Buying Guide
How to choose, buy and not overpay for quality tea.
Articles in Buying Guide
How to Choose High-Quality Loose Leaf Tea: A Buyer's Guide
Whole leaves, honest aroma, clear liquor: how to judge loose leaf tea before you buy, read the leaf the way a grader does, and know what a fair price is.
How to Read Tea Packaging Grades: A Tea Buyer's Guide
Decode the letters on tea tins—OP, FOP, CTC and Chinese grade labels—and learn what good packaging should protect your loose-leaf tea from before you buy.
How to Buy Good Green Tea (Without Overspending)
Green tea quality is about freshness and origin, not price. Learn what to look for and the classic varieties worth buying.
How to Choose Tea as a Gift (Without Getting Ripped Off)
Tea is a thoughtful gift in Chinese culture. Learn which teas make good presents, how to judge quality, and packaging traps to avoid.