Although different types of Tea have distinct features,

the standards for a good tea vary accordingly.

However, there are some universal standards for good tea,

and the following points represent common qualities of good tea.

1

Clear and bright liquor color

This is the most direct way to judge whether a tea is good. Regardless of whether the tea liquor is red, green, black, white, or yellow, the key is that it must be “clear and bright.” A clear and bright liquor not only pleases the eye but also indicates:

1

Good tea-making techniques, with controlled fermentation and no scorching;

2

Proper handling during production and storage, resulting in fewer broken leaves;

3

Good storage conditions, free from dust and without mold;

4

A rich content of substances within the tea, which are well-released.

However, the brewing method must be scientific; if brewed improperly (for example, using too high a water temperature or steeping for too long), the tea liquor may appear murky.

There is another situation to note: teas with many fine hairs, such as Biluochun and Baihao Yinzhen, can shed hairs when brewed, which may give the impression of murky liquor; pay attention to distinguish this.

Bitterness and astringency present but quickly dissipate

Bitterness and astringency are inherent flavors in tea. As the saying goes, “If it isn't bitter and astringent, it isn't tea.” If a tea lacks bitterness and astringency, it may seem bland and monotonous.

Well-processed tea will exhibit subtle bitterness and astringency. Since tea naturally contains these flavors, the key is whether they dissipate quickly.

If the bitterness and astringency linger in the mouth, often referred to as “sticking to the tongue,” making the tongue feel tight and rough, and causing discomfort, it probably shouldn't be considered a good tea.

No foreign odors or wateriness

1. Foreign odors refer to smells not inherent to the tea itself.

There are two situations where foreign odors occur:

One is when there are problems in the tea-making process, leading to improper techniques and the development of undesirable flavors, such as grassy, smoky, or scorched tastes;

The other is when there are issues in the storage phase, causing the tea to deteriorate or absorb odors from the environment, like stale, moldy, or perfumed scents.

When storing tea, it's essential to be cautious, as once absorbed, foreign odors are almost impossible to remove, ruining even the best tea.

2. Wateriness refers to the separation of tea flavor from the water, resulting in a faint fishy taste.

Wateriness often occurs when the tea liquor becomes lighter, but good tea should never exhibit this separation. For instance, even when a good Longjing tea is brewed to the point of being nearly as clear as water, it still retains a sweet taste without any fishiness.

Fresh and lively leaf base

The leaf base of good tea, regardless of the type, shares the characteristic of being fresh and lively. The leaf base should be tender with a lustrous appearance, smooth to the touch, and possess a certain thickness and elasticity when squeezed. A fresh and lively leaf base indicates:

1

High-quality raw materials. The leaf base reflects the original tea leaves.

2

Excellent tea-making techniques, ensuring the tea isn't overworked.

3

Proper brewing, allowing the tea leaves to fully open without being over-steeped or spoiled.

A good tea brings joy

Don't consider this a subjective standard. Good tea brings joy because the aromatic compounds and certain components in good tea can uplift one's mood, broaden one's mind, and refresh the brain after consumption.

In contrast, poor-quality tea can make one increasingly depressed due to inferior raw materials, substandard processing, or improper storage. If you're unable to determine the quality through other means, your body will tell you – it feels stuffy and uncomfortable to drink.

So, if you lack confidence in the above criteria, take pleasure in drinking as the sole standard. After all, tea is beloved by almost every country and nation worldwide because of its essence – Drinking Tea makes one feel happy and at ease.

Having learned these points, when we encounter a new type of tea, we can roughly judge whether it is a good tea!

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