Black tea and green tea may look and taste completely different, but they begin with leaves from the same plant: Camellia sinensis.
What differentiates the tea varieties is how the camellia sinensis leaves are handled after harvesting. That process shapes the colour, aroma and character of the finished tea.
Here is a simple guide to finding the King Cole tea that suits your cup.
Black Tea
To make black tea, freshly harvested leaves are allowed to oxidize. During this process, the leaves darken and develop the deeper, fuller flavours associated with traditional black tea.
King Cole Orange Pekoe is a classic example. It offers a rich, familiar cup that can be enjoyed black or with milk and sugar.
English Breakfast has a smoother, lighter character while still providing the comforting body of black tea. Earl Grey adds the distinctive citrus aroma of bergamot, while Chai brings warming spices into the blend.
Black tea is a natural choice for breakfast, an afternoon break or any moment that calls for a satisfying, traditional cup.
Green Tea
Green tea is also made from Camellia sinensis, but the leaves are heated shortly after harvesting to limit oxidation. This helps preserve their green colour and gives the tea a lighter, fresher flavour.
Because green tea is more delicate, it should be brewed with slightly cooler water. Allow freshly boiled water to rest for at least one minute, then steep the tea for approximately three minutes.
King Cole Green Tea can be enjoyed hot or chilled. A decaffeinated version is also available for anyone who wants the character of green tea without the caffeine.
Flavoured Teas
Flavoured teas begin with a traditional tea base and introduce fruit, citrus, herbs or spices to create something new.
King Cole Earl Grey pairs black tea with bergamot. Chai combines black tea with warming spices. Strawberry Pineapple brings a bright summer flavour, while Chocolate Peppermint offers a cozy seasonal twist.
The green tea collection includes fruit-forward and refreshing varieties such as Apple Cranberry, Cranberry Raspberry, Honey Lemon and Peppermint. These decaffeinated blends can be enjoyed hot or poured over ice.
Decaffeinated Tea
Decaffeinated tea offers the familiar ritual and flavour of tea with most of its caffeine removed.
It is a useful option for evening cups, caffeine-sensitive tea drinkers or anyone who simply wants another choice throughout the day. King Cole offers decaffeinated versions of both Orange Pekoe and Green Tea, along with several flavoured green teas.
Find the Tea for Your Moment
Choose a strong Orange Pekoe for the breakfast table, a fresh green tea for the afternoon or a flavoured blend when you are in the mood for something different.
There is no need to choose only one favourite. Every tea has its own time and place, and discovering yours is part of the pleasure.