Where in the World Did You Find This Tea?

This is an excerpt from one of my World Tea News articles. To find out more about my freelance writing or to ask me about writing copy for your tea business, please contact me at vee at veetea dot com. Thank you.

Origins to watch

According to the USDA, between 2007 and 2008, U.S. imports of Kenyan loose black tea rose 31 percent. Imports of Costa Rican loose green tea jumped 357 percent. As impressive as these figures are, they do not reflect quality levels, and with so many unusual origins vying for specialty tea dollars, it can be difficult to know which ones to consider for your inventory. Here are sources’ recommendations for origins to watch:

*Bolivia– Sustainably produced black and green teas stimulate the local economy and connoisseurs’ taste buds. The black tea is “warm, fruity … not too rich, but with a nice rounded flavor,” Pettigrew said.

*England– Although production is small-scale, teas Pettigrew described as “extraordinary,” like a spring-plucked, bud-only green, are now emerging.

*Guatemala– “Very nice, standard, balanced” black tea is sustainably produced on a nature preserve that benefits 50 local families, according to Pettigrew.

*Kenya– Orthodox tea is less than one percent of total production here, Melican said, but now there are some “really lovely” orthodox teas, including greens and whites.

*Malawi– “They can make really delicate, floral white teas from the same varietals that are normally to produce gutsy, thick, juicy black teas,” Pettigrew said.

*Nepal – Cain said some Nepalese teas are “on par with the finest stuff in Darjeeling,” but often less expensive.

*Rwanda – A top-selling CTC factory was recently purchased for orthodox production, placing Rwanda on the specialty tea horizon.

*South Korea – Quality first-flush, pan-fried greens are backed by serious intentions to expand the industry, making South Korea “one of the most important” to watch now, Pettigrew said.

*Southern India– Look out for Chinese-style teas, such as oolongs, greens and whites.

*Sumatra– Watch for value oolongs, according to Cain: “There are pouchongs that are better quality, but the price point is really aggressive.”

*Thailand – Tea has been produced in Thailandfor a long time, but thanks to the relocation of some Taiwanese oolong producers, oolong quality is on the rise.

*Vietnam – Quality varies, but now there are great teas to be had.

Soon, you’ll be able to read the remainder of this article in my portfolio site, Copy & Taste.