Camellia sinensis
Botanical tea name
Camellia sinensis is the plant species from which tea is made.
Native to East Asia, this evergreen shrub produces the leaves processed into black, green, white, and oolong teas—differences in oxidation and handling, not different plants.
The species name means "Chinese camellia."
Plant-derived antioxidant compounds
- catechinsPolyphenolic tea compounds
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
- flavonoidsPolyphenolic plant metabolites
- theanineRelaxing tea amino acid
caffeine · metabolism · wellness · anti-inflammatory · heart health · neuroprotection · bioactive · free radicals
Steeping to extract essence
- steepingSoaking to extract flavor
- teapotSteeping and serving vessel
- kettleSpouted vessel for heating water
- teacupSmall handled drinking vessel
temperature · timing · leaves · liquor · astringency · tannins · caffeine · theanine
Semi-oxidized tea variety
Small woody plant
- evergreenRetains foliage year-round
- leavesTree's photosynthetic organs
- perennialRecurring each year
- botanyScience of flora
genus · species · varietal · taxonomy · camellia · flora · horticulture · chlorophyll
East Asian superpower
Large-scale farming operation
- harvestingGathering mature crops
- pluckingRemoving by tugging
- pruningCutting vegetation for health
- shade-grownRaised under trees
organic · biodynamic · terroir · flush · seedlings · grafting · cloning · propagation
Powdered Japanese green tea
- tatamiWoven rush floor mat
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
- hospitalityGenerous treatment of guests
tradition · zen · whisk · scoop · caddy · etiquette · tranquility · aesthetics
polyphenols
Plant-derived antioxidant compounds
- catechinsPolyphenolic tea compounds
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
- flavonoidsPolyphenolic plant metabolites
theanine · caffeine · metabolism · wellness · anti-inflammatory · heart health · neuroprotection · bioactive · free radicals · immunity
infusion
Steeping to extract essence
- steepingSoaking to extract flavor
- teapotSteeping and serving vessel
- kettleSpouted vessel for heating water
teacup · temperature · timing · leaves · liquor · astringency · tannins · caffeine · theanine · mouthfeel
oolong
Semi-oxidized tea variety
shrub
Small woody plant
botany · genus · species · varietal · taxonomy · camellia · flora · horticulture · chlorophyll · photosynthesis
China
East Asian superpower
Sri Lanka · Kenya · Vietnam · Korea · Yunnan · Fujian · Hangzhou
plantation
Large-scale farming operation
- harvestingGathering mature crops
- pluckingRemoving by tugging
- pruningCutting vegetation for health
shade-grown · organic · biodynamic · terroir · flush · seedlings · grafting · cloning · propagation · nursery
matcha
Powdered Japanese green tea
- tatamiWoven rush floor mat
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- mindfulnessAwareness of the present
hospitality · tradition · zen · whisk · scoop · caddy · etiquette · tranquility · aesthetics
floral
Of or like blooms
nutty · toasty · smoky · marine · umami · sweet · astringent · brisk · malty · muscatel
- Species NamesHomo sapiens, Apis mellifera, Tyrannosaurus rex, Boa constrictor, Vitis vinifera
- Stimulant Plantscoffee plant, tea plant, guarana, yerba mate, kola nut
- tea industrytea plantation, tea trade, tea garden, tea estate, tea leaves
- Camellias
- Theaceaecamellia, tea plant
- tea plants