Varieties of good tea: review, rating, tips for choosing and preparing

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Varieties of good tea are determined by various decorative and physiological characteristics, as well as by the method of processing. Everyone knows that the raw materials for this product are collected from tea bushes. Between themselves, the fruits may differ in color, size and region of growth. It is worth noting that there is only one type of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and many of its varieties. The color of the finished product (black, red, green, yellow) depends on the subsequent processing of the leaf after collection.

Quality indicators

Good tea varieties are formed from several important factors. In addition to plant varieties (from China, Assam or Cambodia), the following points are taken into account:

1. Country where shrubs and plantation characteristics grow. On this basis, popular Chinese, Ceylon, Indian, African, Georgian varieties can be distinguished. Among the domestic options are products from the Krasnodar Territory.
2. Period and conditions for collecting raw materials (age of leaves, method, season and other factors).
3. Machining process (twisting, crushing, drying and other special operations).

The diversity of varieties is affected by blending, which is a mixing of different sizes, 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 flavors. If they are natural, there is nothing wrong with that. Each word on the package plays a role. For example: “Ceylon black large-leaf highland tea with the addition of bergamot from the company…”

About manufacturers

It is not so easy to choose the most suitable brand among tea brands. In Soviet times, most people were content with one type of tea, which even now many people remember with nostalgia (with an elephant on the pack). Then there was an overabundance of imported varieties in the country, among which it was easy to “get lost”.

Now it is quite difficult to choose the best tea manufacturer. This is due to the fact that one company can offer several different brands and price categories. For example, connoisseurs of Greenfield and buyers of Princess Nouri buy tea from the same brand - Orimi Trade. This "scatter" makes the choice of the best tea producer very conditional.

Among foreign brands in the domestic market, the following brands are popular:

• "Ahmad".
• "Dilma".
• Twinings.
• Riston.
• Akbar.

Popular Russian manufacturers:

• "Orimi Trade" (various "Princess", "Tess", "Greenfield").
• "Uniliver" ("Brooke Bond", "Conversation", "Lipton").
• "May"("May Tea", "Curtis", "Lisma").

Ranking of the best teas

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 outlets. The list includes varieties that can be bought in almost every store.

First, consider the top three black teas:

1. "Ahmad" (Ceylon highlands), price - from 360 rubles per 200 grams.
2. "Greenfield" (Golden Ceylon), from 180 rubles. for 200g
3. "Dilma" (Ceylon), from 350 rubles. for 250 g.

Ahmad Ceylon Tea High Mountain

Ceylon highland leaf tea is FBOPF. The product gives a classic tea taste and aroma. The color of the infusion is bright and transparent. One of the best morning tea drinks.

The pluses 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 in the morning.

Greenfield

Greenfield Golden Ceylon large-leaf tea has a rich color that can vary from brown to dark orange, depending on the strength. Due to its deep pleasant taste, the drink is suitable for daily consumption.

The advantages include a decent indicator of strength,sealed foil packaging. Disadvantages - weak aroma and rather fast consumption. In the reviews, consumers point to the classic astringency, which is achieved after brewing for at least five minutes. It does not cause any aftertaste and associations for most buyers.

Dilma

Dilmah Ceylon is a large leaf tea produced 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 benefits:

• good taste experience;
• sufficient strength;
• presence on the packaging of a transparent window that allows you to evaluate the appearance of the product;
• packaging is made in Sri Lanka.

Among the minuses is heterogeneity with the presence of broken leaves.

Customers point to a pleasant aroma, a tonic effect, as well as the ability to drink hot and cold, without compromising taste.

Best black tea bag

The following top three stand out in this category:

1. Greenfield Magic Yunnan (from 280 rubles for 100 bags).
2. Ahmad (English breakfast), from 290 rubles. for 100 pack.
3. "Brook Bond" (from 180 rubles per 100 pack.).

Greenfield Magic Yunnan

Bouquet variety gives a rich dark color with a hint of ruby. The aroma has hints of prunes and "smoke". The advantages aregood strength and brewing, noticeable aroma, the placement of each bag in a sealed foil protection. Users mark this brand as one of the best types of tea in bags. The astringency of the aroma is not 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 fine black blend, which includes Ceylon, Kenyan and Assamese raw materials. The drink brews quickly and well, smells good, has a classic aroma, has no bitterness or acidity.

It is worth noting that, according to Roskontrol, it is Ahmad English Breakfast that leads in terms of the amount of caffeine (up to 72 grams per cup). Users rank the richness and strength of the infusion, classic taste, and invigorating effect as advantages. Minus - the lack of individual protective packaging for bags.

