Updated July 2026
There are six types of tea, and every one of them comes from a single plant, Camellia sinensis. What separates them is not the plant but the processing, above all how much the leaf is allowed to oxidise, and in one case whether it is fermented by microbes. Green tea is fixed early to stay fresh and green. White tea is barely processed, only withered and dried. Yellow tea is a rare cousin of green with a gentle sealing step. Oolong is partly oxidised, anywhere between green and red. Red tea, called black tea in the West, is fully oxidised. Dark tea, including puer, is fermented by microbes and can be aged for years. One leaf, six paths.
| Type | How it is made | In the cup |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Fixed early (kill-green), little oxidation | Fresh, green, vegetal |
| White | Barely processed: withered and dried | Soft, subtle, delicate |
| Yellow | Like green, with a gentle sealing (yellowing) step | Mellow, rounded, rare |
| Oolong | Partly oxidised, green to nearly red | Wide range, floral to roasted |
| Red (black) | Fully oxidised | Deep, brisk, malty |
| Dark (incl. puer) | Fermented by microbes, often aged | Earthy, smooth, deep |
Oxidation is the main dial
For five of the six types, the key variable is oxidation: how far the leaf's own enzymes are allowed to change it before the process is stopped. Green sits at one end, red at the other, oolong across the middle, white barely touched. Only dark tea is different, made by true microbial fermentation, which is why it can age like few other teas.
Why it is worth knowing
Understanding the six types turns a wall of choices into a simple map. Once you know that all tea is one plant shaped six ways, you can choose by the character you want rather than by the name on the tin. In Yangsheng Cha Dao, all six are tea, because all six are Camellia sinensis.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of tea are there?
Six: green, white, yellow, oolong, red (called black in the West) and dark tea such as puer. All come from one plant, Camellia sinensis, and differ by how the leaf is processed.
What is the difference between the types?
Mostly oxidation: green is fixed early, white barely processed, oolong partly oxidised, red fully oxidised. Dark tea is different again, fermented by microbes and often aged.
Are all six types from the same plant?
Yes. Green, white, yellow, oolong, red and dark tea are all the leaf of Camellia sinensis. The plant is the same; the processing makes them different.