Compare different teas. The best tea bags

Black, green, white - we explain why it's time to switch to tea and which tea is healthier. Pro milk oolong By the way, don't forget!

Many drinks are now called tea, but real lovers consider only black, green, white, oolong and pu-erh teas to be real teas. Derived from Chinese camellia leaves, these teas are rich in special antioxidant flavonoids.

Natalia Vyaznikova

doctor, health specialist and healthy eating, certified teatester

All types of tea are made from the tea bush (in China) or tea tree(India, Ceylon), although it is also produced in other countries - Kenya, Japan, Vietnam, Nepal.

Each type of tea has its own characteristics of the impact on the body. The beneficial properties of tea depend on the growing conditions of the tea bush and the method of processing the tea leaf. Tea leaves are known to contain theine, or tea caffeine. It has a tonic effect on the body, increases blood pressure, but more gently than the caffeine in coffee. This is due to the fact that theine is in the drink in a bound form, unlike coffee caffeine. Therefore, tea acts softer and longer than coffee.

What determines the concentration of tea caffeine in tea? The smaller and “younger” the leaf, the more caffeine it contains. This means that tea with tips - tea buds - is the richest in caffeine, like highland tea (temperature changes affect the caffeine content in tea leaves, and this leaf grows more slowly in the mountains). The more sunlight, the more caffeine in tea. Consequently, there is less caffeine in tea from northern countries.

Green tea

The taste of green tea is milder than that of black - the leaves are dried and processed almost immediately after harvest, and this stops the fermentation process.

What is useful: Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, a compound that can prevent many diseases, including certain types of cancer and heart disease. Just one cup of green tea a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10%.

Inessa Shkurina

tea master

Up to 500 useful substances and compounds have been found in tea, and in the huge palette that exists on the market, you can always find what you like by the degree of fermentation. Of course, green tea is healthier, it contains more useful substances if it is brewed correctly. But for some, this type of tea may not be suitable.

There are very simple requirements for tea. If it is green tea, then the water temperature should be from 60 to 80 degrees; You don’t need to insist for a long time, literally two minutes. Good ones green teas brew very quickly. The temperature regime is a prerequisite: green tea is not brewed with boiling water, because it immediately kills beneficial substances, and burnt leaves can be bitter. Many therefore do not like green tea: they pour a lot, hold for ten minutes, and then say that it is disgusting.

Black tea

Black tea is made from fermented leaves and forms the basis of most flavored teas.

What is useful: black tea protects the lungs from the effects of tobacco smoke, lowers cholesterol levels and, if you drink several cups a day, reduces the risk of stroke.

Inessa Shkurina

tea master

Black tea is more fermented, "tolerates" a temperature of 90 degrees. It is important to select good water, and it is better to buy tea in specialized stores, because there are a sufficient number of them. If you buy bagged tea in supermarkets (people appreciate it, bagged tea is fast), you need to look at the collection time on the pack, because when tea is transported in bags, it loses its aroma and properties, and if it is packaged on the spot, freshness lasts longer . And it is better, of course, to choose vacuum packaging.

White tea

Young white tea leaves are the least processed, so their taste is the softest, and beneficial features teas are better preserved.

What is useful: What makes white tea different from other types is that it can improve glucose tolerance and lower cholesterol levels.

Oolong combines the qualities of black and green tea: it is only half-fermented - the edges of the leaves and part of their surface.

What is useful: the enzymes of this tea are able to dissolve dietary fats that are stored in adipose tissues, so drinking oolong promotes weight loss - of course, if you also drink enough plain water in addition to it.

