It is difficult to argue with the experience accumulated over the millennia. Living in Western countries, we habitually drink tea every day, while in the East, tea has long been considered a source of health, happiness, as well as peace of mind and wisdom. More recently, various studies have been carried out in order to fully determine which tea is better and what are the health benefits of even one cup of tea in your daily diet. Some studies have shown that certain types of tea can prevent the occurrence of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, as well as promote weight loss, lower cholesterol and mental alertness. But what is the most valuable thing in tea? Undoubtedly, best tea not only great for your diet, but it also tastes amazing and comes in a huge variety of flavors with different caffeine content. Green, black, white, oolong, pu-erh - all these varieties of tea are obtained from the tea bush (Camellia), which grows in China, India and contains special antioxidants known as flavonoids. herbal teas, such as chamomile, echinacea, hibiscus, rooibos (herbal tea), and ginger tea, are made from herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots that have lower concentrations of antioxidants and therefore their chemical compositions differ significantly. Herbal teas often have a sweet taste, while green or black teas can be too strong to drink without additional sweeteners. Natural products are good choice to improve taste while maintaining health benefits. Some products contain fruits such as Paradise Fruits by Jahncke or Healthy Natural Sweeteners from Fitday.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea is made from the herbaceous plant ginger. Its beneficial properties include relieving nausea, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, reducing respiratory diseases, reducing stress, increasing fertility, and strengthening immune system. However, too a large number of ginger tea can lead to side effects such as digestive problems, or interrupted sleep.
Rooibos tea (herbal tea)
Rooibos (herbal tea) is the natural best tea with a sweet taste, made from the South African rooibos shrub. The leaves of the shrub are harvested, crushed and rolled, and then left to ferment and dry. This tea has always been used to treat headaches, insomnia, asthma, eczema, bone weakness, hypertension, allergies and premature aging. This tea does not contain caffeine and can be consumed at any time of the day.
Hibiscus tea
Echinacea itself is a plant that is used to make some medicines. It is used to activate chemicals in the body, to reduce inflammation and to stimulate the body's immune system. Echinacea is widely used to fight infections such as colds and other respiratory ailments. It is also used to combat migraines, indigestion, vertigo pain, snake bites, and some skin problems. Echinacea is native to North America and was used by the local Indian tribes of the Great Plains to make medicinal plants.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is made from the chamomile flower, a plant that has been used for centuries in folk and traditional medicine. Chamomile has calming properties and can positively influence sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and stimulate the immune system. Antioxidants help prevent complications from diabetes, such as loss of vision, loss of nerve cells, and kidney damage. They can reduce the growth of cancer cells. The sixth line in the ranking of the most delicious and best teas in the world.
Puer tea
Pu-erh is a tea obtained by fermentation, the whole process includes fermentation and subsequent long-term storage or “aging” in wet conditions. The longer Puer tea insisted, the better it will taste. Pu-erh is made mainly in China, but is also popular in Taiwan. Tea has less caffeine than other teas, but is used to lower cholesterol levels, as it contains a small amount of the chemical lovastatin, which is not the case with other teas.
Oolong tea
Oolong is a partially fermented tea, while green is unfermented and black is fully fermented. It is used to concentrate the mind and improve mental alertness. Other health benefits include a reduced risk of cancer, tooth decay, osteoporosis, and heart disease. There are many varieties of oolong tea grown in China.
White tea
White tea is the least processed, compared to black and green; it has the highest level of antioxidants. White tea can reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of various diseases, promote recovery of the body by strengthening the circulatory and immune systems, strengthen bones, teeth and restore the skin. The third line in the list of the best and most useful teas in the world.
Black tea
Black tea is made from fermented tea leaves and has high content caffeine. Some studies have shown that black tea can protect the lungs from damage caused by cigarette smoke and also reduce the risk of stroke. This type tea is widely used to increase mental alertness, especially for learning, improving memory and information processing.
Green tea
The best and delicious tea peace. Made from tea leaves using steam green tea has the highest concentration of catechin (ECGC). It is a common antioxidant or flavonoid found in tea. ECGC and other antioxidants found in green tea are essential to prevent tumors in the bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreas, and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It also prevents clogged arteries, promotes fat burning, reduces stress, reduces the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and can reduce the risk of stroke and normalize cholesterol levels.
For over 5,000 years, tea has been the favorite drink of millions. It invigorates in the morning and perfectly tones up during the day. To keep warm winter evenings it is drunk hot, and to quench thirst in the heat, ice is added to the drink. Great amount companies around the world produces 1000 different varieties and types of tea. It is difficult to find the best drink in such a variety, so we have compiled a rating based on expert opinions and customer reviews.
