Flavor is added to tea through several methods, often involving blending and scenting techniques. Commercial flavored teas primarily utilize large blending drums.
Methods of Flavoring Tea
- Blending:
- Process: Teas are mixed with various flavorings in large drums to create a specific taste profile.
- Ingredients: This can involve the addition of perfumes, flavorings, or essential oils.
- Scenting:
- Process: Tea leaves absorb the aromas of other ingredients through layering or exposure.
- Purpose: This method infuses the tea with subtle flavor notes.
Commercial Practices
Commercial tea producers frequently use blending in large drums to infuse flavors into their products. This method allows for uniform flavor distribution across large batches of tea. It is important to note that while this process can enhance the tea experience, it can also be used to mask the flavor of lower-grade teas.
Examples of Flavoring Agents
- Essential Oils: Concentrated oils extracted from plants, such as bergamot for Earl Grey tea.
- Natural Flavorings: Derived from fruits, spices, and herbs, like cinnamon, vanilla, or citrus peel.
- Artificial Flavorings: Lab-created compounds that mimic natural flavors.
| Method | Process | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Blending | Mixing tea with flavorings in large drums | To create a specific taste profile |
| Scenting | Exposing tea leaves to the aroma of other ingredients | Infuses the tea with subtle flavor notes by absorption |
Cautionary Note
As the reference mentions, while blending and scenting add an extra dimension to tea, they may sometimes be employed to obscure the taste of inferior teas. Therefore, it's useful to be mindful of this possibility when choosing flavored tea.
