Where Does Tea Come From?
Tea plants flourish in warm, moist climates and can grow 20 feet high, if left unchecked. There was a time when all our black tea came from China, but not anymore!
Our experienced buyers work closely with thousands of tea gardens in over 20 different countries to select the very best tea leaves out there. The finest tea is grown in sunny climates and at high altitudes, with the tea plants trimmed to only three to four feet in height
The largest producers of tea leaves are Kenya, Sri Lanka, India, and China, but tea is grown wherever there is a healthy amount of rain and sunshine
At Tetley, we have been making tea since 1837, so we know a thing or two about how to make the perfect cup. For us, it is about helping to create a thriving, global tea industry that is socially fair and environmentally sustainable.
That is why we are founder members of the Ethical Tea Partnership and source 100% of our tea from Rainforest Alliance Certified TM gardens.
Types Of Tea
Black Tea
Strong in flavour, the black tea leaves are withered, rolled, oxidized and dried for a bright copper colour.
White Tea
White tea, which is again non-oxidized, features young or minimally processed Camellia sinensis leaves.
Green Tea
Extremely popular in China and Japan, green tea leaves are free from the oxidation process.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is semi-oxidized, and the leaves have a distinct greenish brown colour.
The main factors that we consider while assessing our teas are:
The Leaf
Our evaluators assess the following factors:
- Density – Compactness and structure of the leaf
- Colour – Ranges from deep greens to lighter shades
- Shape – The overall outline and form of the leaf
- Size – Uniformity of the leaf particles
The Liquid
Our tasters assess the following factors:
- Sparkle – Purity of the colour
- Colour – From deep rich red up to light and yellow
- Body – The weight of the tea in the mouth
- Zing – Overall liveliness of the tea on the palate
Apart from black and green teas, our expert blenders have managed to create a wide range of herbal teas that suit any occasion. Encompassed by the aromatic and flavourful tastes of nature – Roots, leaves, seeds, flowers, spices, berries and herbs – We have devised some wonderful combinations. Rich in fragrance and flavour, these refreshing elixirs are an embodiment of our expertise and undying dedication.
These herbal blends contain no caffeine and ensure that you get drawn into the world of Tetley goodness!.
`The journey to your cup begins in tea gardens around the world, where Tetley tea is made from the young leaves and unopened buds of the plant; Camellia sinensis. We grow and buy tea from all across the world to get that lovely, full-bodied flavour that’s unique to Tetley.
Kenya
Kenya : Most teas are grown in the highlands of the Great Rift Valley that runs through Kenya. The most prized teas come from around Mount Kenya. Grown at high altitudes, these teas are super sparkly and full of flavor.