Varieties of good tea are determined by various decorative and physiological characteristics, as well as the processing method. Everyone knows that the raw materials for this product are collected from tea bushes. Between themselves, the fruits may vary in color, size and region of growth. It is worth noting that there is only one type of tea plant (Chinese camellia) and many of its varieties. The color of the finished product (black, red, green, yellow) depends on the subsequent processing of the sheet after collection.
Qualitative indicators
Varieties of good tea are formed from several important factors. In addition to plant varieties (from China, Assam or Cambodia), the following points are taken into account:
- The country where bushes and plantation characteristics grow. On this basis, one can distinguish popular Chinese, Ceylon, Indian, African, Georgian varieties. Among domestic options are products from the Krasnodar Territory.
- The period and conditions for the collection of raw materials (age of leaves, method, season and other factors).
- The processing process (twisting, crushing, drying and other special operations).
The variety of varieties is influenced by blending, which is a mixture of different caliber, country of growth and method of processing leaves. The composition of such a product may include several dozen tea raw materials from different countries. Another factor is the addition of flavorings. If they are natural - there is nothing wrong with that. Each word on the packaging plays a role. For example: “Ceylon black large leaf tea with the addition of the company bergamot ...”
About manufacturers
Among tea brands, it is not so easy to choose the best suitable brand. During the Soviet era, most people were content with one type of tea, which even now many people remember with nostalgia (with an elephant on a pack). Then, a surplus of imported varieties appeared in the country, among which it was easy to “get lost”.
Now it’s quite difficult to choose the best tea producer. This is due to the fact that one company can offer several different brands and price categories. For example, connoisseurs of Greenfield and customers of Princess Nuri purchase tea from one brand - Orimi Trade. Such a “scatter” makes the choice of the best tea producer very arbitrary.
Among foreign brands in the domestic market, the following brands are popular:
- Ahmad.
- "Dilma."
- Twining.
- "Riston."
- "Akbar".
Popular Russian manufacturers:
- “Orimi Trade” (various “Princesses”, “Tess”, “Greenfield”).
- "Univer" ("Brooke Bond", "Conversation", "Lipton").
- “May” (“May Tea”, “Curtis”, “Lisma”).
Rating of the best varieties of tea
The review presents tea varieties, the popularity of which is due to quality indicators and user reviews. The selection does not include elite and expensive brands that are sold in specialized retail outlets. The list includes such varieties that can be bought in almost every store.
First, consider the three leaders of black tea:
- "Ahmad" (Ceylon highland), the price is from 360 rubles per 200 grams.
- "Greenfield" (golden Ceylon), from 180 rubles. for 200 g
- "Dilma" (Ceylon), from 350 rubles. for 250 g
Ahmad Ceylon Tea High Mountain
Ceylon Alpine loose tea belongs to the FBOPF variety. The product gives a classic tea flavor and aroma. The color of the infusion is bright and transparent. One of the best drinks for morning tea drinking.
The advantages include:
- good fortress;
- rich aroma and taste;
- economical consumption.
In the reviews, consumers note the optimal combination of astringency and pleasant fruity notes, as well as the ability to cheer up perfectly in the morning.
Greenfield
Greenfield Golden Ceylon large leaf Ceylon tea has a rich color, which can vary from brown to dark orange, depending on the strength. Due to its deep pleasant taste, the drink is suitable for daily use.
The advantages include a decent indicator of strength, tightness of the foil package. Disadvantages - mild aroma and fairly fast consumption. In the reviews, consumers indicate a classic astringency, which is achieved after brewing for at least five minutes. It does not cause any aftertaste and associations to most buyers.
Dilma
Dilmah Ceylon is a large-leaf tea made in Ceylon. The drink is distinguished by a transparent infusion, a pronounced characteristic aroma, a reddish tint. A product with a tart flavor will appeal to lovers of classic tea.
Among the advantages:
- pleasant taste;
- sufficient strength;
- the presence on the package of a transparent window, allowing to evaluate the appearance of the goods;
- packing is made in Sri Lanka.
Among the minuses is heterogeneity with the presence of broken leaves.
Buyers indicate a pleasant aroma, tonic effect, as well as the possibility of drinking the drink in hot and cold form, without compromising on taste.
The best packaged black tea
The following three leaders stand out in this category:
- "Greenfield" Magic Yunnan (from 280 rubles per 100 bags).
- "Ahmad" (English breakfast), from 290 rubles. for 100 pak.
- "Brooke Bond" (from 180 rubles for 100 pak.).
Greenfield magic yunnan
Baikhovy variety "bouquet" gives a rich dark color with a hint of ruby. The aroma felt notes of prune and "haze". The advantages include good strength and brewing, tangible aroma, placing each bag in a sealed foil protection. Users mark this brand as one of the best types of tea in packages. Tartness of the aroma is not suitable for everyone, it is not for everybody.
Ahmad Tea English Breakfast
Among the varieties of good tea of the middle price segment, there is a small black blend, which includes Ceylon, Kenyan and Assamese raw materials. The drink is quickly and well brewed, smells pleasant, possessing a classic aroma, does not have bitterness or acid.