Brooke Bond

This kind of good tea consists of a blend of Kenyan and Indian raw materials. The drink is distinguished by tart 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 - a pleasant tart taste, quick brewing, tonic effect. The disadvantage is that the manufacturer indicates the highest grade according to internal qualification, although according to the domestic laboratory GOST it was ranked as the first grade. Therefore, the markings can be misleading to the uninformed buyer.

Best green tea

Among the top threenote the following tea firms:

1. Flying Dragon from Greenfield (from 175 rubles for 250 g).
2. "Princess Java" (from 55 rubles per 100 g).
3. Ahmad Green Tee (from 270 rubles for 200 g).

Flying Dragon from Greenfield

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 shade, there is a light amber infusion. Among the advantages of Greenfield Flying Dragon ("Flying Dragon") is the presence of sealed packaging, a soft pleasant aftertaste without bitterness. Also, consumers note economical consumption, good and fast brewing.

Princess Java Best

Green tea from China has the finest unique aroma. The composition includes large leaves, despite the budget category of the product, it pleases most buyers with all parameters. No shortcomings were found, and among the pluses - a soft and at the same time rich taste, acceptable cost.

Ahmad Green Tea

Green leaf product from the Celestial Empire consists exclusively of selected top shoots of the Jang Mi variety. The infusion is extremely tender with a pistachio tinge. The pluses include a mild taste with a slight bitterness, a tonic effect. Cons - sometimes there is a crumb from the leaves in the package. Consumers point to the excellent tonic effect in both hot and cold weather.

Good green tea bags

The following brands can be distinguished here:

1. Greenfield Japanese Sencha (from 300 rubles per 100 pack).
2. Lipton Classic Green (from 280 rubles per 100 pack).
3. Ahmad Green Tea bags (from 330 rubles per 100 bags).

Greenfield Japanese Sencha

Green packaging of the Sencha series from Japan is recommended as a reference for getting to know green teas for daily consumption. This is due to the classic and delicate taste of the drink. Among other advantages - the absence of bitterness, sealed foil for each bag, a unique aroma after brewing. Users did not find any particular shortcomings.

Lipton Classic Green

A classic version of green tea with a pleasant no-frills aroma and a slightly tart mild flavor. The drink is perfect for home and work tea parties. Among the advantages - fast brewing, optimal taste without bitterness. The disadvantages include the lack of a separate package for each bag.

Ahmad Green Tea bags

Fragrant and pleasant tea is rated by users as a good alternative to brewed tea. It has a pleasant taste without annoying bitterness, 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.

Expensive analogues

For comparison, we note several high-quality teas, the price of which is an order of magnitude higher. Among them:

1. Indian Assam tea. Despite the fact that not all users admire Indian tea, this variety is included in one of the best categories. Thisits position by growing it 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 its pure form and with the addition of mint, lemon or milk. Its cost is from 1.7 thousand rubles per 300 grams.
2. "Matcha". This product comes from Japan and was introduced by Chinese traders almost by accident. The raw material for brewing is not leaves or their substance, but a fine powder. The drink has a pronounced aroma, a characteristic aftertaste with bitterness, and is often used not only for its intended purpose, but also as a decoration for confectionery. Cost - from 900 rubles for a briquette weighing 100 grams.
3. Tea "Puer". This grade belongs to the most noble grades which is made in China. The initial technological process of production does not differ from many other analogues. The peculiarity of the taste and aroma of this variety appears after drying. One option is to dry the substrate and press it in rice paper. The residual course can last up to 20 years, the taste differs depending on processing and aging. Pu-erh tea is valued not for its standard characteristics, but for its amazing tonic effect and excellent taste (from 600 rubles per 100 g).

Selection criteria

Choosing the right tea is complex and simple at the same time. Often this process is associated, as they say, with "trial and error." The complexity is especially manifested in the fact that similar packs can have identical markings,which confuses the buyer. Even the most beloved and familiar brand can disappoint. If you have found a supplier who satisfies you with the goods being sold, do not try to take risks. It also happens that from another seller you can get a completely different tea that you purchased earlier.

Several rules for brewing tea

It is best to use spring, filtered or spring water to prepare this drink.

Long-boiling liquid in a kettle can become harmful to the human body, especially if it is taken just from the tap. On the other hand, if the required temperature is not maintained, the tea simply will not brew properly.

Proper preparation of the drink in question is not only a means of satisfying the taste, but also the best possible achievement of using its properties in order to obtain the maximum benefit for the body.