Welcome to Hottest Tea. We have devoted this web site to a very special drink called tea. This worldwide favorite is a drink consumed globally second only to water. Some not as familiar with this fact might think, “If tea is that good, maybe I should try to taste every type of tea possible.” If one considers just the health benefits alone of drinking tea, it would actually be a very good idea.

It should be mentioned that to taste all the different varieties would require drinking close to 1500 types of teas from literally all over the world! Maybe after learning those facts, some may choose not to make the tasting of all those different teas a life’s calling. Well then, no worries. One can still experience all that great tea has to offer. Read on to find out how and why.

First, it is nice to know that regardless of the many varieties, all tea essentially comes from the dried, processed leaves of just one plant species. The most common of the species is the camellia sinensis plant (some of you are perhaps familiar with bushes from the Camellia family). This evergreen bush was known to have been in China some 5000 years ago. It is the source of most teas you will find available. Another variety of the species, camellia assamica, came to us from India.

Scientists have also been able to create hybrids suitable to various site conditions. Some of those including soil, temperature, wind, and elevation, along with others, affect the taste of tea. This probably seems familiar to those of you who are wine enthusiasts. The effects are similar to those causing differences in the character of wines.

Now, back to the facts concerning the tea species itself. The main types of tea are Black Tea, White Tea, Green Tea, and Oolong Tea. Although not what some would expect, neither fruit nor herbal teas (or infusions) may literally be classified as teas. The correct term for these would be non-traditional teas, or tisanes.

Here is a second way you will still be able to enjoy different teas without tasting thousands from all over the globe. About 36 different countries now grow tea commercially. Yes, this means those of you who are “armchair travelers” can stay home and enjoy drinking a hot cuppa while reading a good book. Great teas from around the world are just so easy to find!