It is difficult to argue with the experience accumulated over the millennia. Living in Western countries, we habitually drink tea every day, while in the East, tea has long been considered a source of health, happiness, as well as peace of mind and wisdom. More recently, various studies have been carried out in order to fully determine which tea is better and what are the health benefits of even one cup of tea in your daily diet. Some studies have shown that certain types of tea can prevent the occurrence of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, as well as promote weight loss, lower cholesterol levels and mental alertness. But what is the most valuable thing in tea? Undoubtedly, best tea not only great for your diet, but it also tastes amazing and comes in a huge variety of flavors with different caffeine content. Green, black, white, oolong, pu-erh - all these varieties of tea are obtained from the tea bush (Camellia), which grows in China, India and contains special antioxidants known as flavonoids. herbal teas, such as chamomile, echinacea, hibiscus, rooibos (herbal tea), and ginger tea, are made from herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots, which have lower concentrations of antioxidants and, therefore, their chemical compositions differ significantly. Herbal teas often have a sweet taste, while green or black teas can be too strong to drink without additional sweeteners. Organic products are a good choice for improving taste while maintaining health benefits. Some products contain fruits such as Paradise Fruits by Jahncke or Healthy Natural Sweeteners from Fitday.

Ginger tea

Ginger tea is made from the herbaceous plant ginger. Its benefits include relieving nausea, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, reducing respiratory diseases, reducing stress, increasing fertility, and boosting the immune system. However, too many ginger tea may cause side effects such as digestive problems, or interrupted sleep.

Rooibos tea (herbal tea)

Rooibos (herbal tea) is the natural best tea with a sweet taste, made from the South African rooibos shrub. The leaves of the shrub are harvested, crushed and rolled, and then left to ferment and dry. This tea has always been used to treat headaches, insomnia, asthma, eczema, bone weakness, hypertension, allergies and premature aging. This tea does not contain caffeine and can be consumed at any time of the day.

Hibiscus tea

Echinacea itself is a plant that is used to prepare some medicines. It is used to activate chemicals in the body, to reduce inflammation and to stimulate the body's immune system. Echinacea is widely used to fight infections such as colds and other respiratory ailments. It is also used to combat migraines, indigestion, vertigo pain, snake bites, and some skin problems. Echinacea is native to North America and was used by the local Indian tribes of the Great Plains to make medicinal plants.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is made from the chamomile flower, a plant that has been used for centuries in folk and traditional medicine. Chamomile has calming properties and can positively influence sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, and stimulate the immune system. Antioxidants help prevent complications from diabetes, such as loss of vision, loss of nerve cells, and kidney damage. They can reduce the growth of cancer cells. The sixth line in the ranking is the most delicious and best teas peace.

Puer tea

Pu-erh is a tea obtained by fermentation, the whole process includes fermentation and subsequent long-term storage or “aging” in humid conditions. The longer Puer tea insisted, the better it will taste. Pu-erh is made mainly in China, but is also popular in Taiwan. Tea has less caffeine than other teas, but is used to lower cholesterol levels, as it contains a small amount of the chemical lovastatin, which is not the case with other teas.

Oolong tea

Oolong is a partially fermented tea, while green is unfermented and black is fully fermented. It is used to concentrate the mind and improve mental alertness. Other health benefits include a reduced risk of cancer, tooth decay, osteoporosis, and heart disease. There are many varieties of oolong tea grown in China.

White tea

White tea is the least processed, compared to black and green; it has the highest level of antioxidants. White tea can reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of various diseases, promote recovery of the body by strengthening the circulatory and immune systems, strengthen bones, teeth and restore the skin. The third line in the list of the best and most useful teas in the world.

Black tea

Black tea is made from fermented tea leaves and is high in caffeine. Some studies have shown that black tea can protect the lungs from damage caused by cigarette smoke and also reduce the risk of stroke. This type of tea is widely used to increase mental activity, especially for learning, improving memory and information processing.

Green tea

The best and tasty tea peace. Made from tea leaves using steam green tea has the highest concentration of catechin (ECGC). It is a common antioxidant or flavonoid found in tea. ECGC and other antioxidants found in green tea are essential to prevent tumors in the bladder, breast, lung, stomach, pancreas, and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It also prevents clogged arteries, promotes fat burning, reduces stress, reduces the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and can reduce the risk of stroke and normalize cholesterol levels.

