True tea
Green, white, oolong, black and dark teas come from Camellia sinensis. Processing creates their different characteristics. These teas naturally contain caffeine.
What about caffeine? ↗A better-informed cup
Tea knowledge, without the gatekeeping.
Tea can be wonderfully complex. Choosing and preparing it does not need to be. These notes are a starting point; always follow verified product instructions when available.
Start here
Three things worth knowing.
Botanical infusions
Rooibos, barley, mint and chamomile are not leaves of the tea plant. Many are naturally caffeine-free, though complete blend ingredients matter.
Explore botanical ideas ↗Let taste lead
Choose by aroma and moment: roasted, floral, refreshing or fruity. Provenance, freshness and preparation matter more than an impressive-sounding label.
Explore tea ideas ↗Brew with care
A practical starting guide.
Temperatures below are broad starting ranges for common loose-leaf styles, not universal instructions. Leaf grade, vessel, quantity and preferred flavour can change the outcome.
| Style | Water | Start with | What to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green tea | 70–85°C | 1–3 minutes | Try cooler water if the cup is too bitter. |
| White tea | 75–90°C | 2–4 minutes | Delicacy varies widely across white tea styles. |
| Oolong | 85–95°C | 2–4 minutes | Light and heavily roasted styles behave differently. |
| Black tea | 90–100°C | 2–4 minutes | Brewing strength is an individual preference. |
| Botanical infusion | Per ingredient | Often 5–10 minutes | Follow ingredient-specific food-safety instructions. |
Start with roughly 2–3 g of loose leaf for about 200–250 ml of water, adjust to taste, and follow the grower's instructions when available. These are household preparation starting points, not measured product specifications.
Common questions
Questions we hear around the cup.
Is herbal tea actually tea?
In everyday language, yes. Technically, an infusion made without the tea plant is a botanical or herbal infusion. OngTeh will make the distinction clear.
Is oolong a caffeine-free choice?
No. Oolong is made from the tea plant and contains caffeine. Its amount varies with the leaf and brewing.
Does decaffeinated mean absolutely zero caffeine?
Not always. Decaffeination removes most caffeine, but a small residual amount can remain. Check a product's actual specification.
Does tea help with anxiety or insomnia?
We do not present teas as treatments. An evening tea ritual can be enjoyable, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.