When it comes to tea, colour isn’t just about beauty — it’s a window into flavour, strength, and even aroma. Whether you’re a seasoned tea lover or just starting to explore loose-leaf blends, understanding the tea colour chart can help you brew your perfect cup every time.
What Is a Tea Colour Chart?
A tea colour chart is a visual guide showing the range of colours tea can take on once brewed. From the pale champagne hue of a white tea to the deep mahogany of a black tea, each shade tells a story about oxidation, steeping time, and leaf type.
A typical chart might include:
| Tea Type | Colour Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White Tea | Pale yellow to champagne | Delicate, floral, light-bodied |
| Green Tea | Light green to golden yellow | Fresh, grassy, slightly sweet |
| Oolong Tea | Amber to copper | Floral, toasty, smooth |
| Black Tea | Deep amber to reddish-brown | Bold, malty, brisk |
| Pu-erh Tea | Dark red to near black | Earthy, rich, mellow |
| Herbal Infusions | Varies (rose pink, ruby, golden, blue) | Caffeine-free, aromatic, soothing |
What Influences Tea Colour?
- The final colour in your cup depends on a few key factors:
- Oxidation – The more oxidized the tea leaves are, the darker your brew. That’s why black teas are richer and deeper in hue than green or white teas.
- Leaf Size and Type – Whole leaves tend to brew lighter, while broken or crushed leaves (like those in tea bags) release colour — and tannins — faster.
- Steeping Time and Temperature – Longer or hotter brews extract more pigments and tannins, deepening the colour and intensifying the flavour.
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Water Quality – Hard water or certain minerals can subtly affect how your tea develops its shade.
How to Use the Tea Colour Chart at Home
- Adjust strength visually: Instead of timing your steep, watch the colour deepen until it matches your preferred shade.
- Compare teas side by side: Brew small cups of different varieties to explore the spectrum of colour and flavour.
- Perfect your pour: For milk tea, a colour chart can help you achieve consistency — whether you like it “builder’s brew” dark or a soft caramel shade.
Beyond the Basics: Herbal and Specialty Colours
Herbal teas add another level of artistry to the tea colour chart. Think:
- Hibiscus: Deep ruby red
- Chamomile: Golden yellow
- Butterfly pea flower: Brilliant blue (that turns purple with lemon juice!)
- These infusions may not come from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), but they showcase the stunning diversity in the world of hot brews.
- A tea colour chart isn’t just for connoisseurs — it’s a simple, beautiful way to understand what’s in your cup. Next time you brew, take a moment to appreciate the spectrum from pale gold to dark amber. Every shade tells a story of leaf, time, and tradition.