Made from the tea plant, tea is a beverage appreciated for its taste and its many virtues. 2 out of 3 English people drink it regularly. There are many varieties: black, green, white, oolong, herbal, etc. In addition to the price and the type of product (leaves, bags, capsules or pre-infused), other criteria such as the preparation, the oxidation time, the origin and the organic certification are taken into account when buying. So, which tea should you choose?
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Our selection
"Travel and change of scenery guaranteed with this green tea with mint coming straight from the Land of the Far Couchant. Thirst-quenching, rich in taste,…"
"An organic tea with a royal flavor, that's what Prince Wladimir offers you. Treat yourself to this bewitching drink that can be enjoyed at any…"
"There's nothing like a white tea with a hint of fresh citrus to accompany a relaxing break. White Anastasia combines lightness and refinement to offer…"
"Breakfast at the Elysium is a recipe that will give your breakfast a boost. There is nothing more effective to start the day! Its lemon…"
Travel and change of scenery guaranteed with this green tea with mint coming straight from the Land of the Far Couchant. Thirst-quenching, rich in taste, this drink will be your best ally whether you are at the office or at home.
10,32 £ on KusmiteaThis green tea with mint is a real drink that is both hydrating and tasty. Composed essentially of products from organic agriculture, it will transport you to a sunny universe, all in softness. Packaged in a 100 g can, you just have to brew it in simmering water to enjoy it.
A plant with multiple virtues, mint is an excellent remedy for respiratory tracts or digestive problems. So, drinking a cup of Kusmi after a meal will not be too much! Whether you are stressed or relaxing on your balcony after a hard day's work, this green mint tea, iced or not, invites you to travel!
An organic tea with a royal flavor, that's what Prince Wladimir offers you. Treat yourself to this bewitching drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. You will succumb to its rare intense fragrance!
7,92 £ on KusmiteaA drink with multiple benefits, Prince Wladimir Bio essentially contains black tea. Appreciated for its antioxidants, it will take care of your heart while helping to soothe your mood swings. To delight your taste buds, this beverage relies on a beautiful combination of citrus fruits (bergamot, orange peel, grapefruit, lime), vanilla and spices (clove). A mixture all in contrast!
This organic Earl Grey tea is available in bags of 20 pieces to accompany you on all your travels. But you can also do the planet a favor by buying it in bulk. Brew your black tea for 3 to 4 minutes at a temperature of around 90°C to benefit from all its virtues.
There's nothing like a white tea with a hint of fresh citrus to accompany a relaxing break. White Anastasia combines lightness and refinement to offer you an incomparable taste experience.
15,92 £ on KusmiteaWhite Anastasia Bio harmoniously blends green and white tea with leaves of exceptional quality. Excellent for the heart, white tea is a true beauty ally for your skin. To titillate your senses, this drink subtly releases citrus scents from orange blossoms, lemon and essential oils of bergamot. Nothing but organically grown ingredients!
White Anastasia tea is packaged in 90 g tins. This quantity should allow you to prepare about 40 cups. The infusion time should not exceed 3 minutes, otherwise you will end up with a bitter drink. As for the temperature of infusion, it must be at 80°C so that each ingredient can release its natural active ingredients.
Breakfast at the Elysium is a recipe that will give your breakfast a boost. There is nothing more effective to start the day! Its lemon scent will pleasantly awaken your senses and you will feel refreshed.
13,52 £ on KusmiteaBreakfast at the Elysée bio perfectly combines green tea and mate. A winning duo to help you fight fatigue and boost your mood. To surprise your taste buds, this tonic recipe is gladly associated with notes of lemons, lemongrass and some cornflower petals. Strawberry pieces and natural flavoring make this drink a delicious fruity infusion.
Breakfast at Elysium is available in a 125 g can. That means you'll have enough to make about 50 cups. That makes for some great breakfasts to enjoy! Allow 3 to 4 minutes for the infusion time and the water should be at an ideal temperature of 90°C. To drink without moderation!
Any specific needs?
A green tea with a refined and flavorful taste
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| OUR SELECTION |
Green tea with mint
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Prince Wladimir Bio
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White Anastasia organic
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Breakfast at the Élysée bio
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Travel and change of scenery guaranteed with this green tea with mint coming straight from the Land of the Far Couchant. Thirst-quenching, rich in taste, this drink will be your best ally whether you are at the office or at home.
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An organic tea with a royal flavor, that's what Prince Wladimir offers you. Treat yourself to this bewitching drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. You will succumb to its rare intense fragrance!
