Popular Tea Leaves Used in Tea Shops

Popular Tea Leaves Used in Tea Shops

“Tea leaves” are one of the most popular ingredients worldwide because of their diverse flavors and unique aromas. Each type of tea leaf offers a distinctive taste and fragrance. In addition, the tea-brewing process itself carries a relaxing charm. For tea shops, selecting the right tea leaves is essential, as each variety requires different brewing methods to achieve its best flavor profile. When creating tea-based beverages, the tea itself becomes the main selling point and reflects the identity of the shop. Today, we would like to introduce 6 tea leaves every tea shop should have.

6 Tea Leaves Every Tea Shop Should Have

1. Rice-Scented Oolong Tea Leaves
Rice-scented tea is crafted from premium oolong tea buds blended with Japanese roasted rice leaves, giving it a unique aroma. The taste is smooth, mellow, and easy to drink perfect for beginners.

Highlights

• Unique aroma: A gentle roasted-rice fragrance blended with tea creates a relaxing and well-balanced flavor.
• Smooth and mellow taste: Enhances softness, making it approachable even for first-time tea drinkers.
• Flavor enhancer: Often used to blend with green or black tea for added smoothness.
• Health benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce stress.

Suitable for clear tea, fresh brew tea, milk tea, and fruit tea delivering a soft, refreshing character.

2. Jasmine Green Tea Leaves
Jasmine green tea is made from young green tea leaves infused with jasmine blossoms, creating a delicate floral aroma and a soft, balanced taste.

Highlights

Distinct aroma and flavor: Fresh floral notes with a naturally smooth tea profile.
Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants, supports immunity, helps reduce stress, and promotes relaxation and focus.

Recommended menu ideas include fresh jasmine green tea, honey lemon green tea, and apple green tea. It offers a light yet comforting drinking experience.

3. Taiwanese Tea Leaves
Taiwanese tea is often a blended black tea known for its strong aroma and rich body, making it ideal for milk-based drinks while still preserving the tea character.

Highlights

• High quality: Carefully cultivated and harvested, influenced by Taiwan’s unique climate and soil.
• Distinctive flavor: Bold yet smooth with a signature fragrance.
• Health benefits: Contains antioxidants that support overall wellness and vitality.

Commonly used in fruit teas, Earl Grey tea, honey lemon tea, Earl Grey milk tea, and lattes.

4. Assam Black Tea Leaves
Assam black tea has a bold flavor, produced through a fermentation process of over 16 hours, giving it a strong identity in both aroma and taste.

Highlights

• Rich and full-bodied flavor: Deep red-brown tea color with a robust profile.
• Unique fragrance: Naturally sweet and aromatic.
• Strong brewing performance: Holds up well in hot or iced brewing.
• Good shelf stability: Maintains quality during long storage.
• Health benefits: High in antioxidants that may support health and reduce aging effects.

Popular for English Breakfast blends, milk tea, fruit tea, honey lemon black tea, and black tea latte.

5. Oolong Tea Leaves
Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea, sitting between green tea and black tea in both flavor and aroma. It is widely popular across Asia.

Highlights

Versatile flavor profile: Varies depending on the production method.
Distinct aroma: Influenced by processing techniques and growing environment.
Balanced character: Combines freshness of green tea with the depth of black tea.
Health benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that may support metabolism, heart health, and cognitive function.

Recommended menu options include fresh oolong tea, oolong milk tea, and fermented tea drinks like kombucha.

6. Osmanthus Oolong Tea Leaves
Osmanthus tea is made by blending oolong tea with fragrant osmanthus flowers, offering a soft, floral aroma and a smooth taste.

Highlights

Unique flavor and aroma: A refreshing sweet-tart profile with signature floral notes.
Health benefits: May help reduce stress, support skin health, and promote cardiovascular wellness.
Versatile brewing: Suitable for both hot and cold brewing methods.

Ideal for fresh osmanthus tea, osmanthus milk tea, honey osmanthus milk tea, and fruit tea creations.

These are the 6 most popular tea leaves that every tea shop should consider. If you’re looking for high-quality tea leaves that elevate both flavor and brand identity, choosing the right selection is the first step toward creating memorable beverages.