If you are just starting out with tea, a tea sampler that is low-cost and can taste a variety of teas at once is the best choice. Because there are many varieties of each category of tea, for example, black tea has souchong black tea, Yingde black tea, etc. Oolong tea has fenghuang dancong, Dahongpao and other varieties. Each variety has a different taste.
When you are new to tea, you may get lost in the multiple varieties not knowing how to choose. If you don't choose a tea sampler, you will need to buy a large volume of tea in case you don't like to drink it, then you will be wasting your money with the tea!
Characteristics of Beginner-Friendly Loose Leaf Teas
Beginner-friendly loose leaf teas typically possess the following characteristics, making them an ideal choice for newcomers venturing into the world of tea.
- Mild Flavor Profile:
Beginner-friendly loose leaf teas generally have flavors that are not too intense or overly complex, offering a balanced and easily palatable taste.
- Slight Bitterness:
These loose leaf teas exhibit a mild bitterness that is not overpowering, thus avoiding discomfort for beginners.
- Freshness or Floral Aroma:
Beginners often find it easier to appreciate loose leaf teas with fresh or floral aromas, as the fragrances emitted by these teas tend to evoke feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
- Lower Caffeine Content:
Beginners may be more sensitive to caffeine, thus loose leaf teas with lower caffeine content are more suitable for them.
- Easy Brewing:
Loose leaf teas that are easy to brew are more friendly to beginners, meaning that even with less mature brewing skills, a good cup of tea can be easily brewed.
- Gentle Physical Effects:
Teas suitable for beginners typically do not cause excessive stimulation to the body, such as over-excitement or difficulty sleeping.
Tea Sampler Recommendations for Sweetness-Friendly Teas
Recommended tea sampler:
Black Tea Sampler, Green Tea Sampler.
Loose leaf black tea offers a comfortable aroma and sweetness. With its mild flavor and full-bodied texture, loose leaf black tea is often the preferred choice for many tea beginners. A Black Tea Sampler that includes a variety of classic Chinese black teas is an excellent option.
Loose leaf green tea tends to have a light, mellow, and delightful flavor, making it a great starting point for newcomers. With a wide range of green tea varieties in China, beginners may feel a bit bewildered at the outset. However, a Green Tea Sampler can provide a fantastic introduction, allowing everyone to effortlessly experience the delightful flavors of various loose leaf green teas.
Tea Sampler Recommendations for Aroma-Friendly Teas
Recommended tea sampler:
Oolong Tea Sampler, Jasmine Tea Sampler
Loose leaf oolong tea is known for its mild nature, lingering aroma, and smooth, refreshing taste, making it one of the favorite tea varieties among people in southern China. Among them, Wuyi rock tea from northern Fujian province is the most famous. In addition to the well-known loose leaf oolong teas from northern Fujian, there are also oolong teas produced in southern Fujian and Guangdong provinces. A Oolong Tea Sampler that includes representative oolong teas from different regions is a valuable starting point for beginners on their tea journey.
Chinese flower tea is a distinct category separate from the six major types of Chinese tea. It combines the aroma of loose leaf tea with floral notes, offering a sweet and fragrant taste ideal for those who enjoy floral scents. For tea enthusiasts looking to explore, starting with the classic jasmine tea is recommended. Jasmine tea comes in many varieties and types, and trying a Chinese Jasmine Tea sampler can help discover the best loose leaf tea that suits individual preferences.
Tea Sampler Recommendations for Brewing-Friendly Teas
Recommended tea sampler:
Green Tea Sampler, White Tea Sampler, Black Tea Sampler
Among the various types of Chinese teas, loose leaf green tea, loose leaf white tea, and loose leaf black tea are relatively easy to brew, and they don't require high-end tea brewing equipment. These teas can be brewed well using more professional tea brewing tools such as a Gaiwan or a Gongfu teacup. Even without specialized tea brewing tools, they can still yield a good taste.
On the other hand, loose leaf oolong tea and loose leaf black tea in China require higher standards for brewing equipment and techniques. If not brewed properly, these two types of teas may fail to bring out their desired flavors. Therefore, for those who are not familiar with tea brewing or prefer simpler brewing methods, loose leaf oolong tea and loose leaf black tea may not be the best choice.
Tea Sampler Recommendations for Low Caffeine Teas
Recommended tea sampler:
Green Tea Sampler, White Tea Sampler
Many tea enthusiasts who have been drinking coffee for years are now becoming interested in tea, particularly in finding beverages with low caffeine content. Generally, the caffeine content in a cup of tea is much lower than that in a cup of coffee, but the caffeine content varies among different types of teas.
Typically, loose leaf tea with lower levels of oxidation has lower caffeine content. Therefore, for those seeking low caffeine tea options, trying a green tea sampler or a white tea sampler would be worth exploring. Additionally, low caffeine tea samplers also make excellent choices as healthy tea gift sets for family and friends who are sensitive to caffeine.
Experienced tea enthusiasts often have their preferred types of loose leaf teas and their own set of rules for selecting teas, usually based on personal taste preferences, physical condition, and the characteristics of the teas.
The principles for selecting loose leaf teas are similar for beginner tea enthusiasts; they choose teas based on their preferences. Understanding some knowledge about different types of teas can be very helpful in this process. Hopefully, this article can assist everyone in selecting teas that suit their preferences.