The best loose black tea
Most of the production volumes are black tea. For its manufacture, the leaves are subjected to fermentation, which can last from 2 to 4 weeks. Large-leaf black tea has a tart taste. Manufacturers are constantly experimenting with a variety of additives to give the drink versatility.
4 Basilur
The best premium black tea
Country: Sri Lanka
Rating (2018): 4.6
This tea is truly grown, harvested, produced and packaged in Ceylon, so it is of consistently high quality. The company was founded in Sri Lanka in 1982 and has been a major tea supplier to other countries ever since. The authenticity of the origin of the drink can be verified by the sign of the golden lion on the original packaging. This symbol is not allowed to be used by any other country. One of the secrets of the great taste of tea is the work of tea testers. This is a kind of tea sommeliers, tasters who are able to distinguish tens of thousands of shades of taste, aftertaste, bouquet of a drink. Therefore Basilur is really a premium product at a moderate cost - about 250 rubles. for 100 gr. Tea can be found in large supermarkets.
The range of teas is simply huge, and both classic and flavored lines are popular. The harmony of the tea bouquet is achieved by refusing to use artificial flavors, adding pieces of fruit, inflorescences, flower petals and buds, aromatic herbs and oils. The company's assortment includes at least 200 types of tea, among which every connoisseur of this drink will find something for himself. best taste and aroma. Many customers really like the oriental tea collection. One of the brightest flavors from this line is Frosty Day with a harmonious bouquet of white and blue cornflower petals, passion fruit and orange. Find negative feedback about this brand is very difficult.
3 Birds of Paradise
The best loose leaf tea
A country: Sri Lanka (there is a representative office in Russia)
Rating (2018): 4.7
Sri Lanka is considered the country of origin of the brand, but the tea that is on the shelves of our stores is packaged by the Russian representative of Aromat Extra LLC. Despite the low cost (about 100 rubles per 100 gr.), the tea is of very good quality, has a rich, harmonious taste and aroma. It is also impossible to attribute it to the category of mass consumption products - tea is not supplied to all stores, it is not the most common. But it is one of the best in its price range.
Under the Birds of Paradise brand, mainly classic large-leaf and medium-leaf Ceylon and Indian teas are produced. Flavorings are rarely used and only natural. For example, a light, unobtrusive scent of bergamot. In tea "Strawberry Glade" are visible large pieces berries. There are a lot of varieties, you can find an option for every taste. Users respond very well to it. They like the absence of "dust" and broken tea leaves. When brewing, whole leaves become visible. The taste of tea without additives is very rich, slightly tart, the color is thick, beautiful.
2 Tess
Variety of flavors at an affordable price
Country Russia
Rating (2018): 4.7
The Tess brand is part of the large Orimi-Trade concern, which has been producing coffee and tea drinks since 1994. In the reviews, Tess tea buyers note the excellent taste of the drink and the variety of choices. All products are made from high-mountain varieties of tea bushes. The brand cannot be called the highest quality - it belongs to mass consumption products, has an affordable price. A pack of tea weighing 100 grams costs about 100 rubles. But at the same time, its palatability is quite high, and the variety of flavors, rich aromas and availability in most supermarkets and shops make it one of the most popular.
The range of black teas includes 6 different varieties. Tess Ceylon high-mountain Ceylon large-leaf tea is especially popular. Unusual taste possesses "Tess of Pleasure", as it harmoniously combines rosehip, apple, flower petals and tropical fruits. "Tess Orange" is a real source of energy - the orange that is part of it pleasantly invigorates and tones. Tess Earl Gray tea has a more refreshing effect, the energy of citrus fruits and the freshness of bergamot contribute to an easy awakening. classic cheerful morning will give "Tess Sunrise", according to gourmet reviews, he is the best drink in the brand line.
Everyone knows about the beneficial properties of tea and the absence of contraindications for consumption. However, it is worth noting that there are several limitations:
- do not brew tea several times;
- "yesterday's" tea does not contain useful substances and may even harm;
- if you drink tea on an empty stomach, you can harm the digestive system;
- due to the increased concentration of caffeine Reviver should not be used by hypertensive patients;
- taste and nutritional qualities deteriorate due to improper brewing;
- tea should not be taken with medicines.
1 Twinings
Real English tea
A country: Great Britain
Rating (2018): 4.9
For over 300 years, Twinings drinks have been popular with consumers. The manufacturer has found an approach to everyone, as it implements a wide range of varieties. For lovers of bergamot, the company produces Earl Gray tea. A rich taste of "English Breakfast" is given by a blend of large-leaved varieties. In the fruit collection, the leader of sales is Lady Gray Tea, which combines citrus notes of bergamot, lemon and orange.
