Large-leaf tea is created from hand-picked leaves, and this is done very carefully to preserve the integrity of the raw materials. But is such careful processing capable of making the drink the most delicious, and how does such tea differ from other types?
Big leaf tea is considered to be the best, but can the size of the tea leaves affect the quality?
Types of tea
Whichever type of tea you choose, they all go through the same processing steps. After the leaves are removed from the bush, they are dried, fermented, then rolled and dried. But black tea is fermented much longer than green tea.
On a note! The same tea leaves are used to make black and green teas. The final result will depend solely on the duration of the fermentation process. And the more time it takes, the richer the infusion will turn out when brewing. However, at the same time, with such processing, a significant proportion of useful substances is lost!
The process of twisting the tea leaf is carried out manually or with the help of special machines - rollers. And the grade of tea will depend on how much the raw material is damaged during twisting - it will become large-leaf, medium-leaf or small-leaf.
Medium-leaf tea contains not only broken leaves, but also particles of shoots and other small elements. Small leaf tea is essentially the dust that is collected after the tea leaves have been sifted. These residues are compressed into small granules and are usually packaged in sachets. After brewing, this tea gives a strong rich infusion, but almost odorless.
Selected large-leaf tea contains exclusively whole leaves, twisted into tight spirals, on which there is practically no damage. Their infusion has a delicate taste and a bright aroma that persists for a long time. When brewing, the spirals unfold and in the cup you can see the natural shape of each leaf.
There are also flavored teas. In their manufacture, natural or synthetic substances are added that make the drink especially aromatic and it acquires additional flavor notes. The most popular among these supplements are:
- Melissa;
- bergamot;
- lemon;
- raspberries;
- Strawberry.
In addition to them, you can also find teas from a mixture of herbs, fruit and berry mixes on sale.
Large sheet features
Large-leaf tea has a lot of positive qualities. Its magnificent taste and aroma in brewed form can be distinguished from other types of tea by every connoisseur of this drink, since each leaf in it is saturated with natural aromatic substances, which were subsequently given to the infusion.
Thanks to a special careful processing, the cellular structure of the leaf is preserved, due to which this tea contains almost the original amount of valuable components. Large leaf tea contains antioxidants, kahetins and polyphenols. Such a drink perfectly strengthens blood vessels, normalizes blood pressure, cleanses the body and prevents the activity of free radicals. With regular use of fresh infusion, you can remove excess cholesterol from the body and ensure the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
On a note! There are more antioxidants in loose leaf tea than in some fruits and vegetables!
Careful processing provides the infusion with high aromatic properties and a pleasant astringency on the palate. Such tea, unlike medium-leaf and small-leaf tea, retains its aroma for a long time. In addition, the quality of tea will be affected by the amount of screenings - the smaller the broken leaf, the better the product is considered.
Criterias of choice
Today, large-leaf tea is produced in many countries, but China is the leader among others. Its territory has a predominantly humid warm climate, which is the best suited for growing a tea bush. Under such conditions, a single year allows you to harvest 3-4 times. Chinese loose leaf tea can be white, yellow, oolong, pu-erh, but black tea is considered the most valuable. Its leaves can be twisted in the form of petals or small lumps that slowly straighten out during the brewing process.
On a note! Many may be surprised not to see Ceylon tea in the first places in the rating. The fact is that it is valued exclusively for raw materials - tea bushes grow in high mountainous areas. And therefore Sri Lanka is one of the main suppliers of tea leaves to other countries, from which each brand prepares its product there. And tea produced in Sri Lanka is of rather mediocre quality, despite the fact that the raw materials are one of the best!
A significant percentage of the supply of black large-leaf tea to the world market belongs to Kenya. In Japan, mainly green varieties are produced. However, their quality is quite low, so many manufacturers prefer to mix Japanese raw materials with Indian tea leaves, thus creating a blend.
As for Russian varieties of tea, there is only one - Krasnodar. However, despite the fact that it is grown in only one region, it is sold both domestically and exported.
When choosing loose leaf tea, you need to pay attention to the packaging. It should contain information about the manufacturer, the date of collection of raw materials and the date of its packaging. At the same time, it is good when the place of production coincides with the place of packaging of tea, since during long-term transportation, the leaves may lose their basic properties.
The box can be cardboard, wooden or tin, while inside it the tea must be packed in a sealed bag. Such packaging makes it possible to preserve the aroma and taste of the leaves for a long time.
Advice! After you have opened the sealed package, it is advisable to pour the tea into a tightly closed container, as the leaves will quickly absorb foreign odors!
