subject: Factors That Determine Tea Quality [print this page] Factors That Determine Tea Quality Factors That Determine Tea Quality
After a while, the tea you purchase from the grocery store begins to seem dull. The flavor, while there, isn't as strong as you think it could be. Sometimes, even, the blend has an odd aftertaste. Then, at some point, you were told about loose leaf tea, and nearly instantly found quality: Bigger leaves resulted in more taste. But, you ask yourself, "Loose leaf tea is expensive. What, exactly, am I paying for?" As you might have found out as an average tea drinker, different blends create different and unique tastes. For a general guide for determining the quality of tea, take these factors into consideration.
Bagged teas, in general, are considered lower quality than loose varieties but this is not always the case. Simply going with loose over bagged isn't the best strategy for finding a good-tasting and affordable blend. Examine what is inside the teabag. Do you see small or large leaves? Sticks? Dust? As a general rule, the larger the leaves, the better the brew. Cheap and bad-tasting teas, as you might see, are often made up of dust-like particles inside a teabag. This "dust" is considered the lowest-quality portion of tea leaves.
Loose leaf, while better in quality over all, is also graded in much the same way: by leaf size. While you will not find dust, sticks, and small particles in a loose blend, pay attention to the size of the leaves and, also, if buds are present. Higher-quality loose leaf blends tend to have a greater percentage of buds. In fact, the highest-quality white teas available are made entirely out of buds. If you just look at leaf size, as well, find a blend that is predominately full instead of broken leaves.
An estate blend is the third factor for gauging tea quality. Estate teas, often loose leaf, are grown in specific locations around the world in specific growing conditions. With the height above sea level, closeness to the equator, and climate all factored into creating an estate blend, such teas are often the most expensive but high-quality options available.
Of course, you may not be able to afford the estate blend all the time. Instead, look for a higher quality tea blend that fits in your budget. For most, a loose leaf blend may fit this ideal: A blend of full leaves that creates a round and bold flavor. Additionally, however, bagged blends may also contain full leaves or larger leaf pieces and may product a brew with a flavor just as full and strong.
