Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It comes in many different forms, such as black, white, green and oolong, and it can be brewed in many different ways. Every stage of the tea production process, from when the plant is originally grown to when it is poured into the cup, can affect its quality. That means there are many things for a tea manufacturer to consider if they want to ensure their tea is the best tea.
Factors for a tea manufacturer, seller or drinker to consider
Environment:
Camellia sinensis is the plant that produces the majority of tea leaves. Traditionally, it grows in China, India and other parts of Asia, where the climate is best suited for it. As with many plants, soil, sunlight, water, nutrition, temperature and other weather conditions can all affect how the shrub grows, which in turn can impact the quality of the leaf and any tea that is produced from it. Many tea plants are cultivated at high altitudes, which can slow growth but improve flavor.
Processing:
How tea is processed or turned from a plant to dried leaves suitable for brewing, is also very important. Differences at this stage are what decide whether tea will be white, green, black, oolong or some other type. Key features include rolling, the amount of wilting in the leaves, and whether the leaves are allowed to oxidize.
Chemical structure:
Various compounds are present in tea that can impact everything from its taste to health benefits. Caffeine is probably the most famous ingredient, but its levels vary between teas. For example, green tea tends to have lower caffeine levels than black tea. Depending on the consumer’s preferences, this could be a positive quality or a negative one. Other important compounds in tea are polyphenols, including flavonoids, which can affect the taste, color and strength of the tea, in addition to being responsible for many of tea’s purported medicinal uses.
Storage:
Different types of tea may have different storage instructions. Again, factors such as temperature, moisture and light will have a big impact. Tea that is not stored properly may lose its flavor and become damaged, meaning the eventual drink will not be as pleasant.
Brewing:
A consumer may purchase the highest-quality blend of tea leaves, but the eventual drink will not be high in quality unless it is properly prepared. Each tea should have its own instructions regarding how long it should be allowed to brew. There is also a difference depending on the teapot (china? metal? do you warm it first?) or mug used, whether the water in the kettle was fresh or re-boiled, and a host of other factors.
The quality of tea does not just refer to its taste. It means how it looks, including its color, and its scent. It is also about the things we cannot necessarily detect ourselves, like its chemical composition. The lengthy and complex process of growing, harvesting, processing, packing, shipping, preparing and drinking tea means there are many opportunities to improve or damage its quality. If the tea manufacturer gets it right, they will be able to create teas suitable for every individual consumer.