CLASSES OF TEA

Tea classification has changed over the years, but a widely accepted set of six is the following.  Some classifications don't include Yellow Tea and therefore speak of only five classes of tea.

Green – no oxidation (oxidation prevented by steaming or dry heat)
Yellow – no oxidation & ‘smothered’ for smoothness
White – less than 8% oxidation
Oolong – partially oxidated, 20%-80%
Black – fully oxidated
Pu-erh – always fermented, not always oxidised

(You know when you cut an apple or a head of lettuce and it turns brown?  That's oxidation.  That's why "black" tea leaves are deep coppery brown/black.)

More later.