It is better to buy loose-leaf tea in cans, as such packaging preserves the aroma of raw materials in the best way. The foil packaging also copes well with this task, but only after opening it, it is advisable to consume the tea for a month.
The best varieties
According to consumer reviews, the following rating was compiled.
Green large leaf
Such tea is considered elite, especially if it is made in China. Due to the short fermentation, it is very useful, as the leaves have retained a large portion of valuable substances. Such a drink can significantly improve mood, increase tone, give a huge boost of vivacity and eliminate the effects of stress. Green loose leaf tea will help quench your thirst on a hot summer day and warm you on a winter evening.
Among the best varieties:
- Greenfield Flying Dragon (Greenfield Flying Dragon). Chinese tea, the raw materials for which are grown in the Hunan area. When brewed, it gives an unobtrusive aroma with pleasant grassy notes. Taste shades are soft, very pleasant, without a single drop of bitterness. The infusion has a light amber hue. Sold in sealed packaging.
- Princess Java Best (Princess Java Best). Another Chinese tea that has an unusually delicate aroma. The leaves are quite large, there are no impurities of debris. The taste is bright, rich.
On a note! Many buyers note that the flavors of Princess Java Best tea categorically do not correspond to its modest price category. For a budget drink, it is more than good!
- AhmadGreenTea (Ahmad Green Tea). Large-leaf tea made in China, consisting of the apical leaves of the Chan Mi shrub. When brewed, it gives a mild taste with a slight pleasant bitterness. The color of the infusion is light, with a pistachio tint. Of the minuses, consumers note the presence of tea crumbs.
Black large leaf
It is chosen by connoisseurs of drinks with a rich thick taste. So, black loose leaf tea - which one is better?
- AhmadCeulonTeahighMountain (Ceylon high mountain tea Ahmad). Strong fragrant tea with a sweetish tint. When brewing, the color of the drink becomes bright and transparent. Considered the best morning tea.
- GreenfieldGoldenCeulon (Greenfield large-leaf Ceylon tea). The drink is quite strong, the taste is deep, velvety. When brewed, tea gives a rich bright shade, which will depend on its strength: from brown-red to dark orange.
- DilmahCeulon (Ceylon tea Dilma (Dilmah)). Tea of the highest grade, which, when brewed, gives the infusion a rich color with a reddish tinge. Slightly tart in taste, the aroma is a classic tea.
Large-leaf tea, on the packaging of which the Ortodox label is present, is one of the best. Such an inscription indicates that the raw materials for it were collected and then made by hand, and such leaves completely retained their valuable substances.
How to brew
In order for a large sheet to fully reveal all its facets, it must be able to brew it correctly. First you need to prepare the dishes by dousing the teapot and cups with boiling water. Then we put a teaspoon of tea leaves on the bottom of the teapot (or several at the rate of one teaspoon per cup). Fill with boiling water and cover the kettle with a napkin. Leave for 5-7 minutes so that the leaves can open. Pour the drink into cups and enjoy the taste.
As for how many times you can brew loose leaf tea, there will be no definite answer. Some types can be poured with boiling water several times, others - only one. Everything will depend on the acquired variety.
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 warm up on winter evenings, they drink it hot, and to quench their thirst in the heat, ice is added to the drink. A huge number of companies around the world produce 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 the best taste and aroma for himself. 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. Finding negative reviews about this brand is very difficult.
3 Birds of Paradise
The best loose leaf tea
The 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. Large pieces of berries are visible in Strawberry Glade tea. 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. Tess Plezha has an unusual taste, as it harmoniously combines rose hips, 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. Tess Sunrise will give you a classic cheerful morning; according to gourmet reviews, it 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 can even harm;
- if you drink tea on an empty stomach, you can harm the digestive system;
- due to the increased concentration of caffeine, a strong drink should not be consumed by hypertensive patients;
- taste and nutritional qualities deteriorate due to improper brewing;
- tea should not be taken with medicines.
1 Twinings
Real English tea
The 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 of large-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 in bulk and in bags. 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 crumbs or small long leaf tea are packaged in small triangles made of fine polymer mesh or filter paper bags. The packaged drink has a wide range of flavors, which is why it is very popular with customers.
4 Newby
Selected high quality tea
The 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 delivered immediately after collection for processing, blending and packaging.