Tea "Prince of Wales" is the pride of Twinings. It was created in 1921 personally for His Highness the Prince of Wales. Of course, only experienced specialists were involved in its production, who used the best varieties loose leaf tea. Now the company's collection is represented by more than 150 varieties of tea sold in 100 countries. Russian users also appreciated its quality. In the reviews, they note the invariably rich taste, pronounced aroma. Unlike many other brands, the manufacturer produces the same quality tea loose and in sachets. The peculiarity of the brand is that loose leaf tea is produced mainly in metal cans to preserve the unchanged taste and aroma. The cost compared to mass consumption brands is quite high - about 350 rubles per 100 grams.
The best black tea bags
American merchant Thomas Sullivan sent samples of tea to his customers in small silk bags. The customers decided that tea should be brewed directly into them. This is how tea bags were accidentally invented. It is convenient to brew black tea in them, because this does not require a kettle. Tea crumb or fine long leaf tea packaged in small triangles of fine polymer mesh or bags of filtered paper. The packaged drink has a wide range of flavors, which is why it is very popular with customers.
4 Newby
Selected high quality tea
A country: United Kingdom (country of origin India)
Rating (2018): 4.7
An expensive but very high quality international premium brand that produces a wide range of classic and flavored teas in bulk and in bags. There are several features in the production that make the products unique - the collection is carried out only in the most favorable period, the factory is located in the heart of the tea regions of India, so the raw materials are immediately delivered for processing, blending and packaging immediately after collection.
The company's assortment includes about 150 different varieties of tea - black, green, herbal, oolong, flavored varieties. Packed black tea is of high quality, gives a strong infusion with a noble color and rich taste. On sale you can find classic varieties (Assam, English Breakfast, Earl Grey), as well as teas with aromas of thyme, bergamot, cardamom, jasmine, ginger, mango, strawberry and bouquets different flavors. But in the case of expensive teas, users prefer classic tea without additives. The most popular of this brand is the blend " English breakfast» with a balanced taste and aroma without pronounced bitterness. The cost of a box of 25 bags varies between 300-400 rubles.
3 "May tea"
Quality proven over the years
Country Russia
Rating (2018): 4.7
The trademark was registered in 1991 by the May concern, and is still the most recognizable on the market. Large-leaf varieties are subjected to special processing in order to preserve all the benefits and richness of taste. For the convenience of brewing, "May tea" is sold in bags and pyramids that retain all the advantages of a leaf drink. The most popular varieties in the collection are Ceylon and Kenyan teas. This is the well-known "Crown of the Russian Empire", as well as "Golden Petals", "Black Diamond".
Also bagged black tea has a wide flavored line. Lemon, wild berries, raspberries, strawberries and currants are used for a variety of tastes. Among packaged teas, buyers fell in love with a fairly new line of products packed in beautiful golden boxes - Currant with Mint, Fragrant Thyme, Fragrant Bergamot. These teas do indeed have a rather pleasant aroma, but can only claim to be one of the the best teas in the budget price range. The cost for a box of 25 bags rarely exceeds 85 rubles.
2 Dammann
Best quality tea bags
Country: France
Rating (2018): 4.8
One of the most expensive and high quality teas in the world. Russian market. It is produced by the oldest tea company in France, founded in 1925. It can safely be called the most the best manufacturer packaged teas, as it tastes no different from a drink brewed from loose product. When you open the bag, you will find in it not dust and “sawdust”, as happens with cheap brands, but a real large, properly rolled tea leaf. This company was one of the first to start producing flavored teas, but they do not use cheap flavors, but only natural ingredients.
Also in the range you can find classic flavors without additional additives. When brewing, the difference is immediately felt, it is seen even by those who cannot call themselves a connoisseur and connoisseur of tea. Very rich, dense color, slightly tart, strong taste and incomparable aroma. True, in Russia this tea is more often purchased as a gift - the cost of a box of 25 bags starts from 700 rubles. But true connoisseurs of the drink can treat themselves. Assorted bags are very popular, including teas with the taste of bergamot, strawberry, currant, honey, almond, lime, vanilla, hazelnut.
1 Althaus
Best for tea shops and restaurants
Country: Germany
Rating (2018): 4.9
Althaus is a German tea, harvested from the best plantations in different parts of the world. The collection was designed by lead teatester Ralf Janeki in Bremen. Due to its high quality, it is purchased for restaurants, cafes, as well as tea boutiques. The classification of black tea "Althouse" is conditional, since this category also includes puer, oolong and red varieties. The drink undergoes strict quality control, therefore it fully complies with EU and Russian standards. Interestingly, some varieties of tea bushes were bred specifically for the Althaus brand.