Tea is loved and drunk all over the world. This fragrant and invigorating drink pleases people with its diverse tastes from time immemorial and in every corner of our planet. Drinking tea stimulates the development of mental abilities and metabolism, improves efficiency and immunity, calms in stressful situations and strengthens nervous system. In our country, there has long been a tradition of tea culture, the choice is growing every year, brands amaze with their assortment.
Below is a list of selected brands of tea, in which you are sure to find your inimitable taste. These brands have been working on the international market for a long time and come in both loose and packaged form.

The most famous brands are: Greenfield. In this brand, there are several lines, which consist of varieties of black, white, red and of course green tea. Greenfield also presents unique blends of natural herbs. The main feature of this brand is that all varieties are grown in the fields of Ceylon, China, India, Kenya and Japan.

Ahmad

Ahmad Tea Ltd is an English company that has been delighting fans with its product for many years in different countries peace. From year to year it produces new inimitable varieties of this drink and is number one among black tea manufacturers. Quality leaf tea noted by many experts in the field.

grace

Grace bestseller: forget about all the problems with a cup of aromatic tea
If you are not used to skimping on quality, then be sure to try Grace bestseller. Thousands of people around the world can no longer imagine a day without this tea. The collections contain so many varieties and flavors that these products will surely attract the attention of even the most fastidious gourmet. There is a "bestseller" for everyone!
Did you like Count Grey? Please! Invigorates "Green T with Melissa"? That's no problem at all! You will always find your favorite tea on the shelves of specialized stores in your city. Trust proven quality!

This tea house began its history in the 19th century. A distinctive sign of this brand is the yellow packaging recognizable all over the world, as well as, recently, a novelty of packaging in the form of pyramids. original design, strong and rich taste attracts the attention of not only adult connoisseurs of tea, but also children. Lipton produces not only traditional and familiar black tea, but also green, white and even for weight loss. It is drunk and known all over the world.

Hyleys is a drink that brings together the best tea traditions in Britain. Impeccable and superior quality products of this tea house able to satisfy the most demanding taste. Alpine, environmentally friendly, this tea has fine taste and balanced aroma, with a beautiful amber color, grown in the island of Ceylon.

This company differs from others in exclusive and elite varieties of tea. The epitome of a classic and fruity taste, it will deserve the attention of any skeptic in the open spaces of tea lovers. A huge selection of collections confirms the increased interest of gourmets in the Curtis brand. The refinement of the taste of the prepared drink makes it possible to enjoy every sip of this tea. For buyers who cannot decide on a taste, manufacturers produce sets of several flavors.

Akbar

Akbar tea: choose only the best for yourself and your family
It is difficult to meet such an adult who has never tried Akbar tea or at least has not heard of this brand. There is nothing surprising. It is one of the fastest growing tea brands. And, if you believe the calculations of experts, Akbar is among the top 5 leaders in the local tea market in terms of sales.
Tea is produced under the strictest control of not only domestic, but also Ceylon masters. Whichever variety you choose (the range includes more than 100 types of tea), a great taste and aroma is guaranteed. Millions of people prefer Akbar tea. And, of course, do not regret your choice!

TESS

The Tess brand is a merger of two popular firms, GreenfieldTeaLTD and OrimiTrade. This is a brand that produces caffeine-free tea. The range of tea is huge, both in classic black tea and in other types. The main advantage of this brand is also the presence and combination of different tastes. For example: Apple with cinnamon or rosehip with apple and many other different flavors.

Dilmah is a distinctive and inimitable brand that upholds the tradition of uniqueness and quality of its teas. The philosophy of this tea company is: Tea is a gift from nature. Only in this wonderful drink are collected all the useful elements donated by nature to man. Love for this philosophy is passed on from generation to generation among true fans of this brand.

"Princess Noori": treat yourself to good tea for a reasonable amount
Appreciate every minute? Then "Princess Noori" will surely come in handy in your home and office. It is not surprising that this brand is one of the most popular among our compatriots. Black tea is sold in tea bags. It does not cost any fabulous money. Which, you see, is important at a time that is not the easiest from a financial point of view.
The high content of caffeine in the composition of tea can invigorate and give strength to every couch potato. The tea is delicious and fragrant. Does not contain harmful substances and impurities. If you are looking for a quality product at a reasonable price, "Princess Noori" is what you need!

