ReZoom

With the growing popularity of tea in the United States, it's time for a primer on what differentiates all those loose leaves and bagged treats from one another. Keep reading for hints on throwing a very grown-up tea party …

With the growing popularity of tea in the United States, it's time for a primer on what differentiates all those loose leaves and bagged treats from one another. Keep reading for hints on throwing a very grown-up tea party.

1. Darjeeling
India
Darjeeling tea is only grown in the Himalayas of India. Tea leaves are picked during seasons known as "flushes," and many tea aficionados claim the ability to distinguish between tea leaves and flushes just like wine connoisseurs can differentiate vineyards and harvest years.

Serve Darjeeling at your next Sunday brunch along with the mimosas. After all, Darjeeling is so highly acclaimed in the tea world, it is sometimes referred to as "the champagne of teas."

2. Green Tea
Japan
Zen Buddhist priests first brought tea to Japan from neighboring China. And, ever since, tea has been associated with religious practice in the nation. The Japanese tea ceremony is a long ritual that requires years of training to perform properly.

But, you don't need years of training to stage your own version of the tea ceremony at home. Find a local store that sells all the trappings of the traditional ceremony like hishaku (the ladle) or chawan (the tea bowls) and invite friends over for green tea with some culture on the side.

3. Earl Grey
Great Britain
Although it's hard not to think of England when tea is mentioned, the land of Union Jack was actually one of the last countries to jump on the tea bandwagon. After Westerners discovered tea during trips to the Orient, France and Holland were the first European countries to start brewing. But, once England did catch on to the quaff craze, they ran with it. Early Grey is actually a blend of Indian and Ceylon teas with a bit of citrus thrown in. Earl Grey is flavored by the bergamot, which is a type of acidic orange.

Host an afternoon tea complete with Earl Grey tea and other English treats like scones and cucumber sandwiches because you know that even adults like having the crusts cut off for them.

4. Ceylon
Sri Lanka
Ceylon tea comes from Sri Lanka and is named for the nation's original title. Without tea, Sri Lanka would be in dire financial straights - sixty percent of the nation's income comes from tea sales to foreign lands.

Ceylon's mix of flavors makes it a great accompaniment to sweet and citrus flavors. Pair it with raspberry cheesecake or pecan pie the next time you're serving dessert.

5. Assam
India
Assam is a black tea grown in the lower regions of India. What is truly unique about tea in India is that Assam is the only are outside of China where native tea plants grow.

A great complement to cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, keep assam in the cupboards for the next time a friend drops by and serve it along with raisin bread or other substantial grains.
6. Rooibos
South Africa
Rooibos is a tea that comes from South Africa and is also known as "African red tea." It is a more recent addition to the tea market, and many in Africa are beginning to use rooibos in a coffee-like form.

For a twist on after-dinner stand-bys, serve mugs of rooibos, rooibos lattes or rooibos espresso after your next dinner party. (And, decaf devotees need not fret - rooibos is caffeine free.)

7. Sweet Tea
Southern United States
An unbearable day at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair led entrepreneur Richard Blechynden to pour ice into hot tea, and an American staple was born. Of course, leave it to the land of moon pies, fried chicken and cobbler to decide that the only way to improve on a good thing is by adding sugar. You know you've crossed the Mason Dixon Line when an iced tea order is met with the question of "sweet or unsweet?"

Pack a jug of sweet tea to sip on your next picnic outing. As an accompaniment for down-home favorites like potato salad and pulled pork sandwiches, you can't go wrong.

Ready for more? Read about the health benefits of tea on our wellness channel.