The brand's collection includes classic blends and aromatic teas with the addition of thyme and bergamot. It is difficult to find fruit teas in the assortment - the company tries to preserve the pure taste of a noble drink, only slightly shading it with the most harmonious additives. On sale there are tea bags made from leaves collected on plantations in India and Sri Lanka. This is really a worthy tea, which has earned high marks from the most fastidious gourmets.
The best loose leaf green tea
The leaves harvested for green tea are steamed. Therefore, the color of the drink remains green and preserves the natural supply of nutrients and vitamins. After steaming, the leaves are dried, rolled and packaged. Some varieties are fermented, but not for long - a maximum of 48 hours. The taste of green tea is slightly sweetish or tart with the aroma of herbs.
4 Nadin
Rich collection of flavored teas
Country Russia
Rating (2018): 4.7
The company, founded in Russia, has taken its rightful place in the market due to the abundance of different varieties of tea. Bagged tea is rarely found on sale, but there are a lot of varieties of large-leaf black and green tea. They usually do not use artificial flavors - in the mixture you can see pieces of fruits and berries, an admixture of petals and herbs, and others. natural supplements. Not in favor of the company is the fact that the tea leaf is grown in China, but the main processing is already in Russia - the quality of this, of course, suffers.
Most of the teas are designed for mass consumption, so they have a low cost - about 60 rubles per 50 grams. But there are also more expensive varieties. For example, green tea "Silver Strawberry" in the form of balls formed from whole tea leaves costs about 350 rubles per 100 grams. The flavors "Forest basket" with pieces of berries, "Chinese lemongrass" with lemongrass grass and citrus zest are very popular.
3 Ahmed
Strict quality control
A country: UK (manufactured in India, China, England, Iran, UAE, Russia and Ukraine)
Rating (2018): 4.7
Ahmad Tea Ltd was founded in 1946 by Ahmad Afshar in Hampshire. The company values its reputation, so it uses tea leaves from the best plantations in China, India and Kenya. natural oils for flavored collections are produced under strict control in the UK. Tradition and strict quality control helped the tea house to receive several international awards, and even visit the International Space Station in 2005. Since 2011, the company has been producing the "Royal Collection" for Buckingham Palace.
In the assortment of the company you can find classic green teas with a very pleasant aroma of a well-made product. Fans of complex flavors will love the line of flavored varieties with the addition of jasmine flowers, lemon balm, mint, lemongrass. Among ordinary people, Ahmad tea has been associated with a top quality product for a couple of decades. According to real connoisseurs, it is very far from the category of premium brands, but in its price category it can be considered one of the best. The cost for a pack weighing 100 grams starts from 100 rubles.
2 Greenfield
The best tea according to Russians
Country Russia
Rating (2018): 4.8
In 2003, the Orimi Trade group of companies signed an agreement with the British company Greenfield Tea Ltd. According to numerous surveys and studies, Greenfield ranks first in the rating of "favorite teas" of Russians. The range of the brand includes more than 30 items. The line of green leaf tea is represented by three varieties.
Sheet Chinese tea Flying Dragon, grown in Hunan province, will delight tea lovers with rich color, floral aroma, invigorate, refresh and quench thirst. Jasmine Dream from Chinese plantations in Yunnan is special. In its preparation, jasmine flowers are dried along with tea leaves and then hand-picked. Japanese Sencha is grown in the Japanese province of Fukoka. But some users note that the quality of tea has declined somewhat recently. It is no longer as fragrant and rich as before. Many people buy it out of habit or because of its low cost - about 100 rubles per 100 grams.
1 Russian Tea Company
Large selection of varieties
A country: Russia (produced in Germany and Russia)
Rating (2018): 4.9
"Russian Tea Company" was established in 1998, and is constantly improving the quality and range of its products. The brand sells green, white, black teas and herbal preparations with a unique combination of berries and fruits. Tea production is carried out not only in Russia, but also at the German plant Wollenhaupt GmbH. For the manufacture of unique blends, the company is purchased at auctions in China and Sri Lanka.
The collection of the brand has more than 200 items, so everyone can choose tea to their liking. The company also boasts of packaging. In addition to branded packages for buying loose tea, the manufacturer offers gift tin and glass jars, as well as exclusive wooden boxes. In addition to boxed teas, which are sold in large supermarkets, many cities have specialized departments that sell various types of tea by weight. There are different reviews, but negative ones are usually left only for the cheapest varieties of tea. The price range is very wide - there are budget and elite varieties.
The best green tea bags
Sachets, sachets and pyramids are always strictly metered and designed to produce 200 ml of a delicious drink. When brewing green tea bags, the infusion does not turn out strong, so the amount of caffeine consumed is reduced. This form of release is also popular due to its ease of use. Particles of tea leaves, various herbs and pieces of fruit do not get into the mug. Below are the brands that produce green tea bags.
