New Article!

There's a new article on Vee Tea today. It's all about determining tea quality, but don't worry-- it doesn't get into grading and all that. It's for tea consumers rather than for industry use. Here's an excerpt:

"There is a complex system of tea grading that is used in tea auctions, processing, and blending, but for everyday buying, determining tea quality can be a simple affair. All you have to do is look, listen, smell, and taste.

Look

A good, fresh tea has a pleasing luster. White tea should have fine hairs on the surface. All teas should have large, uniform leaves and be free of foreign matter. If the tea is flavored (like Earl Grey, for example), pay special attention to the appearance, because flavors are often used to try to cover up a cheap tea's bad taste.

If possible, watch the leaves as they are brewed. Did they expand uniformly and slowly sink as they infused? If so, it's good quality. Also, look at the brewed tea. The liquor should be clear (unless, of course, it is a powdered tea) and free of any particulate matter after it is strained. If you are viewing a green tea it should be emerald or golden in color. If the brew is dark brown, it is stale."

For the rest of the article, click here. Enjoy!