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There's nothing like a white tea with a hint of fresh citrus to accompany a relaxing break. White Anastasia combines lightness and refinement to offer you an incomparable taste experience.
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Breakfast at the Elysium is a recipe that will give your breakfast a boost. There is nothing more effective to start the day! Its lemon scent will pleasantly awaken your senses and you will feel refreshed.
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Type
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Green tea
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Black Tea
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White tea
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Green Tea
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Packaging
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100g canister
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20 teabags Approx. 20 Rating 5 of 5
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Tin 90 g
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Tin 125g
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Ingredients
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Green tea, mint leaves, natural mint flavor.
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Black tea (95%), orange peel, cinnamon extract, natural vanilla flavor, natural clove flavor, citrus essential oils.
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White tea, green tea, essential oils of bergamot, lemon, natural flavors.
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Matted, green tea, rosehip, lemongrass, natural flavor, blueberry petals and strawberry pieces.
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Infusion time
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3 to 4 min
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3 to 4 min
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3 min
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3 to 4 min
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Infusion temperature
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80 °C
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90 °C
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80 °C
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90 °C
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You can easily recognize the taste and scent of a tea. This is especially true for natural tea, composed of 100% tea leaves and nothing else.The terroir, altitude, soil, climate, country of origin and oxidation technique have an undeniable influence on the taste. Black tea, which is highly oxidized, has more body than green tea which is slightly oxidized. But green tea releases very characteristic vegetal notes. Oolong or semi-fermented tea leaves a nice roundness in the mouth and notes of chestnuts. Finally, white tea is the most delicate and freshest of all teas because it is not oxidized.
The origin of the tea leaves is very important. We can mentionthe low altitude regions of Assam in India, Sri Lanka and Kenya for black tea. In the world-famousDarjeeling region, tea leaves grow in the foothills of the Himalayas, andJapan and China are 2 countries known for their green tea production. Tea sellers sometimes blend natural teas to balance the flavors or to obtain a more assertive result. For example, the strength of Assam tea, the roundness of Ceylon and the delicacy of Darjeeling have given birth to the powerful English Breakfast. The combinations are almost infinite.
From growing to tasting, the producers never rinse the tea leaves. This can alter the flavors. As a result, a field treated with pesticide will transmit this harmful substance into the tea leaves produced. To avoid this problem, choose organic tea, 100% natural. Far from being a rare commodity, organically grown tea is grown everywhere. And in an effort to reassure customers, some tea houses send the results of analysis of their batches.
Be
warned: rare and exceptional teas are only matched by their high price. In these times of crisis, the temptation to buy cheap is great. With the exception of broken, it's best toopt for whole leaf tea. Crushed tea in bags is cheaper, but it is often mediocre. For those on a budget, tea from China offers good value for money, unlike Japanese tea. Flavored tea is also cheaper because it is a mixture of Chinese and Japanese tea. For Darjeeling, the first flush is moreexpensive because of its quality. Finally, varieties growing at high altitude like Taiwanese tea are rare and delicate, therefore very expensive.
"The wisdom of the whole universe is found in a cup of tea" Tuareg proverb
In reality,all tea species come from the same plant, the camellia sinensis. However, there are many varieties of this plant because of the diversity of the cultivated soils and the oxidation methods. Here are the most famous ones.
Blended teas
This is ablend of different varieties or the same variety from different places. For example, English Breakfast tea is a blend of several black teas. Sometimes, it can also be teas blended with fruits, flowers, essential oils, spices or herbs. This is done to create new flavors.
White tea
Unlike the other varieties, white tea is not oxidized. It is not made from mature leaves of the tea plant either.This variety of tea is made exclusively from buds and young leaves. This gives it a sweet and delicate taste. White tea is particularly appreciated for its low caffeine content.
Black tea
Black tea is probably themost consumed variety in the world. It is also the best known. It can be drunk with milk and sugar and can be used to prepare iced tea. Drying and long oxidation give it its dark color and stronger taste. The best known subtypes are Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling, Kenya and Keemun.
Oolong Tea
The drying technique for Oolong tea is similar to that of black tea. Only the drying time is different, shorter for the Oolong variety. As a result, it isless full-bodied and more subtly flavored than black tea. However, this semi-fermented tea remains stronger than green tea even if this varies according to the treatment. It is drunk without milk.
Green tea
This is the most refined variety of tea andis appreciated by tea lovers for its benefits due to the high antioxidant content in the leaves. Indeed, dried green tea is not allowed to oxidize like black tea or Oolong tea. This allows it to keep its green color while giving it a sweet flavor.
