All true tea is from the bush (shrub?) Camelia Sinensis. Camelia
Sinensis
has different virtues depending on where it is grown; that is,
different
climates tend to enhance the tea in different ways. In addition,
harvesting
practices and cut of the leaves also influence it's flavor. All green,
oolong, and black teas are from this bush, including "orange pekoe"
which
has nothing to do with oranges.
Green teas come in many, different cuts and roasts. Persons following
Paleo
should avoid Genimacha, a Japanese green tea flavored with toasted
rice.
Hojicha is a delicious roasted green tea with a deep flavor. Teas may
be
scented with various essences...but beware cheap bag tea (like
Celestial
Seasonings) because they often put flavors on the bag rather than in
the tea
itself.
Bulk tea is worth every penny. You get about 5 to 10 times more for
your
money, and it's from the top of the barrel. Bags are a clever way for
tea
vendors to sell you their garbage.
Green tea connoiseurs know that steeping longer than 5 minutes will
cause
the tea to turn bitter, and it is never drunk cold (iced).
Stacie