In this activity, students learn about tea tasting and compare different types of tea by conducting sensory testing. The activity involves comparing the appearance, aroma and taste of four different types of tea.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- conduct a sensory assessment of tea
- identify and describe the appearance and sensory qualities of the dried tea leaves and infused liquid of four different types of tea
- record the results of their tasting and determine their tea preference.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
- introduction/background notes
- what you need
- what to do
- extension ideas
- student handout.
Related content
Find out more about Zealong: a unique New Zealand tea and discover more about the Science of tea.
Discover more about taste and how we use a range of senses in Sensing food. See how sensory scientists at Plant & Food Research conduct sensory trials with apples.
Activity ideas
Try these activities with your students
- Saliva, smell and taste – explore the connection between saliva and the senses of taste and smell.
- Colour and taste – does colour has an influence on the taste of food?
Useful links
Useful information, including a diagram, showing the processing steps for the six main types of tea on Wikipedia.
View this tea-tasting clip on YouTube to learn how to taste tea.
Visit the Twinings website for guidance on describing appearance, aroma and taste attributes of tea, including a taste wheel.
The Connoisseur’s Guide to Tasting Tea provides concise instructions and helpful suggestions for tasting tea.
Read about ‘terroir’ and its influence on tea taste and quality.