4 Ronnefeldt
Tea from two top leaves and tips
Country: Germany
Rating (2018): 4.7
The famous brand of premium tea is known for its very high quality and variety of flavors. The brand is one of the oldest - it was founded in Germany in 1823. Now it is very popular, used by many of the best restaurants and hotels in the world. The manufacturer uses only selected raw materials purchased from proven plantations in India, Sri Lanka and China. The basis of all products is the principle - to use only the top two leaves and a kidney. In total, the company's assortment includes more than 350 varieties of elite tea.
The line of green tea bags is based on selected raw materials from Chinese plantations. On sale you can see pure tastes without impurities and flavored varieties. Only natural flavors are used - berries, fruits, herbs. Some sachets are designed to be brewed in a teapot. Gourmets can choose from varieties with one taste - mint, jasmine or whole bouquets of aromas made up of citrus, cornflower petals, roses, sunflowers, mangoes. If negative reviews are found, then they are associated exclusively with the high cost of the drink. The cost of a box with 25 bags starts from 400 rubles.
3 Clippers
The best quality and naturalness
Country: UK
Rating (2018): 4.7
The Clipper tea company has been known since 1984. Its products have won the recognition of customers due to the high quality of tea made entirely from natural ingredients without the use of artificial flavors and colors. Classic organic green tea without additives has a pleasant, very harmonious taste. Some customers who have tried real Chinese tea (purchased in China) claim that Clipper tastes very close to it.
All teas are packaged in ordinary paper bags without strings. If you break one of them, you can see a fairly small, but high-quality tea without "sticks" and any impurities. Most of the flavored line is based on citrus fruits - lemon and lime, sometimes with the addition of ginger and aloe vera. The cost of tea, depending on the store, is 200-300 rubles per box of 20 bags. The pleasure is quite expensive, but quite acceptable for a quality drink.
2 Heath&Heather
100% natural composition
Country: UK
Rating (2018): 4.7
The Heath&Heather company produces green teas consisting only of natural ingredients grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. The brand was founded in 1920 by brothers James and Samuel Reeder. To date, the best specialists of the company carefully select each ingredient, creating amazingly tasty and healthy drinks. All varieties of green tea produced by Heath&Heather are powerful natural antioxidants that help normalize metabolism.
The collection includes both classic varieties and rather interesting taste solutions. For example, with the addition of cucumber - the taste is not for everyone, but fresh and pleasant. Unusual, spicy tea with the aroma of basil will appeal to lovers of adding milk to the drink - they are very harmoniously combined. There are also more standard solutions - orange peel, jasmine, mint, coconut, ginger. This tea can definitely be recommended to lovers of new tastes. The cost of a box of 20 bags starts from 300-350 rubles.
1 VKUS
Excellent quality green tea bags
Country Russia
Rating (2018): 4.9
The brand company was founded in Russia in 2013, but tea is produced in Morocco. Raw materials for the manufacture of various blends are brought from the best plantations in the world - from China, Japan, Ceylon, India. The tea is tested in Europe and only after a strict selection does it reach the store shelves. For tea bags, high-quality, but broken tea leaves are often used to offer customers a lower cost, but retain a decent taste and aroma of the product. Another one interesting feature- Packing in cotton bags that do not spoil the taste of the drink.
The line of green tea bags includes both classic and flavored varieties with jasmine, rose petals, and mango. The cost of a package of 20 bags starts from 500 rubles. The brand is not the most common, but very popular in narrow circles. It is considered by many to be one of the best green tea bags on the Russian market. Its taste is balanced, soft and rich at the same time, the aroma is strong, but unobtrusive.
Having appeared at the beginning of the last century in America, tea bags quickly spread among consumers in almost all countries of the world. It is impossible to say unequivocally which bagged tea is better or worse, everyone has their own taste needs, but it is possible to systematize the basic rules of how to choose good quality tea.
Like any product, packaged tea has its own.
Advantages:
- Does not require teapot. It can be filled with water directly in the cup.
- Lack of tea leaves or leaves in a glass or sink.
- Optimal dosage. One sachet is enough to prepare a drink of rich color and taste.
- Fast brewing due to the use of crushed leaves.
- Convenience of transportation.
- If the people gathered at the table prefer tea with different flavors, tea bags provide an opportunity to meet the individual needs of everyone.
Flaws:
- Higher cost compared to an identical loose version of the same brand.
- The bags are breathable. Because of this, over time, the raw material loses its original smell and taste.
- Possible presence of artificial additives and admixture of plant debris. They can be toxic and cause various diseases including oncology.
