Content
Where to start if you want to become a tea connoisseur - or just find, finally, exactly the tea you can enjoy every day? Let's figure it out in this article. And first, let's remember
What kind of tea is there?
When they talk about "teas", what do you think they mean?
Everyone knows that tea is a plant, a tea bush. Plants of different varieties, from the point of view of botany, have different decorative or physiological characteristics. For example, two varieties of peonies or tomatoes may differ in appearance, have different colors and shapes of petals, size and taste of fruits, etc. And many still think that green and black tea is made from different plants. In fact, there is one type of tea plant - Chinese camellia - and many varieties of it. The type of tea (green, black, yellow, etc.) depends on the processing of the tea leaf.
We won't go into botanical details. After all, the taste, aroma and color of the finished drink matter for the buyer. And these indicators are determined commercial grade.
Commercial grade of tea - an indicator of quality
The trade grade of tea is made up of many factors. In addition to the type of tea plant (Chinese, Assamese, Cambodian), the following is taken into account:
- the place of growth of the plant itself (this is country of origin, the most famous are Chinese, Indian, Ceylon, Kenyan and other teas from Africa, Georgian, Vietnamese, Japanese and, of course, native Krasnodar, characteristics plantations),
- time and conditions of collection (which leaves are collected, manually or by machine, harvest season, etc.),
- features of sheet processing (drying, twisting, crushing and many other special processes).
And that's not all - many types of tea are obtained by blending and additional aromatization (there is nothing wrong with that if the flavors are natural).
All of these factors affect the final grade of tea. As a result, we can read on the pack, for example, "Chinese green large leaf tea (... the name of the company)". Every word counts here.
Blending is another reason for the variety of teas
Tea-packing factories are engaged in blending (or, in simple terms, blending). Each blend gets its own unique name and sometimes becomes the “face of the company”. The composition of such a mixture may include 1-2 dozen varieties of tea leaves grown in different countries.
Which tea maker is the best?
In Soviet times, we had access to one type of tea, which many still miss ("with an elephant"). Then the country rushed to the other extreme, and only imported tea could be bought in stores. Now the choice is great, there would be money.
It is very difficult to choose the best tea maker. Mainly because one and the same company produces 3-5 different brands of tea in several price categories - expensive, medium, economy. And ardent adherents of Greenfield tea, in fact, choose the same manufacturer as the thrifty lovers of the Princess Nuri brand (both are made by Orimi Trade). Therefore, the definition of "the best tea producer" is rather arbitrary.
Among the Russian tea producers, we note the following companies:
- "Orimi Trade", she owns the brands "Princess Nuri", "Princess Kandy" (as well as Gita, Java), as well as Tess, Greenfield,
- "May" - and this is not only "May tea", but also "Lisma", Curtis,
- Unilever - "Beseda", Brooke Bond, Lipton (the owner of the company is England, but the production is located in Russia).
Among foreign teas, the most famous are "Dilmah" (supplier of Ceylon tea), English "Twinings", «Ahmad ",Ceylon "Riston"(positions itself as "premium English tea"), «Akbar ".
When selecting teas for the rating, we based on customer reviews and research results. We have not considered rare, elite and expensive varieties sold only at auctions or in narrow specialty tea shops. The rating contains popular trade varieties of black and green teathat are easy to find in shops near your home.
Which tea is better to buy?
The answer is simple and complex at the same time - to choose "your" tea, you need sample, make mistakes and try again. If two packs have the same markings, one variety and country of origin, it is not yet a fact that you will equally like both infusions. One and the same tea of the same company, but from different batches, may suddenly become of a different taste.
Therefore, if you have found the very taste, try to find out everything about it: what kind it is, where it was produced, when it was harvested, where it was packed, and even where you bought it, because all these factors matter. And also remember →
The best kind of tea can be easily spoiled by improper brewing or unsuitable dishes. Conversely, from the simplest variety, you can get a wonderful drink with a rich taste if brewed with knowledge and love.
In this article, you learned about popular teas that customers have a positive response to. It contains the best varieties of black and green tea according to the majority.
We hope our rating will help you not to get lost among the boxes of tea and make the right choice. Happy shopping!
