Varieties of Tea in Taiwan

Tea cultivation only began in Taiwan in the mid-19th century. Since then, many of the teas which are grown in Fujian province have also been grown in Taiwan. Since the 1970s, the tea industry in Taiwan has expanded at a rapid rate, in line with the rest of Taiwan's economy. Due to high domestic demand and a strong tea culture, most Taiwanese tea is bought and consumed by the Taiwanese.

As the weather in Taiwan is highly variable, tea quality may differ from season to season. Although the island is not particularly large, it is geographically varied, with high, steep mountains rising abruptly from low-lying coastal plains. The different weather patterns, temperatures, altitudes and soil ultimately result in differences in appearance, aroma and flavour of the tea grown in Taiwan.

There are several kinds of tea are available in Taiwan for example: Bubble tea,Black Tea, Green tea, Oolong tea etc.

Bubble tea is the name for pearl milk tea and other similar tea and juice beverages that originated in tea shops in Taichung, Taiwan during the 1980s. Drink recipes may vary, but most bubble teas contain a tea base mixed with fruit (or fruit syrup) and/or milk. Ice-blended versions of the drinks, similar to slushies, are also available, usually in fruit flavors.

One of the famous categories of bubble teas is "pearl milk tea" (also known as "boba milk tea" in parts of America), which contains small chewy balls made of tapioca starch, called "Pearls" in Chinese. Pearls made of tapioca are also available in many places.

Bubble tea began its rise to international recognition, spreading from Taiwan to other East Asian countries. It then migrated to Australia, Canada, Chinatowns throughout the United States, and various college towns along the American West Coast.

Black Teas

Black teas get their characteristic flavour and colour from a natural oxidation process, which follows initial drying and rolling of the leaves after they have been picked. Tea Palace offers a wide range of single estate black teas including world famous Assams, Darjeelings and Ceylons and a range of bespoke Black Blends.

Green Teas

Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves which are simply heated after picking to destroy the enzymes that cause oxidation. They are then rolled to release their flavour. Green teas are sweet and contain many of the vitamins and antioxidant properties of the fresh green tea leaf, making them highly regarded as a healthy, fragrant and delicious drink. 

Tea Palace offers the largest range of green teas in the UK, including rare, speciality and hand tied teas from China and Japan, as well as Flavoured Green Teas and exclusive blends.

Oolong Teas

Oolong teas are increasingly popular since recent studies indicate that they help the body to break down fat and metabolise rich fatty foods. They also contain less caffeine than black teas.

White Teas

White tea is the world's rarest tea as it can only be picked for a few weeks in any one year. Authentic white tea is only grown in the Fujian province in China where the exact method of processing is kept secret. What we do know is that white tea is made from a specific tea plant variety, as well as a particular processing method which raises small silvery hairs on the leaves and buds.

White tea has seen a recent increase in popularity and has well-documented antioxidant and detoxifying benefits.