- Crushed leaves tend to quickly oxidize.
- Cheap products of unknown brands often differ high content fluorine. Its regular use can lead to darkening of tooth enamel and brittle bones.
Varieties of packaging
One of the indicators of the quality of tea is the container in which it is packaged. Let's take a closer look at its main distinguishing features.
Tea bags are made from various materials:
- corn starch;
- artificial silk;
- nylon;
- paper.
Paper packaging is considered unsuccessful, as it not only passes water poorly, but can also change the taste of the drink for the worse. In addition, the strength of the paper is given by a synthetic resin, which is dissolved in alcohol or acetone. As a rule, not the best quality tea is placed in such containers.
Meets and different shape sachets:
- round;
- rectangular;
- pyramid.
The quality of brewing depends on the form of packaging. In pyramids with a large volume, the leaves move freely. At the same time, their aroma and taste are revealed to the maximum. I must say that only in the pyramids is sold tea of selective varieties.
The bags also differ in the way the thread is attached.
- The best taste can be obtained from packaging with a sewn thread.
- If a metal bracket fastens the thread, then, by oxidizing, it will spoil the pleasure of the drink.
- The adhesive mount, having dissolved in hot water, enters the body, which can not be the best way to affect health.
Packing content
The quality of the drink depends on what raw materials were put into the package. It can be of three types.
- Good quality whole leaves the best option. They are used by well-known brands.
- Specially crushed raw materials called "fannings".
- Tea dust. It has almost no taste and smell of its own. It is in this "tea" that various flavor enhancers and dyes are added, as well as chopped herbs and leaves of various plants.
Important indicators
When choosing tea, you should pay attention to a number of factors that clearly indicate its quality.
- See how the box is packed. It should have a tightly sealed transparent film on it.
- After opening the package, find out what material the bags are made of.
- Partially remove the bags from the box and inspect its bottom. If it is richly covered with tea dust, delicious drink such a product is unlikely to succeed.
- tea bags expensive varieties should be placed in individual food foil packaging. It protects the contents from moisture, drying and sunlight.
- Pay attention to the way the thread is attached.
- Read the composition. If among the components there are flavors "identical to natural", it is better to refrain from buying.
How to determine the quality of tea
Tea lovers certainly want to enjoy a drink made from a natural and fresh product. But, unfortunately, a high price is not always a guarantee of quality. Often, even expensive tea bags contain artificial additives (flavors and dyes), and may also not be the first freshness.
To make sure that the purchased tea is natural, you need to conduct a simple experiment.
To test black tea:
Place the sachet in a glass and pour it over cold water. Let the tea brew for two hours. Assess the quality of the resulting infusion:
- If the water remains clear or only slightly colored, then a good product has been bought.
- If you get a strong drink of a rich color, in addition to tea, the bag contains dyes and additives that can adversely affect health.
To test green tea:
Put the bag in a cup with transparent walls and pour hot, but not boiling water. After 10 minutes, evaluate the resulting drink:
- A transparent infusion of a beautiful shade is an indicator of natural raw materials.
- Turbidity and a faded color indicate that a product of poor quality was purchased. Dip a slice of lemon into a glass and after a few minutes look at the color of the tea:
- If the infusion has become lighter, it is made from natural leaves.
- If the color has not changed, the packaging contains dyes.
An indicator of the freshness of tea, first of all, is foam. If it appeared on the surface after adding water to a cup, then the raw material was collected recently. The absence of foam indicates that at least 2 years have passed since the collection of leaves.
In addition, after drinking tea, you should pay attention to the walls of the cup. If a brown coating remains on them, then the selected product is not of the best quality or expired.
To make tea drinking as useful as possible, you should follow a few simple rules:
- Pregnant women and people suffering from serious illnesses should not brew more than three tea bags per day. Healthy people can increase this number to 5, but no more.
- Never pour boiling water into a plastic cup. Under the influence of hot water, it begins to melt, and a lot of harmful substances are released from it.
- Use each pack only once. The re-brewed drink will not have any taste. In addition, toxic substances can be released from it.
- The contents of the cup should be drunk within half an hour after preparation. After this time, most of the useful substances disappear.
- After drinking tea, if possible, you should brush your teeth to avoid dark plaque on the enamel.
- Do not drink tea bags on an empty stomach. This can lead to stomach problems.
- Choose only trusted brands.
By following these recommendations, you can easily choose a high-quality, delicious, aromatic tea bag. The main thing is to buy tea in specialized stores or supermarkets, in places where product quality control is carried out and the correct storage conditions are provided.
