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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Jason Petrina | Posted under Food & Drink
Tips on How to Buy Tea
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Before embarking on your first tea purchases you should understand a little about the different varieties of tea. There are actually about three thousand different types of tea produced around the world. Some of the most common are black tea, green tea and oolong tea. Black tea has been oxidized for many hours while green tea is not oxidized at all. Oolong tea is only partially oxidized. One of the ways that you should examine tea when purchasing it is by the shape and color of the leaf. Keep in mind that different kinds of leaves tend to have different shaped leaves. Generally speaking, it's always a good idea to purchase tea leaves that are unbroken. This is because a broken leaf will produce bitter tea. Of course; there is an exception to every rule and that is true with tea as well. In this case, you will find it difficult to locate unbroken black tea leaves because they are cut in order to provide a stronger tasting tea. Oolongs are also commonly abraded in order to provide a stronger flavor. When examining tea leaves, you will be able to note the process that was used. Leaves that tend to have a somewhat yellow appearance were hand fired while leaves that were steamed will retain a leafy green appearance. The type of tea that you are interested in will determine whether it is best to look for a smaller or larger bud. For example, if you are interested in purchasing green tea, you should look for smaller delicate buds and leaves while oolongs are preferred to have larger leaves. Smell is also an important part of the tea buying process. You should smell the leaves both dry and wet. Even dry leaves should have some smell to them. For example, green tea leaves will generally have a sweet floral fragrance that lingers. Oolong leaves tend to vary but may smell somewhat akin to peach. Scented teas should maintain their smell for sometime. If a scented does not maintain its smell well, it is probably of a poor quality. The smell of a tea is a good indicator of the taste. You should also take the time to touch any tea leaves that you consider for purchase. This will allow you to determine whether the tea leaves are coarse or smooth and whether or not they will crumble easily. You can also ascertain whether the tea is light or heavy. Green teas should be smooth and the leaves should be tender when wet. No quality teas should crumble too easily. If it does, this is an indication that it has been baked too long or is old. Finally, you should always taste test any tea you consider for purchase. This is absolutely imperative. Green tea should be fresh and not too astringent while black tea should also be fresh and not too full bodied. All good quality tea should have a nice sweet aftertaste and should be slippery when swallowed. When pleasant, as it should be, the aftertaste should linger. About The Author: Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com |
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