Tea Glossary

A Little Tea Knowledge, One Word at a Time

Discover the words behind your favourite cup—from the leaf itself to the way you brew it.

Camellia sinensis
The plant that produces black, green, white, yellow, oolong, and pu-erh teas.

Loose-Leaf Tea
Tea sold loose rather than enclosed in a tea bag, giving you control over the amount you brew.

Infusion
The drink created when tea leaves, herbs, flowers, or fruit steep in water.

Tisane
An infusion made from ingredients other than the tea plant, such as chamomile, peppermint, or rooibos.

Steeping
Allowing tea or botanicals to sit in water so their flavour and aroma can develop.

Oxidation
A natural reaction between tea leaves and oxygen that helps shape their colour, aroma, and flavour.

Blend
A combination of teas or ingredients brought together to create a particular flavour.

Aroma
The fragrance of dry tea leaves or brewed tea.

Body
The weight or fullness a tea seems to have in your mouth, from light and delicate to rich and full.

Astringency
The dry, slightly puckering sensation some teas leave in your mouth.

Finish
The flavour and sensation that remain after you swallow.

Decaffeinated Tea
Tea processed to remove most of its caffeine. Small amounts can remain.

Naturally Caffeine-Free
Ingredients that naturally contain no caffeine, such as pure rooibos, chamomile, or peppermint.

Every cup is an opportunity to discover something new.