Mrs Bridges Pantry Online - A Little Slice of Britain...

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There are three types of tea, a result of the way they are processed -

1.) BLACK TEA - is the most processed of all three, being fully fermented to remove moisture and release organic compounds in the plant which, when combined with other constituents in the leaf, produce a molecular structure that gives black tea its distinctive flavor and aroma. The length of fermentation determines the color of the leaf. The final flavor and aroma is a result of the amount of time and the degree of oxidation.

Darjeeling - an Indian tea with intense aroma and full flavor
Keemun - from China, a mild tea universally enjoyed enjoyed. The first English Breakfast tea
Assam - Indian Tea with a malty flavor, standard in English and Irish Breakfast blends
Earl Grey - flavored with Bergamot, a Cantonese citrus fruit
Lapsang Souchong - from China, scented with a smoky, tarry flavor from being processed over pine root fires
Fruit-flavored teas - using natural fruits of fruit flavoring

2.) OOLONG TEA - is a semi-fermented tea, processed similarly to black. The shorter withering and fermenting period creates a sweeter, more delicate flavor note than that of black tea.

Formosa Oolong - generally regarded as the best, flavors range from smooth and sweet to fruity and toasty in taste
Wen Shan Pouchong - a tea with an exotic perfume, almost green tea(ish) in nature

3.) GREEN TEA - is the least processed of all the tea types. The newly plucked leaves are first steamed or pan-fried to stop the chemical reactions that begin once the leaves are plucked, causing fermentation to begin. Green Tea is enjoyed throughout the world for its unqiue taste and its healthy aspects.

Gunpowder - Chinese tea where leaves are rolled by hand into tiny pellets. Grassy, fresh taste that cleanses the palette
Dragon Well - Chinese green tea with nice aroma and delicate flavor
Sencha - from Japan, pan-fried, light in color but rich in the cup

OTHER NOTABLES:

Decaffinated - while black tea has less caffeine per cup than other popular beverages, some people prefer no caffeine at all
Herbal Teas - also called Tisane, herbal teas are actually not teas at all, but an infusion of herbs, flowers and spices
Chai - An Indian tea drink consisting of black tea and various spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, and cloves. It is mixed with milk and served hot or cold.
Rooibos - A non-caffeine herbal type of leaf from Africa. It is served and brewed like regular tea and combines well with milk