How to Recognize Good Quality Tea: The 4 Characteristics You Need to Pay Attention To

Among the most loved and consumed drinks in the world, "born" in Chinese culture and appreciated from Japan to England (where it became an indisputable symbol): tea, more than something to sip, is a real ritual, a moment of pleasure for all our senses. Black, green, white or yellow, there are many types of tea, all with their own characteristics but all deriving from a single ancient plant, the Camellia sinensis: antioxidant and purifying, tea is perfect for every occasion and is an excellent ally of our health.

There are many varieties on the market, more or less valuable and with more or less strong notes: what are the differences and how to choose the tea that best suits our taste? In addition to the type of variety grown, the other main difference is linked to the processing phase of the leaves: those who love this drink know that each tea has unique characteristics and unmistakable aromas. Between industrial products and great excellences, how do you recognize a good tea? A quality tea will be able to speak to our senses, as long as they are trained and listening: here is a small guide to recognize a good tea and learn to enjoy every aroma, scent and fragrance.

1. What It Looks Like

To recognize a quality tea we can rely on sight and analyze the state of the leaves: let's not forget that tea is first of all a plant and that, net of the different crops and processes they undergo, the leaves can give us much more information than we think. Generally speaking, tea must have a bright, shiny and not opaque color before and after infusion: before "preparing" the tea, look carefully at the leaves, if they are opaque or ruined your tea is certainly not fresh; even after infusion, a bright and lively color is an indication of good quality and freshness. It is better not to rely too much on the intensity of the color, there are excellent quality teas that barely "color" the water, others that dye a lot.

2. What Does it Smell Like?

Every tea has a scent and an aroma that characterizes it but even without being professionals in the sector we can learn to recognize a quality product simply by using our nose. The scent of tea must be pleasant and well perceptible, pungent at the right point but not excessive: if it even vaguely recalls the smell of fish or soap, it is better to leave it alone, it means that the tea is old or poorly preserved. The rule tells us that the more the scent is broad and full-bodied, the fresher the tea is: if before or after the infusion the tea smells little or not at all, it means that it is not old.

3. What Does it Feel Like to The Touch?

What does touch have to do with tea? Actually, much more than you think. To recognize a good tea, it is important to touch the leaves: if it is fresh, the leaves will be whole and of uniform size (especially if we are talking about specialty teas, whose leaves are selected by hand in the final phase of processing). To be sure of buying a good quality product, also pay attention to the consistency: the dry leaves should be smooth and slightly elastic, not too easy to crumble; once wet, however, they will be soft and tender, in some cases slightly thickened by the water.

4. What Does it Taste Like?

Taste is the last but perhaps the most important of the senses, fundamental for recognizing a good tea: it is only through tasting that we can be sure we are sipping a quality product. Regardless of the variety of tea, the flavor must be clear but at the same time not aggressive, it is important to be able to recognize all the aromas without one overwhelmingly prevailing over another. How to taste it perfectly? Breathe in air with your mouth, in this way you will be able to better perceive the aromas and let the tea flow slowly on your tongue before swallowing it, each phase is fundamental to enjoy the qualities of this ancient drink.