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 of different aromas. But in the case of expensive teas, users prefer classic tea without additives. The most popular of this brand is the English Breakfast blend 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 have a rather pleasant aroma, but can only claim to be one of 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 on the Russian market. It is produced by the oldest tea company in France, founded in 1925. It can be safely called the best manufacturer of packaged teas, since it tastes no different from a drink brewed from a 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 assortment you can find classic tastes 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. In their composition, artificial flavors are usually not used - in the mixture you can see pieces of fruits and berries, an admixture of petals and herbs, and other natural additives. 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
The 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 scented 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.
Leaf Chinese tea Flying Dragon, grown in Hunan province, will delight tea lovers with rich color, floral aroma, invigorates, refreshes and quenches 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
The 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 trademark 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 dyes. 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 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 interesting feature is the packaging 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.
Tea ceremonies came to us from the East and took root so firmly that we can no longer imagine life without a delicious drink. Any celebration ends with a traditional sweet table, and in the evening it is so nice to drink a mug of hot drink when you come home from the cold!
Today we will try to find out what is the most delicious tea you can make for your family. Varieties, I must say, a lot. Black and green, white, with various additives (fruits, flowers, spices). Each of them has its own bouquet and taste, advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose only focusing on your preferences.
black varieties
This is a classic, rich and full-bodied taste, which is hard to find equal. However, it is difficult to answer which is the most delicious tea in this category. Firstly, it is necessary not only to be a real connoisseur and connoisseur in order to determine all the notes and shades of taste, but also to be able to properly prepare a drink.
The tea ceremony is a whole art in which it is difficult to quickly become a specialist. Let's try to determine how we can choose for ourselves.
Inspecting the packaging
A responsible manufacturer always leaves full information about the product on the packaging, so you only need to learn how to read it. Set aside immediately, the lowest quality leaf dust is used to make them. First of all, look at the expiration date. Even if you are 100% sure which is the most delicious tea you should choose, an expired product will definitely ruin your whole experience.
Be sure to pay attention to when and where the goods are packed. It is best if the tea is packaged near the place where it was produced. This is evidenced by the inscription GardenFresh, that is, it is packed where it grew up. It is very important at what time of the year the product is packaged. Harvest in spring or early autumn. The closer the date of purchase to the date of collection and packaging of tea, the better the aroma of the drink.
If connoisseurs of this drink are asked what the most delicious tea they recommend is, as a rule, Indian, Ceylon or Chinese are mentioned. However, we must remember that there are many fakes, so pay attention to company logos.
Varieties
As you can see, it is not so easy to answer what is the most delicious tea you can buy in a store. It is necessary to be able to determine the grade of raw materials. The manufacturer reports this with the help of special abbreviations. The highest quality tea is the one made from the top leaves of the tea branches. And the lower the leaf grew, the less aromatic drink it will turn out, respectively, its grade and price are lower.
What abbreviations do manufacturers use? Designations such as OP - large-leaf top grade, FP - medium-grade large-leaf tea, PS - low-grade large-leaf tea. This is what concerns large-leaved. However, there is another good option - medium leaf tea. BOP - medium leaf premium. There is a cheaper option - BP, here the leaves are a little smaller, but also of excellent quality. BPS is a granular tea loved by many, taste and aroma are lost during its preparation, but many appreciate it for its beautiful color.
Finally, a little about what is packed in. You can come across the abbreviation PD, that is, small-leaf, which is a large tea dust. FNGS - medium dust, and finally D - fine dust. Now we will present the opinions of buyers about which tea is the most delicious and healthy.
Popular vote results
Summing up the topic of black tea, it should be said which of them is considered the best. Of all the popular brands, it was singled out by a social survey. Judging by the reviews, this is the strongest, fragrant and delicious tea of all. In second place is Lipton. The third step was taken by the Russian tea "Conversation". However, this does not end the conversation about which tea is the most delicious. Reviews note that Brook Bond tea is an excellent drink. In fifth place is excellent, but more expensive Greenfield tea. Finally, the last place on this leaderboard is occupied by "Princess Noori".
Green tea
Now we will talk about which green tea is the most delicious. This is a real treasure trove of nutrients. At the same time, some people like tea with dried fruits, others - with berries, and others - with jasmine. There are a lot of great reviews about the Greenfield Lotus Breeze drink. Do not forget to try Margenthau, its deep taste will not leave you indifferent. There are many varieties and varieties among which you will definitely find yours, but a good variety does not eliminate the need brew.
"Delicious recipes
If you want to know what is the most delicious tea in the world, then let's turn to the chef. One of the best connoisseurs of the tea ceremony offers such a wonderful option. Take a good one and an orange. Remove the zest from the fruit, pour boiling water over it and leave for 10 minutes. After that, strain and boil the infusion, add tea and fresh orange juice.
