Tea is generally divided into categories based on how it is processed. At least six different types are produced:
- White: wilted and unoxidized
- Yellow: unwilted and unoxidized but allowed to yellow
- Green: unwilted and unoxidized
- Oolong: wilted, bruised, and partially oxidized
- Black: wilted, sometimes crushed, and fully oxidized
- Post-fermented: green tea that has been allowed to ferment/compost