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 color and shape 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. And 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 simply 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 tea shops with a narrow specialization. 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 ice is added to the drink to quench their thirst in the heat. 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 for black tea. To make it, 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 planetary 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
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 loose leaf tea, grown in the Hunan province, will delight tea lovers with 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 picked by hand. 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.
- "The 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 taste 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 up and gives strength.
- 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!
Most of us drink tea every day. This drink not only wins hearts, but becomes a symbol of family comfort and hospitality. We drink tea just out of boredom, in between work and after a delicious meal, as a dessert, at home and away, alone and with a company. Doctors warn that overuse of caffeinated beverages is a health hazard, but that doesn't stop anyone. About two billion cups of tea are drunk every day in the world.
Today, the pace of life has accelerated incredibly, so people began to save time on everything. This also affected tea. To make a really tasty drink, you need to disinfect the teapot, pour a little boiling water over the leaves and let it simmer. After 10 minutes, you can add water according to the norm and enjoy the rich taste.
But there is not always time for this. Therefore, manufacturers began to produce tea bags. It is very convenient, especially at work. I had a few free minutes - I poured boiling water from the cooler, threw in a bag, and the tea was ready. But how does this shortening of the ceremony affect our health? Today we want to talk about this in more detail, as well as find the best tea bags.
Not for true connoisseurs
Those who love tea for its rich taste and aroma, and not just swallow, without looking, a mug of warm contents at work will never settle for even the best tea bags. The logic here is simple. Usually, the latter option is cheaper than large-leaf, quality tea.
But if we assume that it is this raw material that is packed in bags, then the cost should increase greatly, since the production process is complicated by the device for grinding and packaging each portion.In addition, material is consumed for filter bags for tea. Why does this happen?
Unhealthy
Only the best tea bags can be recognized as meeting quality standards. Below we will talk about specific brands. All the rest in bags pack the dust that remains from the main production. The most unscrupulous growers go even further, adding ordinary grass, dried and chopped for volume. The color is achieved through dyes, which also do not add usefulness. Sometimes a normal sheet is used as raw material, but with an expired shelf life.
But the contents of the sachets are only one side of the coin. Filter bags for tea also do not add value. In the original, these should be silk bags. In our case, paper of unknown quality is usually used. Together with it, a thread is welded, attached with glue. Agree, a dubious composition. Of course, the best tea bags are very different from the cheapest segment, so you should always pay attention to the brand.
Fruit, berry and floral
They are more popular than the classic varieties. Usually, the flavored drink does not sit on the shelves. He is especially loved by women who want to lose weight and exclude sweets from the diet. In this case, the fruity taste is somewhat replaced by candy.
It should be noted that these varieties are mostly harmful. Again, with the exception of the most expensive brands, where dried fruits and berries are used as a flavoring agent. The rest of the bright taste is achieved exclusively due to chemical components. It is essentially a slow poison that must be avoided by all means. Fruit teas very often cause allergies, increase the acidity of the stomach, and reduce immunity. So if you want to be healthy, avoid them whenever possible.
Chemical analysis
In addition to the fact that lovers of this drink evaluate it by its taste, there are also special studies that are carried out in laboratories. Today there are many works that describe the work done, or rather a comparative analysis of the quality of tea of certain brands. They allow you to accurately assess what tea bags are, the benefits and harms that the body receives.
Analyzing the conclusions, we can say that almost all prototypes contained a large amount of fluorine. With regular use, such a drink will lead to the destruction of tooth enamel and bone tissue, as well as joints. This is especially dangerous for the elderly and pregnant women. Even a healthy person should not consume such express drinks more than three times a week.
Choosing a drink to taste
Each popular brand has a fairly wide range of products. The standard set is classic, green, and several flavored varieties. Let's tell you in a few words who should choose black tea. Opinions on this issue are very different from each other, however, the harm and benefit to the body depends solely on the quality of the raw materials being brewed and the amount drunk per day. The caffeine contained in the drink has a tonic effect and gives us strength for a busy day. Its usefulness for the prevention of viral infections is known.
Antioxidants protect against colds and prevent the development of atherosclerosis. Tannin, which is part of the composition, increases immunity, and the presence of fluoride makes it possible to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. An excess of it is harmful, but a couple of cups a day will provide the body with the necessary amount. If consumed in reasonable quantities, tea eliminates disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system, stimulates the activity of the brain.
But, of course, few people think about it. First of all, black tea in bags is used for the sake of an unforgettable taste and aroma, rich and rich. It goes especially well with milk.
Option light
It is generally accepted that green tea is more beneficial for the body.It is recommended for women during a diet, as well as a tonic drink that can be consumed throughout the day. Few people know that in this case the sources of raw materials are the same tea bush, from which black, red and yellow tea is made.
