Tea originated in China and was used as a vegetable food in the late Spring and Autumn period. It developed into a medicinal use in the mid-Western Han dynasty, and it became a common beverage among the general public after the Western Jin dynasty.

After a long development and accumulation, there are now a considerable variety of teas, with over a hundred types. Based on their production processes, they are classified into six major categories: Black Tea, dark tea, green tea, Yellow Tea, Oolong tea, and white tea.

With such a vast selection and diverse flavors available in the market, choosing tea can be a headache. Below, we will discuss how to select a good tea. Before we start, it's important to understand that the quality of tea is relative, not absolute. The principle is that what suits you best is the best choice.

How to Select Tea

One: Choose products from reputable brands

If you're new to tea and lack sufficient knowledge about it, it is advisable to choose well-known brands or those with a good market reputation. This is a safer approach. Reputable tea brands usually have stricter controls over raw materials, tea production processes, sales, and after-sales services, ensuring peace of mind for new tea enthusiasts.

Two: Don't reject blended teas and don't blindly believe in pure teas

Many tea enthusiasts who have some basic knowledge about tea tend to pursue pure teas seriously. However, this should not be an excuse for some tea merchants to inflate the prices of pure teas. For regular tea drinkers, Drinking Tea is primarily for health and relaxation; there's no need to follow the crowd or think that blended teas are inferior. As long as the raw materials and production processes meet high standards, blended teas can also be considered good tea.

Three: Check product labels carefully

When purchasing tea, make sure to carefully examine relevant SC labels, including origin, manufacturer, production date, and shelf life. Do not buy products without proper labeling.

Four: Persist in drinking tea and learn to distinguish between good and bad qualities

The saying goes, “whether a horse or a donkey, take it out for a walk.” To determine whether a tea is of good quality, don't just rely on the seller's description; it's best to taste it yourself. Use your sense of taste and smell to judge whether the tea suits you. During the tasting process, follow the method of “quality, shape, color, aroma, taste, qi, and flavor.” If the tea has a pure aroma without any off-flavors, feels comfortable when drunk, and does not cause discomfort such as throat constriction or stomach pain after consumption, then you can purchase it with confidence.

What Aspects to Consider When Choosing Tea?

【1】Check the date

This is something to pay attention to when buying anything, not just tea. However, if stored properly and kept dry, tea can last for several years. But for us tea drinkers, that's not necessarily good news. Generally, the best shelf life for tea is half a year, and it shouldn't exceed one year at most.

【2】Inspect the leaves

Generally, after buying packaged tea, there is a certain period during which you can return it. At this time, you can open the packaging, take out the tea, observe its shape, and touch the leaves. Good tea is typically very dry, and if you apply a little force, the leaves will crumble into pieces.

【3】Smell the aroma

If you're still unsure, you can brew a pot of tea to taste. Generally, the aroma of good tea comes out when brewed, and you can judge the quality of the tea by the aroma without even tasting it. If it's good tea, naturally the brewed tea will emit a refreshing aroma, while poor-quality tea will have the opposite effect.

The third method is the most reliable way to select tea. So, whenever possible, after buying tea, brew a pot first. Don't wait until you want to drink it to open the package and brew it, as it may be too late to discover that you've bought subpar tea.