Touted as the second-most consumed beverage in the world (behind only water), tea is enjoyed across the globe and here’s more on this fascinating drink that you should try too.

Key Producers

Several countries stand out when it comes to tea exports; Sri Lanka, the birthplace of the famed Ceylon Tea, stands out for producing exquisite blends that have garnered a worldwide following. Other nations such as Argentina, China, India and Kenya are among the other major tea producers as well.

Gradings & Certifications

Depending on the condition and size of the leaf, loose teas are given a special grading; for example, “Orange Pekoe” (or OP) is used for black tea. Such grading can be seen on quality tea products by the likes of Anverally & Sons which also have multiple certifications, so consumers know what they drink is eco-friendly and ethically sourced. Some of these include the ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’, ‘Ozone Friendly’ and ‘FAIRTRADE’ certifications.

Tea Types

Tea
Tea | Image via Pixabay by CorsadoArt

While there are diverse tea varieties, they all come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea, in general, can be categorised into five types; apart from the popular black tea, you also get dark, green, oolong and white teas. What sets these types apart is how much the leaves are oxidised when they are being processed; usually, the darker the tea, the more it has been oxidised.

Brewing Tips

Believe it or not, there’s an art to brewing tea and here are some tips that will help!

• When making black tea, use boiling water; however, since oolong, white and green teas are more delicate, wait for about 30 seconds after the water has boiled before pouring it in.

• Don’t put too much water and stick to one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea or one teabag per cup.

• Be mindful of how long you steep the tea as it can affect the taste; generally, three minutes is an ideal time, though check the packaging for more information.

• Let the tea cool slightly before drinking it; this way, you will be able to enjoy the delicate and subtle flavours it has to offer.