How To Identify Quality Tea: Three Key Factors Explained

At Ekön Tea, we understand that the quality of a cup of tea comes not only from its taste but also from its origin and production process.

When choosing a quality tea, it’s essential to consider several factors that impact its excellence. We’ll explore three fundamental aspects: the type of production process, harvesting methods, and harvesting styles, which together shape the tea experience we all cherish.

Production Process: The Foundation of Flavor

The production process of tea is crucial in determining its characteristics. There are two main methods:

• CTC Teas (Crush, Tear, Curl): This process is mainly used for producing bagged teas. The leaves are crushed and rolled, which speeds up oxidation. While this results in a strong and robust tea, it often sacrifices the complex flavors and aromas that tea enthusiasts seek.

• Orthodox Teas: This method preserves the integrity of the leaves, beginning with hand-picking. The leaves are wilted, rolled, and oxidized slowly. This traditional approach allows richer and more complex flavors to develop, offering a more satisfying and authentic experience.

• Low-Quality Teas: Lower-quality leaves are often used in commercial blends, which can detract from the tea experience. Lack of freshness and inadequate production processes are factors that can negatively affect flavor.

The Methods: The Key to Freshness Tea

The way tea is harvested is another vital determinant of its quality. There are two main methods:

• Mechanical Harvesting: Using machinery, this method is efficient but can damage the leaves and mix different parts of the plant, resulting in lower-quality tea. 

• Manual Harvesting: This more labor-intensive approach ensures that only the freshest and most tender leaves are selected. Skilled pickers can choose only young leaves, ensuring exceptional flavor and aroma in every cup.

Harvesting Styles: Selection and Distinction

Within manual harvesting, there are several styles that affect tea quality:

• Bud-Only Harvest: This style focuses on harvesting only the tender buds, producing a delicate tea with a subtle, refined flavor profile.

• Imperial or Super Fine Harvest: The youngest, most tender leaves from the best plants are selected, resulting in premium teas highly valued by connoisseurs.

• Fine Leaf Harvest: This method collects young leaves, though not exclusively buds. The quality remains high, though not as exclusive as in the imperial harvest.

• Average or Common Harvest: Here, leaves from various parts of the plant are gathered, which can result in a blend of variable quality. Although it’s the most common method, inconsistency in quality can be a drawback

The Art of Tea in Every Sip

At Ekön Tea, we are committed to offering only the highest-quality teas, meticulously caring for every detail of the production and harvest process.

By understanding these elements, you can deepen your tea experience and choose options that truly highlight quality. Every cup you enjoy is a celebration of the art of tea and a reflection of the dedication we put into every leaf. 

Source: Foods 2023, 12, 4467. Tea Harvesting and Processing Techniques and Its Effect on Phytochemical Profile and Final Quality of Black Tea: A Review by Muhammad Aaqil.