That is, the whole point is only in the processing of the sheet. Therefore, the properties differ not as radically as it might seem at first glance. In particular, its caffeine content is also very high. However, the taste is very different. This drink invigorates and refreshes, perfectly tones and therefore is extremely suitable for the summer season. It is especially good with a slice of lemon, honey or fruit.
Best black tea bags
Thanks to numerous surveys and studies, it is possible to single out undoubted leaders who produce a really good product. This is a high-quality tea in bags, the benefits and harms of which will be determined only by the amount drunk. They should not be abused, first of all, because of the caffeine in the composition. However, let's go directly to the varieties:
- Greenfield Magic Yunnan is the winner of numerous thematic exhibitions that evaluated the contenders for victory on a number of criteria. This is the packaging itself, its safety and reliability, as well as its contents. This is a black, long tea "bouquet". As a result of brewing, a dark, rich drink with a ruby tint is obtained. The aroma is intense, "with a smoke" and a taste of prunes. Judging by the reviews, this is a strong tea that is perfectly brewed, very aromatic, but a little tart, for an amateur. Each sachet is individually wrapped.
- Ahmad Tea English Breakfast is another great tea bag. Which is better, it's up to you. It differs from room one in a more affordable price. In individual bags, fine, black tea. This is a blend of strong varieties of Ceylon, Assamese and Kenyan varieties. How do consumers see it? Judging by the reviews, this drink is very tasty, rich, bright and slightly tart. The taste is classic, the bags are well made, do not break when brewed.
- Brooke Bond - the top category is indicated on the package, although, according to laboratory studies, it is classified as the first grade. This is a blend of Indian and Kenyan tea. Gives a strong infusion with an amber color. The tea is neatly packed, no dust is visible in the bags. It has a deep taste and beautiful color. These are the sales leaders who have the very best consumer reviews.
Green tea bags
Unlocks the Greenfield Japanese Sencha Ranking. This is a Japanese Sencha tea. It is with this variety that it is recommended to start acquaintance with green teas. The main advantages are classic taste without bitterness. The drink turns out to be of a delicate olive color. The scent is very subtle, invigorating and discreet. The packaging is sealed, very good, does not break and does not sour.
In second place in the survey is Lipton Classic Green. It is brewed for a few minutes. The drink has a delicate aroma and golden hue. The taste is light, medium-bodied and astringent. Bitterness is completely absent, which pleases most consumers.
In third place is Ahmad Green Tea in bags. This is a Chinese tea with an amazing aroma. One teapot is enough for one teapot, that is, about two cups. It's nice to drink it with lemon or honey.
Chamomile tea bags
In fact, this trade name is not entirely correct. This is no longer tea, but a herbal drink. It has a pleasant taste and aroma, and, moreover, is very useful. However, there is one caveat. Buying chamomile tea bags, you run the risk of greatly impairing the taste and health of the drink. Paper packaging and glue are unlikely to add anything to this noble plant. Therefore, it is better to buy dried herb at the pharmacy. The exception will be Greenfield chamomile, which is of high quality.
Consumer rating
Large shopping centers often organize food tastings, in which visitors are invited to taste several varieties of tea and determine the best one. We will give one example of such a competition, in which May Tea, Ahmad, Greenfield, Dilma, Nuri, Beseda, Brook Bond, Lipton took part. Visitors were invited to taste each of the drinks and rate it on points from 1 to 10.
As a result, not the most expensive Lipton unexpectedly received the highest marks. Brooke Bond was placed in second place. Then everything went in tune with the previous study. Third place was shared by Ahmad and Greenfield. The Beseda tea turned out to be of the lowest quality; the visitors did not like its taste. But inexpensive tea "Nuri" in bags turned out to be a worthy competitor for elite varieties and took the fourth place in the ranking.
It should be noted that laboratory tests agree with the consumer rating. The only difference of opinion is May Tea. Buyers' ratings were weak, while the quality of the products according to the laboratory conclusion is very high.
Black or green tea?
Green and black tea can be obtained from the leaves of one bush. The difference in color, taste, useful properties is achieved by the time of fermentation of the leaves.
Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, due to which it retains a unique set of vitamins and elements.
For black tea, the leaves are subjected to maximum fermentation, which allows you to obtain a rich color, tart and bright taste of the drink.
Numerous controversies in favor of choosing black or green tea do not have a clear answer. Both drinks can benefit or harm the body.
Black tea is useful in that it:
- has a long-term invigorating effect, due to which the work of the brain is enhanced;
- improves blood circulation, helps to cleanse toxins;
- normalizes the digestive process;
- optimizes the general condition of the body.
However, all the beneficial properties of black tea can turn into harm if consumed excessively or improperly prepared.
Both black and green tea can be beneficial in moderation.
It is interesting that green tea appeared in our country almost on a par with black, but did not gain much popularity. Over time, its deliveries from China stopped altogether. The second wave of green tea coming to the Russian market happened 20 years ago, and now green tea has firmly established itself on the Russian market and has found its fans.
