Good Black Tea doesn't necessarily have a very red infusion, but it is certainly golden-yellow, bright, vibrant, and transparent! Different varieties of Tea, different geographical environments, and different fermentation processes mean that the color of the tea infusion varies. Some are more red, some more orange-yellow, but regardless of these variations, there is a common characteristic: transparency, purity, clarity, and a single color without any murkiness! If a tea's color is very mixed, dark, or unclear, then there is either an issue with the quality of the tea or the processing method!

How to Distinguish Good from Bad Black Tea

1. Uniform appearance, tightly twisted leaves

When assessing the appearance of dry black tea leaves, one should also look at the uniformity of their overall color.

If the color of the leaves is uneven, with black leaves mixed with dark brown, withered yellow, and other colors, this indicates uneven fermentation and less refined craftsmanship.

2. Aromatic fragrance, no off-flavors

A high-quality black tea has a rich aroma that can be intoxicating. In contrast, if the tea has a faint and mediocre fragrance, it often indicates poor quality and insufficient intrinsic properties!

Besides being fragrant, the aroma of a high-quality black tea should be pure, without any off-flavors or strange odors.

If during the process of tasting and smelling the tea, you detect a sour smell, it is often related to over-fermentation or inadequate drying of the black tea. Alternatively, if the tea was not properly protected from moisture during storage, the black tea may have absorbed moisture and developed a peculiar sour taste due to the presence of water vapor.

3. Clear infusion, no turbidity

High-quality black tea produces a clear and transparent infusion when infused with water. The depth of the infusion color may vary depending on the processing technique and origin, but in all cases, a clear infusion is preferred.

For a good tea, first, assess its dry leaf aroma and shape to see if they meet the standards. If the shape is irregular or the color is incorrect, it suggests issues with the processing. A tea that cannot even present a good dry leaf aroma can be directly judged as having subpar quality. Secondly, consider the infusion; the tea liquor of black tea is typically clear. If there are too many impurities, it indicates inadequate processing. Thirdly, consider the taste; you can use the method of Steeping for five minutes before drinking. If the tea tastes bitter, astringent, or has other flavors, it suggests problems with the processing. A good black tea will have a sweet aftertaste. Its aroma often carries floral, fruity, and honey notes. Lastly, after drinking the tea, spread out the infused leaves to check their integrity. If the leaves are broken, it suggests average processing techniques.