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For over 5,000 years, tea has been the favorite drink of millions. It invigorates in the morning and tones up perfectly during the day. To keep warm 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.
Best loose black tea
Most of the production volumes are black tea. For its production, the leaves undergo a special oxidation, 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 add versatility to the drink. We have selected the top three black leaf tea producers.
3 brooke bond 
The best ratio of price and quality
Country:
Great Britain
Rating (2018):
4.5
The owner of the tea shop, Englishman Arthur Brooke, first added the word "Bond" to his surname in 1869. This is how the well-known brand Brooke Bond appeared. Today, the company not only produces and sells various types of tea, but also fights against pollution and deforestation by using materials from renewable resources to package its products. The concern offers the best teas from India, China, Ceylon, Indonesia and Kenya.
Tea produced under the Brooke Bond brand is always of high quality and has not only great taste, but also a budget price. Large-leaf tea is sold in packages of 100 and 250 grams, the blend of which combines the best varieties from high-mountain plantations. "Intense black" has a beautiful amber color, bright taste and aroma. Great for classic English tea drinking. Recently, a new variety, "Dark Chocolate and Orange", has appeared on the market. The novelty includes strong black tea from Kenyan plantations, orange peel and flavors: chocolate and orange. This tea has an enchanting scent of dark chocolate and citrus.
2 Tess 
Rich taste
Country:
Russia
Rating (2018):
4.7
The Tess trademark is part of the large Orimi-Trade concern, which has been producing coffee and tea drinks since 1994. In the reviews, buyers of Tess tea note the excellent taste of the drink and the variety of choice. All products are made from high mountain varieties of tea bushes.
The line of black teas includes 6 different varieties. The high-mountainous Ceylon large-leaf tea "Tess Ceylon" is especially popular. Tess Pleja has an unusual taste, as it harmoniously combines rosehip, apple, flower petals and tropical fruits. "Tess Orange" is a real source of energy, which is part of the orange pleasantly invigorates and tones. Tess Earl Gray tea has more refreshing properties, the energy of citrus fruits and the freshness of bergamot contribute to an easy awakening. Tess Sunrise will give a classic vigorous morning, according to gourmets, it is the best drink in the brand's lineup.
Everyone knows about the beneficial properties of tea and the absence of contraindications for drinking. However, it should be noted that there are several restrictions:
- you cannot 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 medications.
1 Twinings 
Best in popularity
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 sells a wide range of varieties. For bergamot lovers, the company produces Earl Gray tea. The rich taste of the "English Breakfast" is given by a blend of large-leaved varieties. In the fruit collection, Lady Gray Tea is the top seller, combining citrus notes of bergamot, lemon and orange.
Prince of Wales tea 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.
Best black tea bags
American merchant Thomas Sullivan sent tea samples to his clients in small silk bags. The buyers decided that the tea should be brewed in these bags. This is how tea bags were accidentally invented. It is convenient to brew black tea in them, because you do not need a kettle for this. Tea crumbs or small long tea are packaged in small triangles made of fine polymer mesh or in filter paper bags. The packaged drink has a wide range of flavors, therefore it is highly popular with customers.
3 "May tea" 
Quality proven over the years
Country:
Russia
Rating (2018):
4.5
The trade mark was registered in 1991 by the May concern, and is still the most recognizable on the market. Large-leaved varieties are specially processed to preserve all the benefits and richness of taste. For the convenience of brewing, "May Tea" is sold in bags and pyramids, which retain all the advantages of a leafy drink. The following varieties can be found in the brand's collection:
- "Crown of the Russian Empire" - selected large-leaf tea harvested on the plantations of Sri Lanka;
- Golden Petals is a traditional Ceylon drink;
- Black Diamond is a Kenyan tea with a slight nutty aftertaste.
Also, black tea bags have a wide cushioned range. Lemon, wild berries, raspberries, strawberries and currants are used for a variety of flavors.
2 Curtis 
Variety of flavors
Country:
Russia
Rating (2018):
4.7
The trade mark was established in London by the concern "Curtis & Patridfe London", but in 2006 the group of companies "May" bought all the rights to use the brand. Today, more than a quarter of the products are exported from Russia to the countries of the world. The Curtis brand offers a huge selection, where everyone will find tea to their liking. All brands of the brand have only positive reviews from tea connoisseurs.
