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| Home > Starbucks Store > Varieties of Tazo | |
 Back to Starbucks Store | History of Tazo | The Tazo Blend Varieties of Tazo There are over 3,000 varieties of teas, each named for the district in which it is grown. All teas, whether black, green or oolong could, theoretically, come from the same bush. The process of making black and green tea differs substantially, but it is conceivable that green and black teas can be made from the same plucking. Black Teas All black teas are made from the fully fermented leaf of the Camellia sinensis and contain caffeine. Premium black teas (like the ones in Tazo's blends) are grown at high elevations for the best flavor then plucked by hand. Afterwards, the leaves are crushed and tightly rolled into wiry threads to release an enzyme that, when exposed to oxygen, begins the fermentation process. They are then dried by oven firing, creating the malty, rich flavors and amber color that have been characteristic of black tea for thousands of years. Green Teas Like black teas, green teas are made from the same botanical species, Camellia sinensis, and often contain as much caffeine as black teas. Green teas are unfermented and are prepared in a way that maintains the natural color and taste. They are steamed to neutralize the oxidating enzyme then dried using a variety of techniques to bring out the maximum flavor: steamfired, panfired or basketfired. Green tea has a mild, delicate taste, with light to medium astringency, and a light green/golden color. Oolong Teas Oolong teas are a cross between green and black teas. They are fermented, but not to the extent that black teas are. Oolongs usually have fruity and floral flavors and a golden cup color. Herbal Infusions Even though these beverages are often called herbal teas, there is actually no tea in them. Instead they are blends of flowers, roots, tree barks, berries, fruit peels, seeds and grasses that have been used for centuries to enhance health and well being. Herbal infusions contain no caffeine.
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