What is quality tea
There are two beverages in the world that the majority of the population drinks daily. These are coffee and the very second in popularity is tea. These can be loose teas, portioned o green tea or organic teas. Whatever your preference, it should always be a quality tea first and foremost.
You may save a penny on low-quality teas, but what do you lose? It is cost-effective to market such teas. Cheap teas are (therefore) readily available in any shop. However, their sub-par quality is reflected in both taste and health benefits. In the end, even the price may not make you out as well as you originally calculated. Because the strong flavor of a quality tea allows for a higher number of infusions.
Very high quality green tea leaves.
How to know a good quality tea
Even a layman can tell the difference between regular supermarket tea and quality tea. Just look at it. With quality loose leaf teas you will immediately see the nice dried leaves of the tea plant. They have a pretty consistent size and shape of leaves. When you hold a premium quality tea in your hand, the leaves will be light with a natural smooth texture. Does the tea feel rough in your fingers? Then it will probably be of a lower quality.
Tea quality test: the 4 senses test
Tea lovers will have heard of the 4 Senses Test to identify the quality of tea. As the name of this test implies, you will evaluate the tea by sight, smell, taste and touch. When testing the quality of your tea, you then focus on whether:
- has a uniform appearance, without many stems or uneven leaves
- has a distinct aroma that is enhanced by steeping
- it has a strong taste mouthfeel with subtle notes
- is not crumbly to the touch, light and firm
For a great tea experience, don't forget a good quality teapot. The right temperature is also essential, which can only be achieved with a temperature-controlled teapot.
The taste of quality tea
In most cases, when we talk about the beverage called tea, we are referring to the variously processed leaves of the Chinese tea plant - Camelia Sinensis. However, it is the place of growth or the particular type of processing and fermentation that differentiates the final taste. Especially when we compare black and green tea. There is a sweet earthiness to the taste and aroma of black tea, while green teas tend to be refreshing and smell grassy.
In general, high-quality teas have a clearly definable taste. Their aroma is also strong. They give the tea drinker a full experience of pure flavor notes ranging from subtle and bright to deep and intense. They do not have the unpleasant flavours with an astringent bitterness that are typical of lower quality teas.
Where to buy quality tea
Your quest for quality tea doesn't have to be complicated. There are dozens of quality teas within easy reach. Click on the tea category on our e-shop and you will see a selection of selected single teas, organic teas as well as fruit-flavoured blends and certified organic teas from Green Plantation.
