Body
Definition
The perceived weight and texture of tea in your mouth - how 'thick' or 'thin' it feels. Body ranges from light and watery (like a delicate white tea) to full and viscous (like a rich Assam or aged pu-erh). It's influenced by dissolved solids, polyphenols, amino acids, and brewing parameters.
Why it matters
Body is one of the most immediate qualities you notice when tasting tea, yet it's rarely discussed by beginners. Understanding body helps you match teas to occasions - light-bodied teas for meditative sipping, full-bodied teas with meals or milk - and guides your brewing adjustments.