Tea plants flourish in warm, moist climates and can grow twenty feet high if left unattended. Our tea buyers purchase the highest quality tea which means tea grown in cool climates and at high altitudes where the tea plants are trimmed to only three or four feet in height and width.
The main producers of tea are Sri Lanka, India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Turkey, and some parts of Africa and South America.
Before landing on a shelf at your grocery store, each Tetley blend undergoes a four-stage journey. They key ingredients are care and attention which is, after all, what goes into making a great cup of tea.
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 infusion.
Green Tea
Popular in China and Japan, green tea is steamed or pan-fired, without oxidation, keeping its natural green colour.
White Tea
The least processed tea, featuring young or minimally handled leaves, offering a delicate flavour.
Oolong Tea
Semi-oxidized and traditional to Taiwan and China, oolong combines qualities of both black and green teas.
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
- Sri Lanka
- Malawi
- Darjeeling
- Assam
- Indonesia
- China
- Argentina
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.
Sri Lanka
This tropical island produces some beautiful teas – floral, fruity and smooth; it is grown high above sea level in the mountainous misty forests.
Malawi
Malawi : Known as the warm heart of Africa, the soil in this country is a beautiful, vibrant, red color. This produces the most richly colored teas in the world.
Darjeeling
This tropical island produces some beautiful teas – floral, fruity and smooth; it is grown high above sea level in the mountainous misty forests.
Assam
Teas grown in the lush Brahmaputra valley of Northern India are rich, malty, brisk and full-bodied – perfect to wake you up in the morning.
Indonesia
These islands in Southeast Asia produce naturally spicy teas that take flavor well, perfect for Earl Grey blends.
China
The Chinese are experts in white, green and oolong teas. Each region has its own unique style, with closely guarded secrets passed down through generations. It would be impossible to taste all of the tea in China!
Argentina
This hot and humid region produces mild teas with clear and bright liquors, perfect for Iced Tea!
