When it comes to
tea, there is drinking, and there is tasting. With
seemingly limitless flavors, it can be difficult to
describe the true taste of tea, or at least your perception
of its qualities. Researchers have identified five
flavors that trigger taste sensation (sweet, bitter,
sour, salty, and savory). But tasting is actually
much more complex.
Choice Organic Teas conducts a tea tasting weekly for our
employees. It’s a good chance to explore our own line of organic teas and
to wander through the many other offerings that originate worldwide.
Here are a few tips that we
following regarding the proper tasting of tea:
•
Give the infused leaves a few quick sniffs. These
aromas are the keys to what you will later taste. Are there any particular
words that come to mind? Flowers? Chocolate? Smoke? Spice?
•
Take a sip. Are those same aromas there now? Are there new things
coming through? Does the flavor change from the time you sip it to after you've
swallowed it?
•
Try and grasp what the tea feels like in your mouth and on your
tongue. Is it strong and full or light and mild? Is it drying or thirst
quenching? Does it quickly disappear off of your tongue or sit around leisurely
with more to say?
•
Think about how the tea makes you feel. Do you feel calm? Cozy?
Energized?
