How is Chinese tea processed?

Withering. Picked leaves are spread out (inside and/or outside in the sun) to soften the cell walls of the leaves. This softens the leaves by drawing the moisture to the surface for evaporation, begins natural enzymatic fermentation and sets up the next stage of processing. This also reduces the grassy taste of tea leaves. read more

There are a wide variety of Chinese teas, from basic black tea to oolong to old-tree puerh. I wouldn't be surprised if there are many obscure ones the West doesn't yet know about. For simplicity, I'll discuss the tea created (or crafted) from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis - the Tea Plant. read more

Chinese tea is a beverage made from the leaves of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) and boiled water. Tea leaves are processed using traditional Chinese methods. Chinese tea is consumed throughout the day, including during meals, as a substitute for plain water, for health, or for simple pleasure. read more

Green tea is the least processed among the six types of Chinese tea. It undergoes the least amount of oxidation. The shorter processing gives green tea a lighter flavor than black tea. read more