How to Buy Green Tea

Loose leaf teas are becoming more and more popular in the United States. Aside from the health benefits, quality fresh green tea just tastes great. Learn how to buy the best tea without spending too much money.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• About $25
• An idea of what you like

1. Think about what kind of bagged teas you usually drink. Are they fruity? Floral? Sweet? If you're a coffee drinker, you may want to try a green tea that is roasted (such as the Hojicha variety). If you usually drink just water or light drinks, you'll want something crisp and fresh, such as a Sencha.

2. Find a local tea store. If it's your first time buying loose leaf tea, you should find a locale where you can see, smell, feel and taste the tea you're about the buy. Come armed with your list of preferences, and ask for a small sample. Your maiden trip into a specialty tea store won't be a short one, so try to avoid going during busy hours. You'll need the full attention of the employee.

3. Buy the smallest amount you can. Usually, the employee will suggest 3 to 5 varieties, that vary in price, and many places sell sample sizes. Purchase the 3 varieties you like best. Also be sure to purchase a tea infuser (a metal mesh container to hold the tea leaves).

4. After you've tried the varieties you picked up at the store, you should have a good idea of what kind of tea you like. You can either go back to the store and purchase that type, or begin searching online [see the Resources] for new varieties.

Tips & Warnings

• The scent of the tea is a reflection of the taste. A tea with a strong scent will have an equally strong flavor.
• The color of the leaves are a good indicator of the flavor as well.
• Roasted green tea (those with a brownish-green color - Hojicha) will taste a bit bitter and similar to a light black tea.
• Dark green teas (evergreen or emerald in color - Sencha) will taste earthier and more robust.
• Light green teas (that resemble spring leaves - Dragonwell) will taste light and crisp, with floral or herbal undertones.
• Don't boil the water. Even the best green tea can be destroyed by using boiling water, leaving it with an astringent, bitter flavor. If you can't dip your pinkie into the water, it's too hot.
• Don't over-brew. Green tea should be brewed no longer than 5 minutes (rule of thumb, brew time for specific teas vary), although your preferences will vary.
• Don't let the leaves sit in the water once brewed. Most green teas can be brewed up to four time. Remove the leaves once brewing is complete, and save them for the next pot.

Resources

• Adagio Tea
• SVTea
• Tea Gschwendner

[boatst]

on 4/5/2009 I'm a green tea drinker. Thanks for info.

[LilacGirl]

on 7/18/2008 I love teas of all kinds. This is a very informative and interesting article about buying green teas.

[missforty]

on 6/12/2008 Enjoyed your article and hope to use some of these tips soon!