On the coldest evening, Mulatto tea will warm you up. It will take 150 ml of warm wine, the juice of one orange, two tablespoons of honey and cloves. This mixture is added to a glass half filled with chilled tea.
Red tea
The choice is not limited to the above products, you can continue to find out which tea is the most delicious and fragrant. It can be red, the famous hibiscus. It has unique properties, regulates pressure and has tonic properties. Be sure to try the puer. In addition to the fact that this drink is very tasty, it also helps to fight excess weight. So you get a double benefit - the pleasure of a delicious drink and an excellent figure.
White (Chinese) tea
This is probably the most expensive of all teas. It is produced in China. No wonder the ancient emperors called this product the elixir of life. It contains many natural antioxidants that help to strengthen the body's defenses. It has long been noted that this tea helps to strengthen skin cells and thus prevents aging.
Mate and rooibos
These are already quite exotic teas that you need to get used to. Their taste is very different from the traditional. Mate is made from holly shoots. It not only has an amazing taste, but also dulls the feeling of hunger. Mate can be brewed many times, and the first brew will be very bitter.
Last on our list is rooibos. This is a gift from the African continent. It contains an amazing amount of antioxidants and helps fight various diseases, including cancer and diabetes, osteoporosis. Rooibos perfectly lowers blood pressure and can be used every day as a preventive measure.
Any of the listed varieties can become your favorite.
We drink tea every day. Start your day with a friendly company or a cup of hot tea in the evening. I would like the drink that we buy and for which we pay money to correspond to the quality declared by the manufacturer. Let's take a closer look at how to choose the best tea and give a rating of tea based on product quality.
When choosing tea, take a break from beautiful boxes and packages and pay attention to the labeling on the packages. The applied international labeling of tea has 10 quality indicators of tea according to the structure of the finished tea leaf and 7 indicators of property characteristics. To make it easier for you to decide which tea is better to choose, we will decipher the main indicators and abbreviations.
1. Country of tea production
Only the country where the tea variety is grown can be indicated here. The countries where tea is grown are India, Ceylon, China (the world's largest producers), as well as Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya.
2. Country where the tea is packaged
The most popular, of course, are teas packed in the country of origin. But it can be another country, for example Russia or one of the European countries.
3. The size of the tea leaf
The following designations are tea labeling indicating which tea is in front of you: (leaf) - leaf, (broken) - broken, (fannings) - small, (dust) - crumb.
The best tea will be labeled as follows
F (Flowery)- tea from slightly blossoming buds, the best tea.
P (pekoe)- tea from tea buds and the first two leaves.
O (orange)- tea from young leaves.
G (golden)- tea containing yellow tips (kidneys).
T (tippy)- exclusive tea from tea buds, the most expensive.
S (special)- tea, exclusive for any characteristic.
Tea markings on sale
OR— Orange Peco. These are the best teas. Young, upper tender leaves. Large-leaf tea, gives a strong rich infusion.
RECOE— Peco. The leaves are rolled into balls. Dissolving during brewing, an infusion with a delicate aroma, mild taste is obtained.
THIEF- Smooth small-leaf tea. When brewed, it gives a dark-colored infusion with a tart, strong taste.
FBOP- Medium leaf tea. Consists of broken tea buds and upper leaves. Gives a strong, rich infusion.
STS- Medium strength granulated tea.
GR- Large-leaf green tea. In manufacturing technology, the calcination method is used. The infusion is strong, rich with a fresh, pleasant aroma.
Sencha- green tea made using Japanese evaporation technology. It consists of thinly twisted (like needles) leaves that have a bright green color. This tea is quickly brewed and has a delicate taste and wonderful aroma. Very popular among lovers of good green tea.
YH– Large-leaf green tea with a mild taste and aroma, light-colored infusion with an amber tint.
Tea rating in Russia - 2018
Tea presented in wide sale on the shelves of our stores and in supermarkets is a product of mass machine collection. Today, multi-brand companies have proven themselves and monitor the quality of their products, the choice of tea is quite large and you can freely choose a delicious drink of good quality. And then we will present you the rating of tea in Russia, the most popular brands of which are selected based on product quality checks.
Black tea rating - 2018
Considering the quality of raw materials, the appearance of the tea leaf, the taste, aroma and color of the brewed drink, compliance with all requirements, and of course, feedback from customers who choose good tea had a great influence here. Was introduced rating of black tea.
1st place - Mlesna, OP.
2nd place - Basilur Uva, OP.