So what is the best tea? You can read more about brands and recommendations.
photo: depositphotos.com/johnkwan, svetas, amenic181
In the Soviet past, domestic shelves surprised with the monotony of the goods presented, and tea was no exception. Each family standardly purchased a black long leaf with an Indian elephant on the package.
Whether business now. One black tea, namely this type is preferred by 90% of the population of Russia, an unimaginable number of titles are produced. And in the varieties of tea with additives, you can get confused at all.
To avoid disappointment in the future, we decided to test 11 types of black tea, for which we purchased the drink in the capital's supermarkets and sent it for examination to the testing center of NPO Impuls LLC.
Our reference Traditional countries- Tea producers are Sri Lanka, India, China and Japan. Exactly one third of Russian tea imports come from Sri Lanka, India is in second place (25.2%), China and Kenya provide about 9% each, and Vietnam closes the top five - about 8%.
The technology of collecting and drying tea is complex, time-consuming and requires true craftsmanship. Therefore, manual labor is still used in this area with might and main: only tender young leaves are plucked from the branches.
During processing, water is removed from the tea leaf, the content of which is reduced to 3-7%. In addition to drying, the raw material undergoes fermentation, after its complete cycle, the tea leaves acquire the black color familiar to most people. However, the process can be stopped at various stages and produce green, white and even blue tea.
Tea infusion contains three types of alkaloids: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Most of all in the drink caffeine, it is found in the tea leaf in combination with other substances and is often called theine. Having a milder effect on the body than caffeine, theine tones well, increases motor activity, mental and physical performance, and has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
Indispensable dietary product tea is converted by polyphenols, which include more than 30 substances, in particular tannins. They create the effect of astringency, thanks to which the tea infusion stimulates the activity of the salivary glands and quenches thirst well.
Most tannins in green teas. Moreover, the higher the grade of tea, the greater the content of tannins in it. These polyphenols dissolve well in hot water, so when strong tea leaves are cooled, they precipitate and the drink becomes cloudy. If it is heated again, the transparency will return. If this is not observed, then the tea is of poor quality.
The aroma of tea is determined by the composition and concentration of aromatic substances in freshly picked raw materials and depends on the season of collection, the breed of the tea bush, the degree of maturity of the leaves, and the region of growth. There are more aromatic substances in spring tea than in summer and autumn, in young tea more than in mature tea.
In each locality, tea develops its own special aromatic palette. Of the samples we bought, only three were packed at the place of growth of raw materials - in Sri Lanka: Ahmad Tea OP, Dilmah and Nuwara Eliya Mlesna. Twinings English Breakfast Tea is packaged in Poland, the rest - in Russia: these are Greenfield Magic Yunnan, Riston, Lipton, Brooke Bond, Akbar, Matre de The Noir "Ceylon with tips" and "Crown of the Russian Empire".
All samples are produced in accordance with the manufacturers' own specifications. The mold content in all the samples turned out to be significantly lower than the permissible level, and metal-magnetic impurities were not detected at all.
Physical and chemical indicators were also in order: the amount of water-soluble extractives, mass fraction moisture and total ash for all samples corresponds to GOST. The first indicator can be used to judge the freshness of tea. This means that in those cases when tea was packaged far from the plantations, the raw materials did not stale and did not lose their valuable properties.
More curious were the results of the tasting. According to experts, Twinings English Breakfast Tea, declared by the manufacturer as a premium tea, in fact, is not such and only falls short of the first. Brooke Bond has a similar problem.
Ahmad Tea OP also overestimated itself: judging by its appearance, this is not a large-leaf, but a medium-leaf tea, although it corresponds to the highest grade in taste and aroma.
Greenfield Magic Yunnan claimed the championship: on the box the variety "bouquet" is indicated - the best according to the Russian classification. However, the number of tips was not enough to qualify for this title, and therefore the tasters attributed it to the highest grade.
But Matre de The Noir "Ceylon with tips", on the contrary, was modest: experts believe that it belongs to the "bouquet" variety, although the highest is declared on the box.
In general, testing has shown that tea producers present on the Russian market can be trusted. You just need to be able to choose a quality product.
Always pay attention to the information on the package, the more, the better. Ideally, the region where the tea is harvested should be specified.
The second indicator is the quality of the packaging: the better the sealing, the higher the probability that the contents will not lose quality.
Expensive varieties of tea should be stored in the refrigerator in a hermetically sealed ceramic jar.
What do the letters say
OP (ORANGE PEKOE) Tea in this class contains only whole rolled leaves, usually young. This is a "royal" tea (orange is nothing but the Orange royal dynasty of the Netherlands, the country - the largest supplier of tea in the 16th century). Regular ORANGE PEKOE does not contain tips, however, there are varieties with the addition of buds.
