing the enzymes to work until the leaves turn a deep copper-brown. This process brings out the familiar boldness, sweetness, and briskness associated with black tea. 
   
   It's one of the most widely enjoyed tea types globally, versatile enough for milk, lemon, or simply savoured on its own. 

Post-Fermented Teas: A Category of Their Own

Post-fermented teas, such as certain regional specialties in Japan and China, undergo microbial fermentation after steaming. Leaves are piled or fermented in barrels, encouraging molds or lactic acid bacteria to shape their unique earthy, mellow character. A famous example is Pu-erh tea from China.

Because the leaves are steamed first (like green tea), some classifications group them with unfermented teas but the microbial transformation makes them distinct in flavour and tradition. 

Japanese Tea Varieties: Shaped by Cultivation and Craft

Japan's tea culture is deeply tied to how the leaves are grown and processed. Differences in shading, steaming length, roasting methods, and leaf selection create a rich diversity of tea styles. 

Take a gander at the chart below to find out which of your favourite teas are roasted in what way! (Feel free to enlarge the chart for a better view).

These variations of tea showcase how Japanese producers use both tradition and innovation to shape a rich spectrum of flavours from the same Camellia sinensis leaf.

A Final Sip

From grassy green teas to floral oolongs, bold black teas, and centuries-old fermented varieties, the world of tea is a study in transformation. With a shift in oxidation or a change in cultivation, one plant becomes countless expressions: each with its own story, aroma, and ritual. 

If this deep dive into tea has sparked your curiosity, explore our carefully curated Japanese teas, each crafted with tradition, precision, and character.

Whether you're seeking vibrant sencha, soothing hojicha, or a luxurious matcha, you will find something worth savouring. Discover our selection while stocks last.