If you have spent any time in the tea industry, you may have encountered comparisons between natural and blended tea. This is the difference between tea that consists entirely of one type from one estate, and tea that mixes multiple types together. Both natural tea and blended tea have their own advantages that you may want to familiarize yourself with before choosing which to sell.
What is natural tea?
All tea has its origins with the Camellia sinensis shrub, but taste and texture can vary widely depending on where and how the leaf is grown. Natural tea is also known as unblended tea, pure tea or single origin tea. It is generally grown in one location, with a specific climate and soil. This gives it its own distinct character and flavor that is unique. Natural teas are often some of the most exclusive kinds.
You will often see natural tea divided into single estate or single-tea types. A single estate tea is, as you might expect, all from the same estate and sold under that particular label. It is grown, harvested and packaged together. Single-tea types may not all come from the same estate, but they are generally the same kind of tea, so they will sometimes be labelled as blended.
What is tea blending?
Tea blending is when multiple types of tea are mixed together to create a new and distinct product. This most commonly happens with black tea, but it is possible with others. Tea leaves may also be combined with other oils, flowers, herbs and other additions to change both flavor and aroma to produce a blended tea. Some of the most popular teas in the world, such as English Breakfast Tea, are actually blends. This approach allows for the creation of whole new flavors that would not otherwise be possible.
How do natural and blended teas compare?
As natural tea is only available in limited volumes from one place, it tends to be more expensive, although it is also easier to judge its quality. Blended tea may combine cheaper or less flavorful leaves with higher quality tea for ease and cost effectiveness. This type of blending does, however, allow manufacturers to continue to produce delicious teas even when a particular crop of leaves proves to be inferior. It is less susceptible to seasonal variations.
One of the main challenges in producing blended tea is ensuring that every batch tastes the same as the previous one. It needs exactly the same combination of leaves and flavorings each time, whereas natural tea is always guaranteed to be the same. Blending may destroy the unique and special flavor profile of a natural tea, but it can also be used to invent entirely new and exciting types of tea.
It is clear that both natural tea and tea blending have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages in both production methods and flavor. This means that suppliers and retailers need to carefully consider what they want from their tea when choosing which to market. The decision between natural and blended may affect cost, taste, traceability and overall quality among other factors. Both can, however, in the right circumstances, make a delicious cup.