Most of us drink tea every day. This drink not only wins hearts, but becomes a symbol of family comfort and hospitality. We drink tea just out of boredom, in between work and after a delicious meal, as a dessert, at home and away, alone and with company. Doctors warn that the abuse of caffeinated drinks is a threat to health, but few people stop this. About two billion cups of tea are drunk every day around the world.

Today, the pace of life has accelerated incredibly, so people began to save time on everything. This also applies to tea. To really cook delicious drink, you need to disinfect the teapot, pour the leaves with a small amount of boiling water and put to languish. After 10 minutes, you can add water according to the norm and enjoy the rich taste.

But there is not always time for this. Therefore, manufacturers began to produce tea bags. It is very convenient, especially at work. I had a few free minutes - I poured boiling water from the cooler, threw in a bag, and the tea was ready. But how does this shortening of the ceremony affect our health? Today we want to talk about this in more detail, as well as find the best tea bags.

Not for true connoisseurs

Those who love tea for its rich taste and aroma, and not just swallowing a mug of warm contents without looking at work, will never settle for even the best tea bags. The logic here is simple. Usually the latter option is cheaper than large-leaf, quality tea.

But if we assume that it is this raw material that is packed in bags, then the cost should increase greatly, since the production process is complicated by the apparatus for grinding and packaging each portion. In addition, the material is also spent on filter bags for tea. Why is it so?

Unhealthy

It can only be recognized as conforming to quality standards. Below we will talk about specific brands. All the rest pack the dust that remains from the main production in bags. The most unscrupulous manufacturers go even further, adding ordinary grass, dried and crushed, for volume. Color is achieved through dyes, which also do not add utility. Sometimes a normal sheet is used as a raw material, but with an expired shelf life.

But the content of the bags is only one side of the coin. Filter bags for tea also do not add utility. In the original, these should be silk bags. In our case, paper of unknown quality is usually used. Together with it, a thread attached with glue is also brewed. Agree, a dubious composition. Of course, in bags it is very different from the cheapest segment, so you should always pay attention to the brand.

Fruity, berry and flower

They are more popular than the classic varieties. Usually, a flavored drink does not stay on the shelves. It is especially loved by women who want to lose weight and exclude sweets from the diet. In this case, the fruity taste somewhat replaces candy.

It should be noted that these varieties are mostly harmful. Again, with the exception of the most expensive brands, where dried fruits and berries are used as a flavor. Otherwise bright taste achieved solely through chemical components. It is essentially a slow poison that should be avoided at all costs. very often cause allergies, increase the acidity of the stomach, reduce immunity. So if you want to be healthy, avoid them if possible.

Chemical analysis

In addition to the fact that lovers of this drink evaluate it by taste, there are also special studies that are carried out in laboratories. To date, there are many works that describe the work done, or rather comparative analysis quality of tea of ​​various brands. They allow you to accurately assess what tea bags are, the benefits and harms that the body receives.

Analyzing the conclusions, we can say that almost all prototypes contained a large amount of fluorine. With regular use, such a drink will lead to the destruction of tooth enamel and bone tissue, as well as joints. This is especially dangerous for the elderly and pregnant women. Even a healthy person should not consume such express drinks more than three times a week.

Choose a drink to taste

Every popular trademark has a wide range of products. The standard set is classic, green, and several types with flavorings. Let's tell in a few words who should choose black tea. Opinions on this issue are very different from each other, but the harm and benefit to the body depends solely on the quality of the brewed raw materials and the amount drunk per day. The caffeine contained in the drink has a tonic effect and gives us strength for a busy day. It is known to be useful in the prevention of viral infections.