Most of us call it herbal tea. As the name implies, herbal and fruit tea is made up of fruits and/or herbs. But not really tea. That's why it's not considered a true variety, unlike blended tea.
Currently, the food trend is moving towards all organic, and tea is no exception. More and more tea drinkers are switching to organic tea. What are the differences between traditional tea?
The beginnings of organic tea
The gardens where the tea leaves are grown meet strict standards and must be certified as organic by the competent organizations in the field (e.g. Ecocert or Agrocert). One recognizes a culture respectful of the environment by the prohibition of fertilizers and pesticides.
Organic tea: a healthy drink
The concept of organic farming is based on respect for the environment and sustainable development. As far as organic tea is concerned, producers do not handle any toxic substances during cultivation. As a result, consumers do not risk absorbing chemical particles from fertilizers or pesticides when drinking their tea. Moreover, the cultivation land is free of these harmful elements and preserves its natural richness.
Organic tea: a controlled product
In order to reassure customers of its reliability, organic tea undergoes periodic inspections from the field to the market. At the end of these verifications, the organism discerns the certification by inscribing its mark on the finished product: this attests that the tea has indeed followed the required steps to be named "organic agriculture". For the consumers, this sign is the guarantee of their serenity.
Unless you are an expert on species and subspecies, the best way to differentiate between teas is by the form in which they are sold. Loose, in bags, in pods or pre-infused, each presentation has its advantages and disadvantages.
One bag is equivalent to one cup of tea. One of its advantages is thatthe price per cup is cheaper and easier to determine than the price of loose tea. In addition, tea bags can be prepared and brewed quickly. However, bagged tea uses crushed leaves, which are often of inferior quality.
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Who is it for?
If you don't have time to waste in the morning, powdered tea is an excellent choice. You can add milk to reduce its bitterness. This type of tea will work for the whole family.
Also
called loose leaf tea, this type of tea requires a strict selection process. After this process,only the best leaves are selected. Tea lovers agree that loose leaf tea gives the best flavor. In particular, some varieties of leaves can be steeped several times, resulting in several cups.
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Loose tea will meet the expectations of the discerning tea lover in terms of taste. You may need to go to a specialty retailer for the widest range of options.
Like
bagged tea, tea in pods can be prepared quickly. You don't necessarily need to buy a tea machine for this. In fact,some pod coffee machines accept tea pods without a hitch. However, the taste will not always be up to expectations.
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Who is it for?
For those who own a pod coffee machine, tea pods are often compatible with your machine. In addition to their simplicity and time saving, they are reasonably priced.
You can buy pre-infused tea to enjoy anywhere, anytime. Nothing like it to save time and not have to worry about the preparation. By default, pre-infused tea is cold. Examples include iced tea and herbal teas, sweetened or not.
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Who is it for?
Young and old alike love iced tea, the flagship product of pre-infused teas. Herbal tea lovers who don't have the time or inclination to prepare the beverage will also be interested.
Most of us call it infusion or herbal tea. As the name implies, herbal and fruit tea is made with fruit and/or herbs. But not really tea. That's why it's not considered a true variety, unlike blended tea.
Tea can be consumed at any time of the day. Thanks to its countless varieties, it can be adapted to all daily situations. It can be an excellent digestive as well as a good snack. It provides energy in the morning and stimulates sleep in the evening. You can drink it hot or iced depending on the season, it will definitely quench your thirst at any time.
The various varieties of tea each have their own beneficial effects on the human body, depending on the leaf, the stages of manufacture and the additives that the tea contains. The list of benefits of tea is long. The only thing we can say is that as a stimulating drink, tea should be consumed in the right dose, as excess can lead to undesirable effects or a severe addiction.
9 out of 10 English people drink it. But did you know that coffee differs very little from tea? Hot drink, drink of the morning, drink with strong energy contribution, drink antistress, etc., the common points are numerous. However, coffee should not be taken in the evening so as not to disturb sleep. According to recent studies, it also limits the risk of liver and endometrial cancer.
We would not have had this reflex, but know that drinking a cup of coffee after a sporting effort attenuates the muscular pains and relieves tiredness. Like tea, coffee also has diuretic properties. For a better absorption of the benefits of coffee, it is recommended to drink it plain, without milk, cream or sugar. An abuse of its consumption would also present harmful consequences.
Between tea and coffee, the choice will be made according to the gustatory pleasure. In terms of flavours, tea offers more varieties. But coffee is not the favourite drink of the French for nothing! In both cases, it should be consumed in moderation. And there is nothing to prevent you from drinking both.