3rd place - Dilmah Ceylon, OP.
4th place - HYTON, SP.
5th place - Hyleys, O.P.A.
6th place - May tea
Green tea rating - 2018
1st place - Greenfield Flying Dragon.
2nd place - Ahmad tea Green Tea.
3rd place - Tess Style green tea.
4th place - Princess Java Traditional.
5th place - Lisma Tonic.
6th place - Maitre Vert Mountain.
In Russia, the traditions of tea drinking are very common, in a variety of manifestations. It's so nice to drink a cup of hot delicious black tea with family or friends or quench your thirst with fresh green tea in summer. And so that you can easily choose the best tea according to your taste, we have presented you with a rating of tea, according to its quality and reviews. Happy tea drinking!
And if you decide to make a gift or just treat your dear and beloved person with good tea, then I recommend reading about it in the article -
Tea, the most popular drink in the world, originated in China and still grows there in a huge variety of varieties. Before reaching the final consumer, it goes through several stages of processing, drying, fermentation, grinding, sometimes flavoring, packaging and entering the store counter. What is black tea and which one is the best?
What is black tea
Black tea is the most common drink in the CIS countries. It tolerates long-term transportation well, does not lose its taste and has many varietal varieties. Leaf black tea when packing implies division into:
- large leaf;
- medium leaf;
- small-leaved.
But first about the quality. What quality indicators a particular product should meet is dictated by GOST or Technical conditions, which are developed by manufacturers. If you are guided by the requirements of the state standard, then in order to always enjoy the real taste of the drink, you should choose Bouquet or higher grade tea.
Bouquet is a product consisting of the most tender and fragrant tea tree buds and young leaves. Such a product gives a strong bright infusion, transparent, with a pronounced aroma and pleasant astringency on the palate.
Depending on the variety of the bush from which the buds and leaves were collected, the tea may have a natural floral, honey, spicy aroma and flavor.
Packaging is also one of the indicators of quality.
For the premium product, the signs are slightly less pronounced than for the infusion from Bouquet tea. It has a medium intensity of infusion, also a pleasant aroma and a slight astringency on the palate. It mainly consists of young leaves and a small proportion of tips.
Further division of the product into the first, second and third grade implies a decrease in quality from insufficiently bright color, taste and aroma to very little of these features.
A large-leaf product is a tea made from whole leaves that have gone through all the stages of processing and have not lost their integrity. In the package it is a twisted flat sheet without damage and cracks. It is considered the most useful, since integrity ensures the preservation of all valuable substances inside the sheet. The aroma and taste of the drink is very rich, but the infusion is medium, less intense than that of a medium-leaf and, especially, a small-leaf product.
Medium leaf tea is understood as a product consisting of broken and damaged leaves. It is obtained by sifting all tea in factories. It gives a stronger color of the infusion and also a good color and aroma.
Granules are compressed small particles of tea and dust - the lowest quality product.
Small-leaf tea is considered the lowest grade. These are the residues of tea production obtained at the end of sifting and often include the so-called tea dust. It is brewed quickly, strong, but the taste is at the lowest level. To buy really good tea, on the package you will have to look for a large-leaf mark, the “Bouquet” variety.
But that's not all. If "Ortodox" is marked on the package, it means that the tea leaf has not been in contact with the machines. It is rolled by hand and fermented in a natural way. It is considered the most useful and delicious. In addition to this concept comes the designation Pure. This is a tea of one variety that has not been mixed with others to obtain blends. This is the so-called monotea, which has the pronounced properties of its variety.
Rating
In the CIS countries, they drink a lot of tea, which is why independent laboratories often carry out checks and ratings of those brands that offer the best tea and have earned the trust and popularity of the consumer. This often takes into account the price component of the product.
Ahmad is the No. 1 tea according to many studies
- Ahmad Tea - black long leaf Ceylon. Bouquet.
- Greenfield Golden Ceylon black Ceylon long leaf. Bouquet.
- Riston "Premium English Tea" Orange Pekoe, black, long leaf, large leaf. Top grade.
- The same one - black long leaf Ceylon, large sheet.
- Dilmah is a black Ceylon large leaf.
- Akbar - black long leaf Ceylon, large leaf.
- Maysky - black large-leaved long leaf.
It is impossible to study everything offered on the market and create a truly correct rating. Every year, new brands, types of products, blends appear on the market, which are difficult to track, and the research procedure is lengthy and quite expensive. It is important for the buyer to determine for himself what properties in tea play a paramount role for him. This will be the starting point of your own research to find the perfect product.
