You need Four senses to become a Tea Connoisseurs, says the Founder of Buddha Tea

There is nothing better than a freshly brewed cup of tea to kick start your day and as the day unfolds, something which links it together is a cup of tea. Be it standing at the stop waiting for the bus or at a tete-a-tete at the long-awaited breaks at the office hours, or a jovial gathering at home, or a contemplative mood, tea serves it all. In India tea thrives in us and every sip tells a story untold.

Tea represents a culture and it has been transferred from generations and stilloccupies a key place in our lives. The incessant demand for tea has made tea companies use pesticides, fillers, flavouring and additives in their products which is unnerving and has an adverse effect on our body. Thus, to cater to the needs of the people Buddha tea has strived to bring to the people a herbal line of tea which is organic and keeps health issues at bay. 

HospiBuz feels obliged in talking with the Founders of Buddha Tea Mr. Harry Singh and Mr. Munna Singh

India is one of the top tea-drinking countries in the world, how your brand Buddha Tea is exemplifying it’s tea in the Indian Tea Industry?

Tea is the fuel that drives the majority of India’s billion-plus inhabitants. The country is not only the world’s second-largest tea grower, but also has the largest tea-drinking population in the world. In fact, about 81% of the tea grown in the country is consumed domestically. However, despite the prevalence of a strong tea culture in India, it is surprising to see that the per-capita consumption of this beverage is lower in comparison to various other European and Asian countries. There is a significantly high awareness about tea across all regions of India. However, the quality of tea consumed in most areas is quite low. The reason behind this low price/low-quality preference is that tea is perceived by most as an essential daily consumption product and not an indulgent item and also the best quality tea is exported to other countries. 

India produces the best quality and it is exported to other countries. So, We are trying to give domestic consumers more access to expensive tea !

Teas boosting immunity and energy levels, having slimming benefits, aiding digestion & sleep among other benefits have become major selling points. Apart from this, tea now finds itself at the centre of experimental offerings as well with entire tea menus comprising various flavored with exotic ingredients such as wine, chocolate, floral elements and other flavors are the newest trends.

What kind of demand do you see in customers when talking about the taste and aroma?

Demand is entirely need based …..

It’s addiction to the drink, making it a popular gifting option by highlighting its health benefits..

Buddha Tea offers over 35 successful SKUs which include unique single estate teas and blends of Indian varietal teas, please tell us about how do you operate?

We outsource teas from tea estate from the well established gardens across the country. 

We do the blending, processing and packaging at our warehouse. 

The range consists of exotic Darjeeling Tea, strong Assam Tea and invigorating Nilgiri Tea. The variety includes white tea, gold tea, green tea, organic tea, oolong tea and flavored teas.

We ensure high quality in packaging and every care is taken to keep the aroma intact.

How do you recognise the finest quality of tea, and what unique you are serving to customers as compared to other Tea brands?

Whether you’re new to tea or have been sipping for years, it’s important to be able to identify high-quality loose leaf tea, it does not matter whether you are new to tea or have been a tea lover. 

To become a tea connoisseur you should simply rely on four of your senses. Here’s what to note each step of the way…

1. Sight:  There are two kinds of tea processing: CTC (cut, tear, curl) and Orthodox. In the CTC method, tea leaves are sent through a machine that cuts, tears and curls them into small pellets. CTC processing is suitable for teabags and delivers a dark strong brew quickly, though sometimes at the expense of the more subtle aromas of tea. In the Orthodox (or “long leaf”) method, tea leaves are delicately handled to ensure minimal breakage. Orthodox-prepared teas are rolled, preserving the leaves’ aromatic compounds and retaining the tea’s complex flavors. Therefore, high-quality loose leaf tea leaves should look, well, like tea leaves. Avoid loose leaf tea that looks crumbly or appears to contain a lot of stalks and woody fragments, as it will be less flavorful and complex.

 As you dip the tea in hot water, the leaves should unfurl slowly.

 2. Touch: In general, high-quality dried tea leaves should feel how they look: smooth, whole and sturdy. It should also have a slight heft in your hands; if your tea feels feather-light, it may be an indication that it was over-dried or is getting old. High-quality loose leaf should not crumble or disintegrate with gentle handling. Steeped tea leaves should feel slippery and smooth to the touch.

3. Smell: No matter what kind it is, high-quality tea will have a distinct aroma. If you inhale deeply and are getting only trace amounts of scent, this could be a sign that the tea is low quality or getting old and stale. Green tea should smell grassy, light and fresh, while black tea should smell earthy, floral and sweet. When steeped, excellent tea should be deeply aromatic and amplify the unique scents of the dry tea leaves.

4. Taste: Great tea will have a strong, recognizable taste and mouthfeel. Sip slowly, allowing the tea to roll over different parts of your tongue; you should be able notice different flavor notes and mouthfeel. The best-tasting green tea will feel and taste smooth, bright and refreshing; while black tea has a deeper, more intense taste. Regardless of what type of tea you’re sipping, excellent tea will activate different flavor sensations on your tongue as you drink.  Flavors that are barely noticeable, overly astringent or unpleasantly chemical-tasting are an indication that you are drinking low-quality or old tea.

  Reputation 

The first way to measure the quality of tea is to answer the following three   questions :

Where are the tea leaves grow?

Who is the producer ?

Who is the seller ?

Please tell us about your most exclusive Tea types that comes under your brand?

White Tea, Gold Tea, Darjeeling Best Pick tea and Assam Best Pick tea – are the premium teas that come under our Brand. 

Indian Masala Tea, Kashmiri Kahwa Tea and flavored teas like Mango, Chocolate, Strawberry tea etc have good demand too.

Why Buddha Tea is a must-visit destination for all tourist visiting India?

Buddha Tea is a melting pot of anything cultural too along with some good Chai and Chat !!

 We ensure good quality tea and high quality packaging which make great souvenirs to take back.  

Tourists purchase teas, spices and other products for their personal use as well to gift their friends and relatives. 

As a Tea manufacturers, exporters and retailers what all challenges do you face?

The challenges faced by Buddha tea in the domestic front (declining consumption ) and in international market (competition and declining exports, lower price realisations, etc ).

Any statement to define “Buddha Tea”?

Buddha Tea not only represents a product, but symbolizes the Buddha’s philosophy too !! 

That my life was designed or is destined to be led according to philosophy is not only accepted with gratitude But I have made the Buddha my guiding light ! Tea brings me closest to nature….Tea is Natural….Tea  energizes!

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