Not all tea in the market is what it claims to be. Old stock, added colour and cheap filler are common. These five simple checks help you buy original, fresh tea leaves every time.
1. The cold water test
Drop a pinch of tea into a glass of cold water. Real tea releases colour slowly — the water stays almost clear for the first few minutes. If the water turns dark red or brown straight away, colour has probably been added.
2. Look at the leaves
Good CTC granules are evenly sized and naturally black-brown. Too much dust, a shiny or oily look, or mixed bits of stem and other material are warning signs.
3. Smell before you buy
Fresh tea smells clean and pleasant — malty for black tea, grassy for green tea. A dull, musty or damp smell means the tea is old or was stored badly.
4. Check the cup
Brewed tea from good leaves has a bright, clear liquor. A cloudy, muddy cup or a flat, bitter taste with no aroma suggests poor quality.
5. Buy from a trusted source
Choose sealed packs that show the packing date, weight and seller’s address. Tea that comes straight from the growing area is fresher than tea that has passed through many hands.
At Megh Tea we pack pure Sreemangal tea with nothing added. See our teas →