-
Step 1
Compare gourmet green tea vendors. Learn about the reputation of the vendor. Gather the opinions of tea experts and study reviews of their teas to help in the selection process.
-
Step 2
Contact a customer service representative. Green tea bought in stores usually has a merchant who offers the chance to call a hotline and speak to customer service. Find out answers to any questions or concerns. Online vendors may offer a similar hotline or customer service email.
-
Step 3
Inquire about where the tea was purchased. The best qualities of green teas are produced in China and Japan.
-
Step 4
Learn about tea grades. Green teas are graded on the quality of the tea produced based on different factors including the region in which it was grown. Gourmet green teas should be from the highest grades.
-
Step 5
Pick first harvest green teas. Green tea is picked in several different harvests throughout the year. The first harvest produces the finest quality of teas.
-
Step 6
Examine the packaging. Green tea has the shortest shelf life of all teas and begins to break down when exposed to oxygen. To keep the product fresh it should be vacuum sealed with nitrogen.
-
Step 7
Check the tea product. The tea leaves should be green in color and crumble easily in your hands. The aroma should be a subtle sweet fragrance similar to grass.