Antioxidants protect against colds and prevent the development of atherosclerosis. Tannin, which is part of the composition, improves immunity, and the presence of fluorine helps to strengthen tooth enamel. An overabundance of it is harmful, but a couple of cups a day will provide the body with the necessary amount. If it is consumed in reasonable quantities, tea eliminates disorders in the genitourinary system, stimulates brain activity.

But, of course, few people think about it. First of all, black tea, bagged, is consumed for the sake of an unforgettable taste and aroma, rich and rich. It goes especially well with milk.

Light option

It is generally accepted that green tea is more beneficial for the body. It is recommended for women during a diet, as well as a tonic drink that can be consumed throughout the day. Few people know that in this case the sources of raw materials are the same tea bush from which black, red and yellow tea is made.

That is, the whole thing is only in the processing of the sheet. Therefore, the properties differ not as radically as it might seem at first glance. In particular, its caffeine content is also very high. However, the taste is very different. This drink invigorates and refreshes, perfectly tones and therefore is extremely well suited for the summer season. It is especially good with a slice of lemon, honey or fruit.

The best black tea bags

Thanks to numerous surveys and studies, it is possible to single out the undoubted leaders who produce really a good product. This is a high-quality tea in bags, the benefits and harms of which will be determined only by the amount drunk. They should not be abused, primarily because of the caffeine that is part of it. However, let's go directly to the varieties:

1. Greenfield Magic Yunnan is the winner of many themed exhibitions that have judged contenders for victory on a variety of criteria. This is the packaging itself, its safety and reliability, as well as its contents. This is a black, long leaf variety of tea "bouquet". As a result of brewing, a dark, rich drink with a ruby ​​​​hue is obtained. The aroma is saturated, “with smoke” and a taste of prunes. Judging by the reviews, this one is perfectly brewed, very fragrant, but a little tart, not for everyone. Each sachet is individually wrapped.
2. Ahmad Breakfast is another great tea bag. Which one is better is up to you. It differs from number one in a more affordable price. In individual bags, small, black tea. This is a blend of strong varieties of Ceylon, Assamese and Kenyan varieties. How do consumers see it? Judging by the reviews, this drink is very tasty, rich, bright and slightly tart. The taste is classic, the bags are well made, they do not tear when brewing.
3. Brooke Bond - the packaging indicates the highest category, although, according to laboratory tests, it is classified as the first grade. This is a blend of Indian and gives a strong infusion, with an amber color. The tea is neatly packaged, no dust is visible in the bags. It has a deep taste and beautiful color. These are the top sellers who have the most best reviews consumers.

Green tea bags

Unlocks the Greenfield Japanese Sencha rating. These are Sencha varieties. It is with this variety that it is recommended to start acquaintance with green teas. The main pluses are a classic taste without bitterness. The drink turns out to be a soft olive color. The fragrance is very subtle, invigorating and discreet. The packaging is sealed, very good, does not break and does not sag.

In second place in the Lipton Classic Green poll. It brews within a few minutes. The drink has a delicate aroma and a golden hue. The taste is light, medium richness and astringency. Bitterness is completely absent, which pleases most consumers.

In third place is Ahmad Green Tea in bags. This Chinese tea with amazing fragrance. One sachet is enough for one teapot, that is, about two cups. It is pleasant to drink it with lemon or honey.

Chamomile tea bags

In fact, this trade name is not entirely correct. This is no longer tea, but an herbal drink. It has a pleasant taste and aroma, and besides, it is very useful. However, there is one caveat. Buying chamomile tea in bags, you run the risk of greatly degrading the taste and usefulness of the drink. Paper packaging and glue are unlikely to add anything to this noble plant. Therefore, it is better to buy dried herbs in a pharmacy. An exception will be Greenfield chamomile, which is of high quality.

Consumer Rating

In large shopping malls often arrange product tastings, in which visitors are invited to try several varieties of tea and determine the best one. We will give one example of such a competition, in which "May Tea", "Ahmad", "Greenfield", "Dilma", "Nuri", "Conversation", "Brook Bond", "Lipton" took part. Visitors were asked to try each of the drinks and rate it on a scale from 1 to 10.

