English is the common language used in the tea industry throughout the world. However, it is English with a difference. A grade of a leaf for example refers to the size of the leaf particle, while dust is the term used to describe the smallest leaf particle. Large leaf, good quality China tea is called stringy, and made tea is the state of the tea at the end of production and not tea that has been brewed in a pot

Our glossary is a comprehensive list of all the terms commonly used in the tea trade – read through it to find out how to speak the language of a true tea expert

Source: International Tea Committee, London