1. Effective antioxidant
Antioxidants are essential nutrients for the human body. It protects from various diseases and malfunctions of the organisms. By drinking tea regularly, preferably white tea, your body will be more toned and you will be able to cope with the diseases that are lurking around.
2. Prevents cardiovascular accidents
Numerous scientific studies have shown that tea is a drink recommended to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is nevertheless recommended to respect a certain dose in order for it to act effectively.
3. To lose weight
Many variations of tea help to lose weight gradually. It is a non-aggressive diet that eliminates fatty masses from the body, especially those around the stomach. Regular consumption would also help to refine the figure and stay slim, while remaining in excellent health.
4. To strengthen the immune system
Tea is an excellent ally to fight certain viruses and to strengthen the immune system. Of course, there is no miracle and you should accompany it with a treatment prescribed by your doctor. What is certain is that tea has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. To aid digestion
Having a cup of tea after a meal relieves the digestive system and speeds up the digestion of certain foods. It is also an antispasmodic that helps calm spasms and convulsions. Some varieties of tea go even further by helping to cure stomach aches.
6. For its effect on psychology
With its caffeine content, tea helps to calm stress, stay focused and especially to stay awake if you have to work late. It is an excellent stimulant that plays an important role in your mood.
In our opinion, the best brands of teas in 2022 are :
This brand offers mainly loose leaf tea. Vahdam teas do not travel for months in containers before being packed and sold. Instead, they are bought, packed and shipped directly from India within 24 to 72 hours of production. Oolong tea, green tea or black tea, Vahdam offers you a wide choice of teas grown in Assam or Darjeeling.
Founded in Paris in 1987 by François-Xavier Delmas, Palais des Thés is a company specializing in the marketing of teas and dedicated accessories. The company mainly imports its leaves from China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan and Taiwan. In addition, Palais des Thés sometimes offers ephemeral collections or limited quantities.
This tea house was founded in 1867 in Saint Petersburg. It was founded by Pavel Mikhailovich Kousmichoff, hence the name Kusmi Tea. The brand has chosen to position itself in the premium tea segment. It is the leader in this segment in the UK. The brand has quickly established itself on the tea market with an image and high-end prices.
Naturale Bio produces tea, but also coconut oil, maca, psyllum blond, cocoa and many others. The brand selects only 100% organic ingredients. Just by looking at the Naturale Bio teas, especially the matcha tea, you can see the extremely fine grinding done with a stone and all the time that this grinding required. The taste is of course excellent.
Pukka Herbs was founded by Sebastian Pole and Tim Westwell in 2001. Their goal is to reveal to the world the power of plants and their necessity to create a healthier world. Pukka is known worldwide for its extraordinary tea sets and infusions. Its organic and Ayurvedic teas are healthy and balanced, tasty and colourful.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Buy good tea-making utensils.
A special kettle is not absolutely essential for making good tea. It is very practical, with options to adjust the temperature, turn on or off automatically, and sometimes even remove the tea bag. The cups and other accessories you use can also make a big difference in how well you enjoy your tea.
Forget the tea bag.
Tea bags are definitely more convenient than loose tea, but what you gain in convenience will surely cost you in taste and quality. Tea bags typically contain pieces of tea leaves (usually crushed tea leaves) and dust. They do not contain whole leaves, and these leaf pieces may no longer contain all the fragrance and flavor of whole tea leaves.
Find the flavor that suits you.
If
you want traditional sweet tea, you'll need some kind of plain black tea. Whereas if you like a fruity flavor, you can make a fruit infusion or buy a tea blend that contains fruit. Don't be afraid to try different flavors to find the right tea for you.
Think about the size of your cup.
The
taste of your tea may depend on the size of your cup. Indeed, a large cup necessarily means more water to make your tea. The taste may be quite bland if you're not careful about the tea dosage or brewing time. Consider brewing your tea longer or using more water if your cup is large.
Control the caffeine in tea.
The
brewing time is also important when it comes to how much caffeine is in your cup. The faster you brew, the less caffeine you will have in your tea. And vice versa. So, be mindful of the steeping time.
The best tea depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
In order not to exceed the threshold of excess, 1 to 3 cups of tea per day are sufficient for health benefits.
Excessive tea intake can lead to severe iron deficiency. As a preventive measure, it is best to drink tea one hour before or after a meal.
As a general rule, 100 mL of tea contains 11 mg of caffeine.
Yellow tea is rare in Europe and more popular in oriental countries. It is in fact the same green tea that continues a post-enzymatic fermentation. It is also known as "imperial tea".
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