As a result, far from the most expensive Lipton unexpectedly received the highest marks. In second place was Brooke Bond. Further, everything went in tune with the previous study. The third place was shared by "Ahmad" and "Greenfield". The tea "Conversation" turned out to be the lowest quality, its taste was not liked by the visitors. But the inexpensive Nuri tea in bags turned out to be a worthy rival for elite varieties and took fourth place in the ranking.

It should be noted that laboratory studies agree with the rating of consumers. The only difference of opinion is "May tea". Customer ratings were weak, while the quality of the products according to the laboratory conclusion is very high.

Black tea, unlike green tea, has more sophisticated technology preparation, consisting of several stages:

Stage 1. Collection and sorting of tea leaves. Depending on the place and time of collection, more or less valuable teas are isolated. The best are considered collected in April-May. Tea of ​​summer and autumn harvest is coarser, with parts of branches included, used for the production of budget varieties.

Stage 2. Withering. This process allows to reduce leaf turgor for its further twisting. Natural withering is a more painstaking and lengthy process, so it is used to make elite teas. During this process, bitter tannins are partially destroyed, essential oils accumulate and the tea acquires a characteristic taste and aroma.

Stage 3. Twisting. This step is necessary to start the fermentation of tea. The process is automated and takes place in a roller. After 3-4 times twisting, the tea leaf is sorted.

Stage 4. Fermentation. Biochemical changes in the leaf, leading to the appearance of certain properties of the drink: strength, astringency, aroma.

Varieties

In free sale, you can buy a great many varieties of black tea, which are combined into the following types:

• Black long leaf. Consists of large and medium leaves collected from the bush. Poor quality tea may contain foreign fractions (branches, broken leaves). The black elite tea will consist of homogeneous raw materials, have the correct color and a minimum of broken leaves.
• Granulated. Pressed and granulated tea with high astringency but no aroma.
• Packaged. Most often, this type is made from lower quality leaves and tea dust. Can be flavored with additional additives.
• Pressed. Sold in the form of briquettes or tablets. Convenient for storage and transportation. Requires a long brewing process.

How to choose a good drink?

A diverse range of varieties of black tea causes certain difficulties in choosing it. What should I pay attention to when buying?

Country of origin. The best tea grows in the highlands. Therefore, acquiring leaves grown and harvested in the areas of Assam, Indian Darjeeling, Nilgiri, Kazirang, Sri Lanka and the mountainous Japanese Uji, you can make the right choice.

Composition. The properties of tea are directly related to the content of buds (tips), chopped and whole leaves in the leaf mixture. Therefore, tea containing tips will be the most expensive and delicious. What is the best tea that does not contain tips? When choosing a variety, pay attention to its labeling.

"O" - high level; made from whole twisted leaves.

"OP" - young twisted leaves without the addition of tips.

"BP" - low level; cut or broken leaves.

"P" - from a poorly twisted, rough sheet.

"STS" - granular; it has a good strength, but not a pronounced aroma.

"D" and "F" - screenings, from which packaged mixtures are prepared.

The price of a variety depends on the country of origin, the method of collection and its composition. Large-leaf, with the addition of tips, tea will cost more than its bagged or granular counterparts. When choosing a drink, you should pay attention to its packaging - ceramic containers will contain good quality tea.

The best varieties

Among the Indian drinks, Assam is considered the best, which gives a terracotta-colored drink with a characteristic malt aroma, and Darjeeling, which has a floral flavor and a delicate, transparent color.

Black Ceylon tea Orange Pekoe gives a rather dark, tart infusion. Chinese teas include Keemun with a slight floral flavor, Lapang Souchong with a unique smoky aroma, and Yunnan with oolongs.

How to brew

This is a traditional drink served at the end of a meal or as independent dish. The properties of black tea allow us to consider it healing: due to the content of caffeine, it increases efficiency, tones and excites the nervous system; has bacterial properties, disinfecting the oral cavity. Due to the contained theophylline, it stimulates the metabolism and lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood.