Cultivar
Definition
A cultivated variety of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) selectively bred or maintained for specific traits like flavor, hardiness, or leaf size. Examples include Yabukita (dominant in Japan), Da Bai (used for white tea), and Jin Xuan (milk oolong).
Why it matters
Cultivar choice fundamentally shapes what's possible in the cup. Just as grape varieties define wine styles, tea cultivars determine baseline flavor potential before processing even begins. Knowing key cultivars helps you understand regional tea identities.