Assortment of black tea bags:
- Original Ceylon Tea is a classic Ceylon drink;
- Royal Yannan - Chinese large leaf tea with hints of prunes;
- Earl Gray - the famous English drink with a citrus bergamot aroma;
- Earl Gray Passon - vanilla flavor, adds sophistication to classic English tea;
- Rich Kenya - tart, slightly bitter;
- Isabella Grape - the taste of ripe grapes and the aroma of a blooming summer garden;
- Sunny Lemon - black tea with lemon;
- Strawberry Cake - Strawberry Pie Flavored;
- Mirabell Plum - an interesting combination of ripe plum with the scent of blossoming cornflower and sunflower;
- Sammer Berries is a berry drink with a juicy raspberry aroma.
1 Althaus 
Best for tea shops and restaurants
Country:
Germany
Rating (2018):
4.8
Althaus is a German tea from the best plantations around the world. The collection was designed by Lead Teester Ralph Janeki in Bremen. Due to its high quality, it is purchased for restaurants, cafes, and tea boutiques. The classification of black tea "Althaus" is conditional, since pu-erh, oolong and red varieties were also included in this category. The drink undergoes strict quality control, therefore it fully complies with EU and Russian standards.
The brand's collection includes the following packaged varieties:
- "English Breakfast St. Andrews" - a mixture of tea leaves from India and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). The recipe was developed over a century ago. Valued for strength and aroma;
- Assam Meleng is an Indian drink with excellent taste and a slight hint of malt. It goes well with honey, cream and milk;
- "Darjeeling Castelton" - strong mountain tea from India, with a subtle smell of walnut;
- Royal Earl Gray is a blend of Indian and Ceylon species with a citrus flavor of bergamot.
Best loose leaf green tea
The leaves collected 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 undergo oxidation, but not for a long time - a maximum of 48 hours. The taste of green tea is slightly sweet or tart with a herbal aroma.
3 Ahmad 
Strict quality control
Country:
UK (produced in India, China, England, Iran, UAE, Russia and Ukraine)
Rating (2018):
4.5
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. The natural oils for the scented collections are produced under strict control in the UK. Compliance with traditions and strict quality control helped the tea house to receive several international awards, and even to visit the International Space Station in 2005. Since 2011, the company has been producing the "Royal Collection" for Buckingham Palace.
Collection of green leafy tea "Ahmad":
- Green Tea Pure - classic green tea with a pleasant floral aroma;
- Gunpowder Green Tea is a drink with a low caffeine content, since during production the leaves of the plant are first steamed and then slightly toasted;
- Jasmine Romance Green Tea - with the addition of blooming jasmine;
- Mint Mystique Green Tea is a refreshing tea of the best varieties with mint leaves, lemon balm and lemongrass.
2 Greenfield 
The best tea according to Russians' reviews
Country:
Russia
Rating (2018):
4.7
In 2003, the Orimi Trade group of companies signed an agreement with the British company Greenfield Tea Ltd. According to numerous polls and studies, Greenfield ranks first in the ranking of Russians' favorite teas. The assortment of the brand includes more than 30 items. The line of green leafy tea is presented in three varieties.
Flying Dragon leaf Chinese tea, grown in the Hunan province, will delight tea lovers with a rich color, floral aroma, invigorate, refresh and quench their thirst. Jasmine Dream from the Chinese plantations of Yun'an province is special. In its preparation, jasmine flowers are dried along with tea leaves and then manually picked. Japanese Sencha is grown in the Japanese province of Fukoka.
1 "Russian Tea Company" 
The best choice
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 teas 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.
There are more than 200 items in the collection of the brand, so everyone can choose tea to their liking. The company also boasts packaging. In addition to branded bags for buying tea by weight, the manufacturer offers gift tin and glass jars, as well as exclusive wooden boxes.
Best green tea bags
Bags, sachets and pyramids are always strictly dosed and are designed to receive 200 ml of a delicious drink. When brewing packaged green tea, the infusion does not turn out to be strong, therefore 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 top three brands for green tea bags.
