Steaming cup of deep red Chai tea on a white coaster, with loose leaf tea and branded pouch displayed on a light surface, by Yerba Buena Tea Company.

The Tea Journal

Deepen your connection to the leaf. Explore expert guides on organic ingredients, the science of steeping, and the stories behind our Oregon-blended teas. Your resource for sipping with intention.

Gradient of organic tea leaves showing the difference between white, green, oolong, and black tea processing.

Types of Tea: How One Plant Becomes Five (Plus Herbal)

Green, black, white, oolong, pu-erh. Five teas, one plant. The difference is in the craft, specifically how long the leaf oxidizes before heat stops the process. Here's what that means for your cup.

Side-by-side comparison of broken tea bag dust and whole loose leaf tea with real botanicals, by Yerba Buena Tea Co.

Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags: Why "Whole Leaf" Tastes Better

Is loose leaf really worth the effort? We break down the difference between the "dust" found in grocery store tea bags and the premium whole leaves we use in Oregon. Learn why switching to loose leaf is the biggest upgrade you can make for your health and palate.