BP (BROKEN PEKOE) Tea from broken or cut leaves, which are waste products from the production of whole-leaf tea, or are specially ground. Such a mixture is brewed faster and infused more strongly, but at the same time subtle shades of taste and aroma are lost.
P(PEKOE) Badly curled, rough, hard sheet.
CTC (CUT, TEAR AND CURL) Granulated tea. The leaves are passed through rotating rollers with fine teeth, which both cut and twist them. The tea is brewed stronger and has a brighter color, but less rich aroma.
F (FANNINGS) Sifting, fine particles of tea (used for tea bags).
D (DUST) Crumb, the smallest particles of tea (used for tea bags).
Tasting results
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Tea black long leaf Ceylon large-leaf "Dilmah" (THE SINGLE ORIGIN TEA 100% PURE CEYLON) Top grade Appearance: especially large-leaved, twisted, heterogeneous, with a small amount of open and rough leaf, broken leaf and a small number of petioles. Bright Aroma: quite pronounced Taste: tart, rough, bitter Score: 4.25 Corresponds to the highest grade |
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Tea black long leaf Ceylon large-leaf "AKBAR" / "AKBAR" Top grade Infusion: above-average, transparent Aroma: pronounced, quite pleasant Taste: rather tart, with bitter aftertaste Boiled leaf color: copper brown Score: 4.25 Corresponds to the highest grade |
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Tea black long leaf Ceylon large-leaf "CROWN OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE" t.zn. "MAY" Top grade Appearance: especially large-leaved, twisted, with a small amount of coarse leaves and a small amount of petioles. Infusion: above-average, transparent Aroma: quite pronounced Taste: rather tart, bitter, rough Boiled leaf color: copper brown Score: 4.25 Corresponds to the highest grade |
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Tea black long leaf Ceylon leaf O.P. AHMAD TEA Appearance: medium-leaved (BOP), fairly uniform, twisted, with petioles. Flask: above-average, bright, transparent Aroma: pronounced Taste: tart, astringent, with pronounced bitterness Score: 4.5 Conforms to the highest grade in taste and aroma and does not correspond to the appearance (harvesting) declared on the label |
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Black loose leaf tea "Brooke Bond" / "Brook Bond" Top grade Appearance: heterogeneous, small-leaved, with open plates of tea, petioles and fibers. Infusion: medium, clear Aroma: quite pronounced Taste: medium tartness Boiled leaf color: copper brown Score: 3.75 Corresponds to the first grade |
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Black loose leaf tea "LIPTON YELLOW LABEL TEA" Top grade Appearance: fairly uniform, medium leaf Flask: medium, bright, clear Aroma: quite pronounced Taste: tart, astringent Boiled leaf color: copper Score: 4.25 Corresponds to the highest grade |
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Tea black long leaf Ceylon large-leaf, standard O.R. RISTON CEYLON PREMIUM Appearance: extra large leaf, uniform, even, well twisted Aroma: pronounced, pleasant Taste: tart, full astringent, with harmonious bitterness Boiled leaf color: copper brown Score: 5 Corresponds to the highest grade |
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Ceylon black leaf tea "Matre de The Noir "Ceylon with tips" Top grade Appearance: large-leaved, even, well-rolled, with a small amount silver tips Infusion: above-average, bright, transparent, with a reddish tinge Aroma: pronounced, pleasant, with a slight floral note Taste: tart, full, astringent, with harmonious bitterness Boiled leaf color: copper brown Score: 5, 25 Corresponds to the variety "Bouquet" |
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Black long leaf Ceylon tea "NUWARA ELIYA Mlesna" / "Nuwara Elia Mlesna" Top grade Appearance: mixed: medium leaf with large leaf, well twisted Infusion: medium, bright, transparent, with a reddish tinge Aroma: pronounced, pleasant Taste: tart, astringent, with harmonious bitterness Boiled leaf color: copper Score: 4.75 Corresponds to the highest grade |
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Long leaf black tea t.m. "Greenfield" Magic Yunnan Sort Bouquet Appearance: large-leaf, well-rolled, even, with a small amount of golden tips Infusion: above-average, transparent Aroma: pronounced, pleasant, with a slight note of dried fruits Taste: rather tart, soft, with a taste of dried fruits Boiled leaf color: copper Score: 4.5 Corresponds to the highest grade |
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Tea black long leaf small-leaf t.m. "TWININGS" "ENGLISH BREAKFAST TEA" / "English tea for breakfast" Top grade Appearance: heterogeneous, small-leaved, with the presence of open plates of tea, petioles, fibers and small things Infusion: medium, clear Aroma: quite pronounced Taste: medium tartness Boiled leaf color: copper Score: 3.5 Corresponds to the first grade |
