The test results are rated in three main areas, which are weighted as follows:
Quality 50%
Taste experience 30%
Health benefits 20%
The basis for the ratings are results from chemical analysis of:
• Fiber content
• Water-soluble substances
• Contaminants from the production process (iron filings)
• Moisture content
• Caffeine content
• Amino acids and lipids
• Theaflavins, thearubigins, catechins and total polyphenol content.
• Percentage of impurities
• Percentage of water-soluble substances
• The pesticides bifenthrin, deltamethrin, hexythiazox, propargite, glyphosate, hexaconazole, dicofol & lamda-cyhalothrin.
• The heavy metals cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel.
In addition, the laboratory's experts make assessments of the brewed tea concerning:
• The color
• The strength
• The taste
• The freshness
For the taste test, the teas are brewed according to the same recipe, with the same amount of dry matter in the cup, regardless of the size of the tea bags.