3 Princess Java 
Variety of flavors
Country:
Russia
Rating (2018):
4.5
Another trade mark representing the large concern "Orimi-Trade". "Princess Java" will appeal to lovers of green tea, as young tea leaves are collected from the best plantations of Indonesia, Vietnam and China for its production.
Green tea bags "Princess Java":
- "Best" - large leaf tea from China with a rich taste;
- "Premium" - an Indonesian drink made from young leaves;
- "Medium" - young leaves are collected in the north of Vietnam, after which they are dried in bamboo baskets;
- "Traditional" is a classic drink made from tightly rolled tea leaves.
In addition to green tea, the collection includes hibiscus, mate and flavored herbal drinks.
2 Heath & Heather 
100% natural composition
Country:
Great Britain
Rating (2018):
4.7
Heath & Heather produces green teas made from all natural ingredients, grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. The brand was founded in 1920 by brothers James and Samuel Reeder. Today, the best specialists of the company carefully select each ingredient, creating amazingly tasty and healthy drinks. All Heath & Heather green teas are powerful natural antioxidants that help normalize metabolism.
The product line includes several types of green tea:
- "Organic". Contains only tea leaves grown in ecologically clean areas. No artificial additives or colors.
- With jasmine. Contains natural jasmine flowers and green tea. Has a pleasant jasmine scent.
- "Imperial Mast". Contains several times more nutrients than ordinary tea leaves. The tea leaves are not thrown away, but crushed and drunk, it is this technique that allows you to reveal all the advantages of the variety.
- Orange flavored. The exquisite aroma of orange blossom flowers and orange peel will delight you with a delicate taste with citrus notes.
- With a cucumber. Cucumber gives a fresh touch to classic green tea.
- With Moroccan mint. A drink with a bright menthol flavor and refreshing effect.
- With manuka honey. Manuka honey is an excellent remedy for fighting germs and viruses, especially in winter. The tea has a calming effect and a pleasant honey taste.
- With coconut.The familiar taste of coconut gives green tea an unusual creamy sweet flavor and aroma. Invigorates, tones and invigorates.
- With basil. Tulsi basil is used for depression and migraine attacks. Helps strengthen the immune system. It is recommended to drink with milk and sugar.
1 Lipton 
Best price
Country:
Great Britain
Rating (2018):
4.9
Brand founder Thomas Lipton bought his first tea plantation in Ceylon back in 1890. Thanks to his ability to competently organize promotions, Lipton products have become known all over the world over time. Thomas believed that tea should be available to all segments of the population, so he organized delivery and packaging at a low cost in 1893. The owner of the company also relied on tea bags. It was Lipton who pioneered the labeling of tea bags with brewing instructions.
Collection of green tea "Lipton" in bags:
- Classic Green Tea - classic green tea;
- Moroccan Mint - fresh flavor of fragrant Moroccan mint;
- Oriental Sencha - harmonious combination of fruity notes of lychee with a floral shade of rose;
- Oriental Temple - intense warming taste and aroma;
- Oriental Milky Oolong - green tea with a delicate creamy note;
- Mandarin Orange - the perfect combination of juicy orange peel and tangerine creates a light refreshing taste;
- Citrus Garden - citrus drink with orange, grapefruit and tangerine aromas;
- Jasmine Flower Green Tea - tea from young leaves from plantations of Indonesia and India, has a light jasmine aroma;
- Vienna Apple Strudel - a drink with the taste of Viennese apple strudel;
- Strawberry Cake - Strawberry cake flavor;
- Sultan Delight - long tea with apple, fig and honey pieces;
- Green Gunpowder is a drink with a fragrant osmanthus aroma.
Attention! The above information is not a buying guide. For any advice, you should contact the specialists!
We drink tea every day. Starting your day in 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 corresponds 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.
Which tea is better to choose. Tea marking
When choosing tea, take a break from the beautiful boxes, packages and pay attention to the markings affixed on the packages. The international tea label used has 10 indicators of tea quality in terms of the structure of the finished tea leaf and 7 indicators of characteristic properties. 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 origin of tea
Here, only the country where this type of tea grows can be indicated. The countries where tea is grown are India, Ceylon, China (the world's largest producers), as well as Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya.
