While organic is considered a trend by some, it has nonetheless become a genuine necessity. Organic responds to a need: that of preserving our planet by using environmentally friendly methods of production. Drinking organic tea therefore means supporting farming that respects nature. However, faced with the rise of organic in our daily lives, it is natural to have a few questions. How can you be sure a tea is truly organic? What are the other advantages of consuming organic tea? Learn to know and recognise organic tea with this guide.
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In bags or loose-leaf: how to make sure a tea is organic?
In bags or loose-leaf, tea — whether green, white or black — comes from the same plant. Whether you drink earl grey, Ceylon black tea or English breakfast tea, your infusion is made from the plant known as Camellia sinensis. The difference between these teas? Their composition (buds or leaves), but also their processing (drying, oxidation, etc.).
Produced in countries such as China, Sri Lanka or Japan, the many varieties of tea on the market are often grown far from our shores. Yet it is entirely possible to ensure the quality of the tea you consume.
Organic tea, like any other product from organic farming, must indeed meet certain criteria to be certified.
In Europe, a product such as tea is certified organic after successfully passing through several inspection stages. The various organic tea labels (and organic products in general) are, moreover, subject to rules of use. They cannot be used without the necessary procedures and inspections having been carried out. These labels are therefore guarantors of the quality of organic tea and of any other product from organic farming. Perfectly recognisable thanks to logos on the packaging, organic labels indicate which teas are certified and are there to reassure you in your choice.
The benefits of infusions made from organic tea leaves
Why drink organic tea?
Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world after water. Whether it is Ceylon black tea, earl grey, Chinese green tea, rooibos, white tea or herbal infusions with fruits or spices, a flavoured infusion made from tea leaves has many virtues.
Tea is indeed known for its health benefits. Certain types of tea share similar properties while others are unique to them. Tea is primarily recognised for being rich in antioxidants. It is also renowned for helping to prevent various diseases such as:
- type 2 diabetes;
- cholesterol;
- cardiovascular disease;
- cancer.
Infusions of green Sencha tea and matcha tea, for example, are also renowned for their detoxifying properties.
Farming: how does the picking of leaves from the various organic teas work?
Green Sencha tea or matcha, Ceylon black tea, mint-flavoured tea, lemon-flavoured tea or tea with notes of ginger or spices... From Japan to China and Sri Lanka, the picking of organic tea must comply with the specifications of European regulations.
Rooibos, fruit-flavoured, mint or plain tea: why choose the organic range?
Being the second most consumed drink in the world is not without consequence. To meet such demand, many farms resort to pesticides and other chemical products. But did you know that tea leaves are not washed between the moment of picking and their arrival in your cup?
That's right. You've understood. Hello pesticides in your tea and therefore, in your body! Between endangering the health of producers and your own health, and the damage caused to the environment, growing and consuming tea are therefore not without risk. Purchasing and consuming organic tea in loose-leaf or bag form, on the other hand, allows you to enjoy the benefits of tea while protecting the planet and your health.
Organic tea: a more limited stock, but a quality product
The cultivation of organic tea has a lower yield than the intensive cultivation of conventional tea using chemical products, and this is not without consequence for its price. Tea from organic farming is nonetheless of higher quality than conventional tea.
From earl grey to English breakfast tea: organic, a range in full expansion in the world of tea
The organic tea range, whether plain or flavoured with mint, lemon or fruits, loose-leaf or in bags, comes at a higher price. However, consumers have come to understand that the quality of the product justifies it. Infusions made from the leaves of the various organic teas are enjoying growing success. The organic tea figures confirm this.
Destination China, the world's leading tea producer
China is the world's largest tea producer. Yet not all plantations in China use pesticides and other chemical fertilisers in their production. The Yunnan tea gardens are, in fact, known for their organic teas. The oldest tea plantations in the world are found in this region.
Bags or loose-leaf, fruit-flavoured or plain: organic, a varied tea range for an infusion at any time of day
Rooibos, white tea, earl grey, Ceylon black tea, infusions flavoured with mint, lemon, fruits, spices or with a hint of ginger... The various varieties of organic tea are available loose-leaf or in bags. Whether you wish to opt for a tea with particular notes on the palate, for the delivery of a boxed herbal infusion consumable throughout the day, at breakfast or at bedtime, you will find a wealth of choice among loose-leaf organic infusions. Moreover, by opting for loose-leaf organic tea, you choose a quality herbal infusion as opposed to certain bagged teas found in supermarkets.
The evolution of organic farming: what does the future hold for herbal infusions made from tea leaves?
Sencha tea, matcha, Ceylon tea, English breakfast tea, earl grey or rooibos — organic certification is an indicator and a guarantee of increasingly controlled quality. Indeed, to better inform and protect lovers of organic teas and all products from organic farming, a new organic regulation came into force in 2021.