Tea and herbal tea are often confused. However, behind these two comforting hot drinks lie two very distinct worlds. The key to everything? Their botanical origins. It's simple: it's all about the plant.
Where do they come from? A plant origin that changes the game
For tea, everything starts with a single plant: the tea plant , whose scientific name is Camellia sinensis . Native to Asia, it is this plant that gives rise to all the families of tea that we know, whether green, black, white or oolong. The difference between them does not come from the plant itself, but from the way in which the leaves are worked after harvesting, notably by a process of oxidation. And yes, tea contains theine (which is in fact the same molecule as caffeine), which gives it its famous stimulating effect. It is this same plant that is at the heart of ancestral rituals such as the Japanese matcha ceremony, Chanoyu .
Herbal tea, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. The word "herbal tea" is a generic term that refers to an infusion of any plant other than the tea plant. It can include flowers like European chamomile, roots like Asian ginger, leaves like North African mint or South African rooibos, or even fruits. There are a near-infinite number of herbal teas, each with its own composition, flavour, and benefits. One of the major differences is that herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free .
A world tour of botanical origins
To truly grasp what separates tea from herbal tea, a little return to the roots is in order. Their botanical origins aren't just different; they tell two stories, two geographical and cultural journeys that we find directly in our cups.
The world of tea, as rich and complex as it is, is rooted in a single species: Camellia sinensis . This shrub, native to Asia, is the parent of all known teas. Whether you enjoy a green tea from Japan, a black tea from Darjeeling in India, or an oolong from Taiwan, they all come from the same plant. It is the terroir and, above all, human know-how that shape its leaves to reveal an infinite variety of flavors.
The uniqueness of Camellia sinensis is what makes tea so fascinating. It's a single plant that, in the hands of artisans, transforms into a myriad of aromatic profiles, from the most vegetal to the most woody.
Conversely, the world of herbal tea is a true ode to biodiversity. The word "herbal tea" is actually a generic term that encompasses infusions made from a multitude of plants, harvested on every continent. Each tribe, each culture, each region of the world has its own rituals and favorite plants.
One infusion, one continent
Unlike tea, herbal tea draws from a global pharmacopoeia, where each plant is chosen as much for its taste as for its virtues. This richness offers a virtually unlimited range of experiences:
- In Europe, chamomile and echinacea are the queens of our evenings. They have been cultivated for centuries for their soothing properties and floral sweetness.
- In South America, the Maya are masters of a wide pharmacopoeia. Zapote (chicozapote) and cacao are popular for purifying the body and their antioxidant actions. The Maya of the past didn’t, of course, know the term “antioxidant” as we do today, but they were absolutely convinced of the need to cleanse the body at regular intervals.
- In South Africa, we find rooibos, often wrongly called “red tea”, it comes from a local shrub, Aspalathus linearis . Naturally caffeine-free, it is appreciated for its roundness, its slightly sweet taste and its richness in minerals.
Kozak (Ukraine), Popol Wu’uj (Maya) and Pure Red Rooibos (South Africa) herbal teas
The distinction is therefore fundamental. Tea is the story of a unique origin magnified by human art. Herbal tea, on the other hand, embodies infinite botanical diversity, reflecting traditions and ecosystems from around the world.
Understanding manufacturing methods
The difference between tea and herbal tea is not limited to their botanical origins; it is also profoundly shaped during their production. On the one hand, a complex and precise process for tea. On the other, a more direct method for herbal tea. Both aim to bring out the best in plants.
When it comes to tea, it's all about the controlled processing of the Camellia sinensis leaves. This multi-step process is what gives rise to the different tea families, each with its own unique character.
The art of transforming tea
Tea making is an ancient art that modulates its aromatic profile and color. Key steps include:
- Withering : Freshly picked leaves are spread out to lose some of their moisture. This softens them for further processing.
- Rolling : The leaves are then rolled to break their internal cells, which releases the enzymes necessary for oxidation.
- Oxidation : This is the decisive moment. The leaves are exposed to oxygen, which develops their aromas and color. Green tea undergoes no oxidation, while black tea is completely oxidized, giving it its dark color and powerful flavors.
Oxidation is the heart of the reactor. It's this chemical reaction, meticulously controlled by tea masters, that makes the difference between a lively, vegetal green tea and a rich, malty black tea.
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Simplicity serving nature in the case of herbal tea
For herbal tea, the process is generally simpler. The main objective is to preserve the aromas and active ingredients of the plants. The most common method is simply drying.
This step is crucial to preserve the plant's qualities without altering them. For example, the delicate flowers are often slowly dried in the shade to protect their fragile essential oils, a common practice in traditional herbalism.
For more robust parts like ginger roots, roasting can even be used. This allows for deeper, roasted flavors, similar to what is done in India to prepare Ayurvedic decoctions.
Each artisanal technique is chosen to magnify the unique characteristics of the plant. It is this technique that directly influences the taste and benefits of the drink you will enjoy.
Herbal teas are the realm of phytotherapy, the ancient art of self-care through plants. Free from caffeine, they offer a wide range of benefits specific to the botanicals within. Each plant has specific properties, used for centuries around the world to soothe the body and mind. Our herbal teas are far more than a simple hot drink; they are a genuine daily act of care.
At Tea Tribes & Co, we explore rituals and craftsmanship from around the world to bring you teas and herbal teas that tell a story. Discover our collections inspired by local traditions and let each cup transport you. Visit our online store to begin your sensory journey.