2. Country where tea is packaged
Of course, the most popular are the teas packaged in the producer's country. But it can be another country, for example Russia or one of the European countries.
3. The size of the tea leaf
The following symbols are tea markings indicating which tea is in front of you: (leaf) - leaf, (broken) - broken, (fannings) - small, (dust) - crumb.
The best tea will have the following markings
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.
Widely marketed tea
OR - Orange Peko. These are the best teas. Young, upper tender leaves. Large leaf tea, gives a strong rich infusion.
OP1 - Orange Peko, category 1. High quality large leaf tea, medium strength.
OPA - Orange Peko, category A. Large leaf tea made from whole, topmost, juicy leaves. Infusion with a mild aroma and taste, rich orange hue.
RIVER - Peko. 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 infusion with a tart, strong taste.
FBOR - Medium leaf tea.Consists of broken tea buds and upper leaves. Gives a strong, rich infusion.
STS - Medium strength granulated tea.
GP - Large leaf green tea. In the manufacturing technology, the calcination method is used. The infusion is strong, full-bodied with a fresh, pleasant aroma.
Sencha - green tea made by Japanese evaporation technology. 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 with good green tea lovers.
YH - Large-leaved green tea with a mild taste and aroma, infusion of light color with an amber hue.
Tea rating in Russia - 2018
The tea, which is widely sold on the shelves of our stores and in supermarkets, is a product of mass machine collection. Today, multi-brand companies have established 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 a rating of tea in Russia, the most popular brands of which are selected based on quality checks of the product.
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, the feedback from buyers who choose good tea had a great influence here. Was presented black tea rating.
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
Green tea rating compiled taking into account the appearance, the presence of impurities, the color of the brewed drink and its taste, as well as all consumer reviews.
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 Toning.6th place - Maitre Vert Mountain.
Tea drinking traditions are very widespread in Russia, in various forms. It's so nice to have a cup of hot delicious black tea with your family or friends, or with fresh green tea to quench your thirst in the summer. And so that you can easily choose the best tea for your taste, we have presented you with a rating of tea, in terms of its quality and reviews. Enjoy your tea!
And if you decide to make a gift or just treat a dear and beloved person with good tea, then I recommend reading about it in the article - HOW TO CHOOSE TEA AS A GIFT
Green tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Its history is much longer and more colorful than coffee, and its homeland has been established reliably. Today, the production of this product is carried out in many countries of the world, but China still holds the first place in quality, production volume and a special attitude towards tea drinking.
Varieties and producers
In the store, you can buy packaged, small-leaf and large-leaf green tea at a variety of prices. If you look at the cost, then in Russia you can buy a really high-quality varietal product in the range from $ 7 to $ 800 per 100 grams. Moreover, the most expensive is Chinese elite twisted tea, followed by Japanese, Indonesian, and Ceylon tea.
The largest producers, like tea plantations, are concentrated in China, both in the south of the country and in the north. Hundreds of types of tea are produced here, from rare and expensive, to simple, affordable, designed to be consumed every day. Good green tea is always large-leaved, and the more it is twisted, the stronger the infusion will be, the softer the taste and the healthier the drink itself.
Green differs from black in that it almost does not go through the fermentation stage, that is, it does not oxidize under the influence of external factors and its own enzymes. This allows the sheet to keep all the useful components without changing and transforming into other compounds.In order to prevent fermentation, the harvested leaf is slightly wilted under natural conditions, and later exposed to high temperatures. This can be roasting in the oven, after which the leaves are manually rolled and dried completely.
Depending on the type of curling, teas are distinguished:
- strongly twisted along the sheet;
- strongly twisted across the sheet;
- slightly twisted.
If the leaf is twisted along the axis, it takes the form of twigs, sticks, spirals. This option is very popular in Japan, and a prominent representative is the famous Gekuro and most of its varieties.
Plantations in China have existed for more than one millennium
When the leaf is rolled across, it can resemble balls, scales and is marked in China as Gunpowder, and in Japan as Sencha. In China, such teas are also called pearl, and if there are many tips in their composition, then they are called golden or imperial. Balls can be of different sizes and shapes, their variety is very great.
