It's almost time for the new tea harvest, and it's important to remember that because new tea is more expensive than aged tea, some vendors may dye aged tea and sell it as new. Keep these 3 keywords in mind to help you buy good tea.
1. Cleanliness
First, "dry" means the tea should have low moisture content. Tea with high moisture is prone to mold, and moldy tea not only tastes bad but may also contain toxins. When buying tea, you can rub a small amount between your fingers. If it crumbles easily, it means the tea is very dry with low moisture. Additionally, you can feel the weight and texture of the tea; generally, heavier, more substantial tea contains richer substances and has a better flavor. Second, "clean" means the tea should be free of impurities like stems, seeds, leaves, and sand. Also, during the growth and processing of tea, some contamination may occur, so consumers should be careful when selecting it. According to national regulations, non-tea substances in tea should not exceed 1%.
2. Uniform Color
Good tea has a uniform color, consistent thickness, and a natural luster. Dyed tea often looks as if it's covered in a layer of dust, with a dull, dark color. If possible, you can brew some tea on the spot to observe it. Good tea produces a bright, gentle color and clear water, while dyed tea tends to be murky. If the brewed tea separates after half an hour, you can be sure that the tea has been dyed. A special note for Biluochun: upon close inspection, you should see small white hairs, whereas dyed Biluochun may have green hairs.
3. Mellow Aroma
You can smell the dry leaves directly. When buying tea, take a small pinch, hold it in your cupped hand, breathe on it a few times, and then smell it. If you detect any musty, sour, stale, or smoky odors, do not buy it. You can also brew the tea to smell its aroma; it should be mellow and free of any off-odors, with a rich aroma being the best.