Is expensive tea really that good? A thorough explanation of the relationship between price and taste

Introduction

When choosing tea, we often struggle to strike a balance between price and quality.

Expensive tea is a bit out of reach, and cheap tea that doesn't taste good is also unpleasant. In the end, most people choose tea that is in the middle price range.

Expensive teas are certainly characterized by their rich flavor and complex aroma, but they are not necessarily delicious for everyone. On the other hand, that doesn't mean that affordable teas are not delicious.

So, does the price of tea correspond to its taste?

High quality tea has a high amino acid content

The umami taste of Japanese tea is largely determined by the amount of amino acids, which are the umami components.

The tea leaves with the highest amount of amino acids are those that are picked first, around late April to early May, known as "Ichibancha."

First-crop tea is considered to be of the highest quality and has a rich flavor, as it has stored up nutrients through a long dormant period.

In fact, the amount of amino acids contained in first-grade tea leaves is overwhelmingly four times that of third-grade tea leaves.

Tea with a high amino acid content has a rich, deep flavor.

Recently, near-infrared spectroscopic equipment has made it possible to easily measure the amount of amino acids in this tea.

Tea with a higher amino acid content is traded at a higher price, so expensive tea is generally considered to have more amino acids and taste better.

Other factors besides umami are also important

There is a tendency for the price of tea and its flavor to be proportional to some extent. However, not everyone will necessarily find it delicious.

The deliciousness of tea is greatly influenced not only by the amount of umami, but also by the balance of bitterness and astringency, as well as personal preference.

It is true that expensive teas are often made with high quality tea leaves and carefully cultivated methods, and are characterized by their rich flavor and complex aroma. However, some people may not like this rich flavor.

On the other hand, affordable teas have a refreshing taste and are perfect for everyday use.

"Easy to drink" is important to me

The taste of tea depends on many factors, such as personal preference, your mood at the time, and the food you pair it with.

If you are going to drink tea every day, it is important to choose a tea that suits your taste and is easy to drink, rather than focusing on the price.

When choosing tea, it is recommended to consider various factors such as the place of origin, variety, and manufacturing method, in addition to the price.

When buying tea, it is wise to try a variety of teas before making your choice, if possible. This will allow you to choose a tea that is within your budget and meets your tastes.