Tea Grades can be confusing. Each region of a tea growing nation adds their own vernacular to the list of existing tea grades. We've started what we think is the most comprehensive (at time of writing) list of tea grades and grading going.
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world next to water, and can be found in almost 80% of all U.S. households. It is the only beverage commonly served hot or iced, anytime, anywhere, for any occasion. On any given day, nearly 127 million people, or half of all Americans are drinking tea.
Currently, the aspect of tea of most interest to researchers is the antioxidant effect of tea plants polyphenol compounds. A growing body of research indicates that tea polyphenols have very potent antioxidant activities and the tea may have the potential to prevent certain cancers and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
(Graphic: Volume calculated in coffee cup sized vessles.)
In general, a tea has caffeine levels of 2.5–4.5%. Since caffeine is a water-soluble compound, approximately 80% of it is extracted during normal brewing. While the concentration of caffeine in tea can vary considerably depending on type and strength of brew a 170 mL (a regular teacup size—about 6oz) serving of tea contains on average 34 mg of caffeine.
Top quality tea is hand plucked, and the best tea comes from the new “shoots”—the top two leaves and the bud of this shoot (it takes 4.5 pounds of Green leaf produce one pound of black tea). After transport from the fields, the Green leaf is placed upon the wire screen on large beds. (The beds are raised off the floor by about 2-3 feet and the bottom of the bed is enclosed). At the end of the enclosures are large fans, which push or pull ambient temperature and humid air through the evenly distributed tea on the bed.
The use of tea as a beverage originated in China more than 5,000 years ago. Today, tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world and is enjoyed by people in almost every nation. The distinctive taste and aroma of tea arise from a unique and complex combination of compounds which are naturally present in tea. In recent years there has been an increased interest in the potential health benefits of tea consumption.
Tea grades and tea tasting can be a very confusing area of the tea industry. With each garden having its own nomenclature, buyers; particularly importers and exporters get extremely confused and the need for universality of tea grade names is absolutely necessary. In this context, we give below, our complete list of tea grades and tea grading information.
Throughout the trade, the international tea language is English. However, this is English that is different from what you and I are accustomed to. For example, when tea people talk about the grades of a leaf, it has nothing to do with the quality. Dust is a term given to the smallest leaf particle.
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Tea
Throughout the trade, the international tea language is English. However, this is English that is different from what you and I are accustomed to. For example, when tea people talk about the grades of a leaf, it has nothing to do with the quality. Dust is a term given to the smallest leaf particle.
