Currently, some tea on the market smells very fragrant, but when brewed, it lacks tea flavor. Many people suspect that unscrupulous merchants have added flavorings to the tea leaves. So, is there really flavoring added to tea? This starts with the origin of tea's aroma.

Generally, the aroma of tea depends on three aspects: the tea plant variety, processing, and storage. Taking Dancong tea as an example, different varieties from different regions have common floral scent types like Huangzhixiang (gardenia), Yulanxiang (magnolia), Milanxiang (honey orchid), Zhilanxiang (iris), Xingrenxiang (almond), Rouguixiang (cinnamon), etc. Huangjingui, similar to Tieguanyin, is a typical example of high fragrance but light taste.

During later processing, depending on the control of fixation and roasting, some teas may have a higher fragrance but a lighter taste, or a stronger taste but lower aroma. This depends on the tea maker's intention and skill. Finally, if tea is not stored properly during preservation, it can easily absorb odors or become moldy, which greatly affects its aroma. Therefore, new tea generally has a higher fragrance than aged tea.

Furthermore, if the brewing method is incorrect or poor-quality water is used, it can also significantly impact the tea's aroma and taste.

So, is there tea with added flavorings on the market? The answer is definitely yes. Such teas are generally low-priced, often made from old or inferior leaves that are refreshed with flavorings and pigments, or low-quality teas enhanced with flavorings. No one would use such a spoiler to ruin the natural aroma and taste of truly good tea. Therefore, the best way to avoid drinking tea with added flavorings is to purchase from large merchants or brand stores. Also, when dining in restaurants, drink less of the tea served before the meal and try to replace it with plain water.

If you have already bought tea and want to determine whether flavorings have been added, there are methods. Using Tieguanyin as an example:

First: Due to Tieguanyin's unique processing, its dry leaves are not highly fragrant. If you hold a handful of Tieguanyin close to your nose and the aroma is subtle and natural, it generally has no additives. Conversely, if the dry leaves have a strong, overpowering scent that lingers in your nose, it's highly likely that flavorings have been added.

Second: You can rub the tea leaves with your hands. If powder or color adheres to your palms, it indicates some additives have been added.

Third: If brewing with 80°C water results in a cloudy tea liquor or a very high aroma, it likely contains flavorings. Because Tieguanyin must be brewed with water above 95°C for its aroma and flavor to fully emerge, while most flavorings dissolve and release their scent rapidly at 80°C.

Fourth: After brewing, if the tea aroma decreases very quickly with each infusion, lacks variation, or even disappears by the third steep, it might also contain added flavorings.

Fifth: After drinking the tea, do not wash the cup immediately. Leave it overnight. The next morning, you will find a thick layer of tea stain in the cup. If the stain color is light yellow, dark yellow, orange-yellow, or other yellow-orange hues, it generally indicates the tea contains no additives. Conversely, if the stain appears light green, dark green, dark green, or other colors, it suggests the tea might contain additives.