Tea: The Definition and Meaning

Tea is a beverage made by steeping the processed leaves, buds, or stems of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. Originating in ancient China, tea is one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages. It comes in various types, such as black, green, oolong, and white tea, each differentiated by processing methods and oxidation levels. Tea can also refer to any herbal infusion made from a variety of plants, though technically, only the Camellia sinensis plant produces true tea.