How to Buy Tea

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Every year, tea gains in popularity in the United States. There are so many kinds of teas, however, that the choices can become bewildering.

How to Buy Tea


Tips for buying tea

  1. The first choice you might want to make is caffeinated or decaffeinated. Another way to consider tea is by authentic tea and herbal tea. Authentic tea is tea actually made from tea leaves. Tea leaves have caffeine in them. Of course, you can buy decaffeinated versions of such classic teas as Earl Gray and Darjeeling. Herbal teas, on the other hand, are naturally devoid of caffeine as they are made of plants that do not have caffeine in them to begin with.
  2. The most delicious teas, whether herbal or authentic, are made with fresh dried tea leaves bought loose instead of in packets. Loose teas tend to be fresher. Tea bought in bags is often machine processed and packaged and there is often no way to tell how long it has been on the shelf. Loose teas require, however, that you have the equipment, such as a tea strainer or tea ball, to contain the tea while it brews.
  3. Loose tea is also a good place to start because you can actually smell the tea. The stronger the aroma, the fresher the tea. As with anything, you want to test the product before you try it, which is why seeing and smelling the tea is helpful. Likewise, you should go to a tea shop to try out different types of teas before you decide which kinds to take home. A salesperson in a good tea shop should be able to give you all sorts of information about the origins, flavors and benefits of many teas.
  4. Many people drink tea for health reasons. Herbal teas, especially, are often sold with the idea that they either treat a condition or prevent one. You can buy such teas in packages that list their benefits, and you can also talk to clerks at health food stores, where many healing teas are often sold.
  5. The authentic teas with their origins in the British Empire are generally unflavored and strong, while authentic teas from Asia, like green tea, are subtler in their flavoring. Herbal teas, on the other hand, come in all sorts of flavors. Again, try some out at a tea shop to discover which flavors and tea types you prefer.
  6. Once you know what kind of teas you prefer, buy them loose or packaged. Buy enough to last a week so that the tea does not lose flavor by sitting for weeks or months in a cabinet.

Caution

While many teas are believed to be medicinal, none can cure you of a major ailment. Enjoy medicinal teas but also consult a health care professional if your symptoms persist.

Where to buy tea

Purchase quality tea from one of these great online tea retailers—

The Tea Store sells authentic teas such as black teas, Darjeeling and green teas, as well as herbal teas. Buy them loose or in tea bags.

Seven Cups offers a big selection of organic black, green and white teas from China. Also find Oolong and Lapsang teas.

Mountain Rose Herbs presents many flavors and types of herbal tea. Find varieties made to treat minor ailments and to restore energy.


 


Comments

I love my fav teastore from www.teacuppa.com

my fav cup would be dragonwell, keemun and lapsang souchung. I am still trying to drink more green tea!

-- Contributed by: Sue

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