Green tea is beneficial, it:
- strengthens and supports blood vessels;
- characterized by antibacterial properties;
- has a positive effect on the liver;
- contributes to the rejuvenation of the body.
A large amount of green tea, brewing it too strong, drinking at inappropriate periods can neutralize all the beneficial characteristics of this drink.
Advice. There is no definitive answer to the question: which tea is better to drink - black or green? It is recommended that you consume both of these beverages in moderation to reap the benefits.
Russian tea market
The Russian tea market is represented mainly by multi-brand manufacturing companies:
- the company "Orimi-trade" produces teas "Princess (Java, Kandy, Nuri, Gita)", Greenfield, Tess;
- Unilever produces tea under the brands Lipton, Brooke Bond, Beseda;
- the May company owns the May Tea, Lisma, Curtis trademarks;
- the Sapsan company produces tea under the brands Akbar, Gordon, Bernley.
Also widely known are the following trademarks: Ahmad Tea, Hilltop, Riston, Dilmah, Maitre, “The Same”.
How to choose the best tea: selection criteria
When choosing the best tea, you need to distract from the design of its packaging and look at the labeling.
In accordance with Russian GOST, the quality of tea is determined by its grade: bouquet (highest quality), premium grade, first, second and third grade.
International labeling is a matrix and has 10 quality indicators for the texture of a tea leaf and 7 indicators characterizing its properties.
Large leaf black tea
So, the best large leaf tea will be marked with letters:
- F (Flowery) - tea from slightly opened buds, the best tea.
- P (Pekoe) is a tea made from tea buds and the first two leaves.
- O (Orange) - tea made from young leaves.
- T (tippy) - exclusive tea from tea buds, the most expensive.
- G (golden) - tea with yellow tips (buds).
- S (special) - tea, exclusive for any characteristic.
In addition to the labeling, you should pay attention to the tea material itself:
- the infusion for black tea should be almost black without gray and brown shades, for green - there should be no leaves of white or bright green;
- tea leaves should be the same without twigs, dust and tea fines;
- "Wire" (strongly twisted) leaves characterize the degree of fermentation and the quality of the tea. For green tea, weak leaf curl is not an indicator of poor quality;
- the smell should be pleasant, without foreign aromas;
- high-quality tea should be fresh, the best - from 1-2 monthly leaves. Tea material quickly loses its beneficial properties and aroma;
- the packaging must be airtight with an indication of the composition, expiration date, manufacturer in Russian.
All tea sold in the Russian mass market is collected by special machines, therefore, at best, the counters display tea labeled Orange or Orange Pekoe. Tea made from tea buds will be exclusive and expensive; it is not available on the market.
Attention! Tea bags are of the lowest quality. It is produced from tea waste, tea dust. Such a drink will not be useful.
Test purchase: tea rating 2016
Based on the results of the test purchase, a rating of loose tea was compiled. The scores were given taking into account the appearance of tea leaves, on the basis of aroma, taste, color of the brewed tea, in addition, a check was made of the compliance of the samples with the compositions and varieties declared on the package.
Rating of black leaf tea:
- 1 place. Ahmad tea Ceylon Tea high mountain, grade FBOPF
- 2nd place. Greenfield Golden Ceylon, variety bouquet
- 3rd place. Riston Premium English Tea, premium
- 4th place. Akbar Violet Alexandrite, grade OP
- 5th place. Dilmah Ceylon, premium
- 6th place. Maisky, the top grade is declared on the package. According to experts, tea corresponds to the 2nd grade. Teapots of lamellar structure, not twisted enough
Chai Ahmad - Leader of Test Purchase
The first place, according to consumers' estimates, belongs to Ahmad tea brand black leaf tea. This tea has the ability to form a transparent infusion of bright color, has a pleasant taste and clean aroma. The organoleptic characteristics of all samples were at their best, the content of harmful impurities was not revealed.
According to the estimates of green leaf tea lovers, the rating was compiled taking into account the smell, taste, color of the brewed infusion, as well as the appearance of tea leaves, the presence of impurities.
Green tea leaf rating:
- 1 place. Greenfield flying dragon
- 2nd place. Tess style
- 3rd place. Ahmad tea Green Tea
- 4th place. Princess Java Traditional
- 5th place. Lisma Toning
- 6th place. Maitre Vert Mountain
Consumers of green leafy tea preferred Greenfield Flying Dragon tea as it has a refreshing, pleasant, mild taste, transparent greenish color and delicate floral aroma.
Fragrant, tart, dark transparent amber color, black tea is able to gather the whole family at a round table. Fresh, soft, light jade green tea will perfectly quench your thirst on a summer day. Tea drinking traditions in Russia are strong, so the choice of the best tea, be it black or green, is always relevant. With a focus on quality features, labeling, packaging, this choice will be made correctly.
The best tea according to the "Test Purchase" - video
