"She is fun, energetic, possesses knowledge of the tea world beyond her years and led a fascinating presentation at our teabar. "

--Nancy Goodwin, Owner, Urbana Cityspa & Teabar

"(Vee’s articles) are written with humor, passion and a vast knowledge of the subject."

--Rit Sherdian, Tea Drinker, New York

"Vee definitely makes tea trendy and fun!"

--Holly Ho, Toronto, Ontario

Determining Tea Quality

There is a complex system of tea grading that is used in tea auctions, processing, and blending, but for everyday buying, determining tea quality can be a simple affair. All you have to do is look, listen, smell, and taste.

Look

A good, fresh tea has a pleasing luster. White tea should have fine hairs on the surface. All teas should have large, uniform leaves and be free of foreign matter. If the tea is flavored (like Earl Grey, for example), pay special attention to the appearance, because flavors are often used to try to cover up a cheap tea’s bad taste.

If possible, watch the leaves as they are brewed. Did they expand uniformly and slowly sink as they infused? If so, it’s good quality. Also, look at the brewed tea. The liquor should be clear (unless, of course, it is a powdered tea) and free of any particulate matter after it is strained. If you are viewing a green tea it should be emerald or golden in color. If the brew is dark brown, it is stale.

Listen

There are two aspects to listening. The first is listening to the tea shop staff.

If you’re looking for a particular type of tea (say, a floral green), start by asking them what they have in that category. When I go somewhere new, I ask the salesperson what favorites and best sellers are.

Then I ask which flushes their recommendations are. Most teas are best when they are first flush pickings. Assam black teas are generally considered to be better when they are second flush.

I sometimes ask which ones are single estate teas. Tea, like wine, is at its purest and best when it is from a single source. Blends often contain cheap filler teas.

Second, listen to the leaves. Pick some up and gently shake them in your palm. A green, Oolong, or black tea should make a dry rustling sound.

Smell

The odor of the tea says a lot about the taste. If it smells charred (not smoky, but burnt) or acidic, then do not buy it. The fragrance should be clear and pure, not muddled or stale. If you get to check out the brewed tea, be sure to smell it. It should have a clear, distinct, pleasant odor.

Taste

It’s easiest to determine the quality if you can taste the brewed tea. Note the taste, the astringency on the tongue, and the aftertaste. Is it pleasant? Is it balanced? Is the aftertaste lasting? Or is it overly bitter? Does it have a moldy or “off” taste? You should know quickly if you have a good tea! If you can’t try the brewed tea, then taste the leaves themselves. Take a few and gently chew them. They should have a mellow, fresh taste.


One last note—always trust your instincts! If a tea “seems wrong,” even if you can’t place why, then it IS wrong—at least for you, if not in general. The most expensive tea you can buy is worth nothing to you if you don’t like it. So, find a tea that’s right for you and enjoy it!