Loosely rolled tea is a product that is naturally dried, so it can look like flattened blades of grass. It either does not curl at all, or wrinkles slightly. The most popular product is called Long Jing.
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The leaves are rolled not only to increase their presentability. This is a way to keep healthy tea components inside longer and increase shelf life. Weakly rolled leaves give a weak infusion, delicate, with a slight floral or citrus aroma. Strongly curled are always richer, with a rich multifaceted aroma and taste. The color of green tea can vary from light green with a silvery tinge to dark green.
If, when brewed correctly, the taste of tea is pronounced herbal, this is a low-grade product. A good and expensive product has a whole bouquet of aromas from citrus fruits to floral and light herbal ones, natural sweetness and honey flavor may be present.
The most famous varieties
In the tea industry, there are many ways to draw attention to a product. This is mainly a beautiful packaging, an original slogan. But for many centuries there have been varieties of tea that are in constant demand and love without any popularization.
Xi Hu Long Jing - large leaf green tea from Xihu
Below are the top ranked green teas:
- Xi-Hu Long Jing is a Chinese large-leaved plant from Lake Xihu. Collected and produced since ancient times, today it is divided into 13 varieties, the best of which are the first three, represented by a large content of unblown buds collected in early spring. This tea has the lightest color of the infusion, which can set off emerald. The taste is very intense, the aroma is thick floral. It is brewed for about a minute and served in clear glasses to enjoy the subtle shade of the infusion.
- Taiping Hou-Kui is a tea that is harvested on a limited number of plantations and only on a sunny day. There are strict rules for the selection of raw materials. This is a tea bud, which is embraced by two young, freshly blossomed leaves of the same size as the bud. This product is called hot tea.
- Bi-Lo-Chun - passes the stage of manual twisting, from which the tea leaves take the form of small coiled spirals, which are also called snails. Within the variety, there is a division into 7 sub-varieties, and the lower the species, the weaker the taste and aroma. When brewing, Bi-Lo-Chun gives a light emerald color of the infusion, fresh aroma, thick, rich taste. Its taste contains fruity notes. It is also customary to serve the drink in transparent glasses. The largest plantation is located in Jiangxi province.
- Yongwu is one of the most expensive Chinese teas.It is grown on small plantations located on damp and damp mountain slopes, where the sun's rays rarely fall. Goes to the domestic market, therefore it is rare outside the country.
- Gunpowder - tea leaves are similar to balls of gunpowder, refers to pearl teas, it is consumed very sparingly, as it has a very dense and rich taste.
- Chan-Mi is the main loose tea in China, the second name is "eyebrow", which is obtained for the shape of the tea leaves. Has a classic taste and aroma, mixed with flowers, herbs and citruses.
- Huang Shan Mao Feng is the highest mountainous Chinese tea, tea leaves have a light yellowish color, sweetish taste, fresh and rich aroma. Tea leaves resemble passerine tongues.
- Maojian is a large group of teas produced by the upper bud with a leaf. After brewing, the infusion acquires an amber color, delicate taste with a pleasant aftertaste. To get the true Maojiang for 1 cup, you need to take 2 tsp. tea leaves.
- Tien Shan Yin Hao is a natural flavored jasmine tea. The infusion is light and transparent, the taste is classic, and the aroma is rich floral.
- Dong Yuang Dong Bai is a light yellow drink with a bright floral aroma and a multifaceted aftertaste.
Chinese teas are considered the most aromatic and delicate in taste. In this country, a huge number of varieties are produced, different in organoleptic properties and unimaginable in shape. Japanese teas are darker in color and less aromatic. The most popular are Sencha, Bancha and Gekuro. The product from India is considered the lowest grade, although it is in demand due to its affordable price. It can produce a light spicy taste and aroma.
