Today, tea is grown predominantly in the tropics and enjoyed by millions of people from all walks of life. It is now the second highest consumed beverage in the world, after water. In some countries, tea drinking has become integral to sacred ceremonies while in most western cultures, it is associated with socializing, relaxing or rejuvenating.

Originally used for its medicinal properties, tea is experiencing resurgence in popularity as health professionals discover and promote its healthy properties.

Today, there are essentially six categories of black and green tea:

Blends
These teas are blended with others from different countries and have the advantage of removing inconsistencies in leaf appearance, flavor and aromas caused by seasonal variations.

Specific origin
These teas are blended with others from the same country, such as Ceylon tea, Indian tea, African tea or Fujian green tea from China. For example, at Madura, we market a pure Assam tea which has a unique, rich aroma and malty taste unique to that area.

Specific occasion
These blends have been developed for specific occasions or times of the day, such as the Madura English Breakfast Tea which is a classic blend of the finest Ceylon and South Indian teas enriched with our estate teas. Other specific occasion teas that have been enjoyed for centuries in eastern cultures include Ceremonial Green or White Tea, Dragon Pearl and Sencha Tea.

Flavor enhanced
These teas have been enhanced with a flavor, flower or spice. Examples include Madura Earl Grey Tea, Madura Green Tea & Jasmine, Madura Green Tea & Mint, Madura Green Tea & Papaya Leaf, Madura Green Tea & Australian Lemon Myrtle and Madura Te Chai.

Historical
These tea blends date back to the early tea trade and include Royal Ceylon, Prince of Wales, Russian Caravan and Matcha green tea powder.

Single estate
These teas are unblended and are harvested from a single, plantation such as Castleton in Darjeeling or Thowra in Assam. Some single estate teas are renowned for their quality but will smell, taste and look different with each harvest.