It is worth noting that, according to Roskontrol, it is the Ahmad English Breakfast that leads in the amount of caffeine (up to 72 grams per cup). The users attribute the saturation and strength of the infusion, the classic taste, the invigorating effect to the advantages. Minus - the lack of individual protective packaging for bags.
Brooke bond
This variety of good tea consists of a blend of Kenyan and Indian raw materials. The drink is distinguished by astringent taste, rich amber color of the finished infusion. According to Rosstandart, this brand is the leader in the inclusion of tannins among tea bags.
Pros - pleasant tart taste, quick brewing, tonic effect. The disadvantage is that the manufacturer indicates the highest grade according to internal qualifications, although according to the domestic laboratory GOST it was ranked as the first grade. Consequently, labeling may mislead an ignorant buyer.
Best green tea
Among the three leaders we note the following tea firms:
- "Flying Dragon" from "Greenfield" (from 175 rubles per 250 g).
- "Princess Java" (from 55 rubles per 100 g).
- "Ahmad Green Ti" (from 270 rubles per 200 g).
Greenfield Flying Dragon
This green tea is grown on Chinese plantations in Hunan Province. The product has a light aroma and mild taste. Along with notes of a grassy hue, there is a light amber infusion. Among the advantages of Greenfield Flying Dragon ("Flying Dragon") - the presence of airtight packaging, a soft pleasant aftertaste without bitterness. Consumers also note economical consumption, good and quick brewing.
"Princess Java Best"
Green tea from China has a subtle unique aroma. The composition includes large leaflets, regardless of the budget category of the product, it pleases most buyers with all the parameters. No flaws were found, and among the pluses - a soft and at the same time rich taste, reasonable cost.
Ahmad green tea
The green leaf product from the Middle Kingdom consists solely of selected top shoots of the Chan Mi variety. The infusion is extremely delicate with a pistachio hue. The pluses include a mild taste with a small bitterness, a tonic effect. Cons - sometimes crumbs from leaves come across in the package. Consumers point to a wonderful tonic effect in both heat and cold.
Nice green tea bags
Here you can highlight the following brands:
- "Greenfield" Japanese Sencha (from 300 rubles for 100 pak.).
- "Lipton" Classic Green (from 280 rubles for 100 pak.).
- "Ahmad" Green Tea bags (from 330 rubles per 100 bags).
Greenfield japanese sencha
Green packing of the Sencha series from Japan is recommended as a standard for exploring green teas for daily consumption. This is due to the classic and delicate taste of the drink. Among other advantages - the lack of bitterness, sealed foil for each bag, a unique aroma after brewing. Users did not find any special flaws.
Lipton Classic Green
The classic version of green tea, which has a pleasant aroma without frills, and with a light tart mild flavor. The drink is perfect for home and work tea parties. Among the advantages are quick brewing, optimal taste without bitterness. The disadvantages are the lack of a separate package for each bag.
Ahmad Green Tea Bag
Fragrant and pleasant tea is rated by users as a good alternative to the brewed option. It has a pleasant taste without annoying bitterness, it smells good, brews quickly and is able to satisfy most people who want to get a boost of energy in the morning or during the day.
Dear analogues
For comparison, we note several high-quality teas, whose price is an order of magnitude higher. Among them:
- Indian tea "Assam". Despite the fact that not all users admire Indian tea, this variety is included in one of the best categories. This position is due to its cultivation on suitable soil, as a result of which the product receives an incredible combination of the fragrance of honey, fruits and flowers. The drink can be consumed both in pure form, and with the addition of mint, lemon or milk. Its cost is from 1.7 thousand rubles per 300 grams.
- The match. This product is originally from Japan, was introduced by Chinese merchants almost by accident. The brewing raw material is not leaves or their substance, but a fine powder. The drink has a pronounced aroma, a characteristic taste with bitterness, is often used not only for its intended purpose, but also as a decoration for confectionery. Cost - from 900 rubles per briquette weighing 100 grams.
- Puer tea". This variety belongs to the most noble varieties that are made in China. The initial manufacturing process is no different from many other analogues. The peculiarity of the taste and aroma of this variety manifests itself after drying. One option is to dry the substrate and compress it into rice paper. The residual course can last up to 20 years, the taste differs depending on processing and aging. Puer tea is not valued for its standard characteristics, but for its amazing tonic effect and excellent taste (from 600 rubles per 100 g).
Criterias of choice
Choosing the right tea is complicated and simple at the same time. Often this process is associated, as they say, with the “trial and error method”. Especially the difficulty is manifested in the fact that on similar packs there can be an identical marking, which confuses the buyer. Even the most beloved and familiar brand can disappoint. If you find a supplier who is satisfied with the goods you are selling, do not try to take risks. It also happens that you can get a different tea from another seller that you purchased earlier.
Some rules for brewing tea
It is best to use spring, filtered or spring water to make this drink.
A long boiling liquid in a teapot can become harmful to the human body, especially if it is taken simply from a tap. On the other hand, if you do not maintain the required temperature, the tea simply does not brew properly.
The proper preparation of the drink in question is not only a means of satisfying the taste, but also the best possible achievement of the use of its properties in order to get the maximum benefit for the body.