Beneficial features
Green tea is the most useful due to its content of vitamins, amino acids, essential oils, antioxidants. It is rich in fluoride, iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium, and antimicrobial components. It has a high biological activity, which is expressed in the following effects on the human body:
- strengthens the immune system;
- makes vessels elastic and reduces their permeability;
- heals the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract;
- activates mental and physical performance;
- useful for losing weight;
- has an antitumor effect;
- removes toxins, including salts of heavy metals;
- strengthens the skeletal system.
Green teas retain their beneficial properties only when brewed correctly. Boiling water is destructive for them. The water temperature should be from 60 to 80 degrees, and the infusion time lasts from 1 to 3 minutes. If the drink is overexposed, it can become bitter due to its high caffeine content. Water is an important ingredient in brewing. It must be soft, springy, so as not to spoil the taste of the drink.
A cup of green drink promotes weight loss
You need to know what time it is best to drink this tea. This time is from morning to 16-18 pm. Green tea is a highly tonic drink, so it is not recommended in the evening. Pregnant women and children should not get carried away with tea.
Best Green Tea
If we talk about which green tea is better, then this is a product of an early spring harvest with a large number of tips. It is considered the most aromatic, delicate in taste and useful. Such raw materials are always treated with care, excluding the likelihood of spoilage, since ready-made tea is expensive and is purchased by people who know a lot about it.
The best green tea is produced in China, and this has been done for more than one millennium. Many works of Chinese sages are devoted to the benefits and beauty of tea leaves. In Russia, 50% of the product sold on the market is purchased in China, the rest in Sri Lanka, Georgia, Vietnam, Japanese varieties are very rare.
According to the 2016 rating, the following are the best brands of green tea:
- Greenfield Flying Dragon is a leafy Chinese plantation in Hunan province. Gives a light infusion color, light floral aroma with herbal notes. Does not have bitterness and astringency;
- Princess Java Best - inexpensive Chinese with a mild taste, light infusion, good tonic;
- Ahmad Green Tea - represented by the Chinese variety Chang Mi, which has a mild pistachio aroma. Gives a light infusion with light astringency.
When buying tea, you must pay attention to the completeness of the information provided on the package. It is best to opt for loose teas, which are sold through a network of specialty boutiques. Here you can not only see tea leaves, but also taste the desired variety. It is important to check the timing of tea production, the less time has passed since the collection, the more aromatic and useful the drink will be, because a long shelf life under the wrong conditions can spoil the taste of the most expensive variety. It is even dangerous to buy such tea.
Homemade green tea
In Russia, black and green tea has long been prepared from a variety of plant materials. The most popular was fireweed, although using a similar technology, tea leaves can be prepared from currant leaves, cherries, raspberries, and medicinal herbs. To make green leaf tea yourself, you must:
- during the flowering period, collect the leaves of the fireweed;
- spread them out on a flat surface in a warm room for several hours so that they wither and lose some of the juice;
- then they are laid out on a baking sheet and sent to the oven for frying to stop the oxidation process;
- after roasting, final drying takes place, which can be done with or without hand-rolled leaves.
Store tea in glass or tin cans in a dark cabinet at room temperature. You can add dried currant leaves, cornflower flowers, oregano and other aromatic natural additives to them.
Reviews
Irina: Green tea for me can only be pure - without aromas, pieces of fruit and other nonsense. Stopped at Hayles English large-leaf. I am glad that there is never garbage in the pack. All tea leaves are dense, even, with a pleasant aroma, not hay. The infusion is quite gentle, the taste is soft, there is no bitterness. The price is also pleasing, it is very affordable and the pack never disappears from the shelves. There are no difficulties with the search. I am used to its classic taste; it tones up and refreshes well, especially in the heat of summer.
Marina: I tried Dilmakh, Greenfield, Maisky, but I haven't found better Ahmad yet. It's really delicious. I drink it without sugar, hot and cold, it tones up well, has a light green aroma. I love.
Ivan: You can buy good tea only by weight. I always check its color, aroma, sometimes I ask to have it brewed for tasting. I love Chinese snail and other emerald teas.
Olga: It is difficult for an inexperienced person to distinguish cheap Indian tea, the packaging of which often indicates that it is Chinese. But it is enough to try the latter once to drink only it. It is really delicate, floral and citrusy at the same time. There is no smell or taste of dried hay in it. I order this only on the Internet.
