Comparison of physicochemical properties of three types of major imported tea available in Mashhad during the year 1388

This study compared the physicochemical properties of three types of major imported black tea available in Mashhad during one year and determined the most appropriate among them for tea consumption (according to the physico chemical properties of them) were performed. Sampling of imported dried tea includes Ceylon Orthodox, Calcutta Orthodox and CTC tea from five different tea packer factory constantly with three samples randomly from each in month according to Iranian standards - tea, Sampling - No. 624 done. Then the samples were transferred to the laboratory to perform all necessary physico chemical tests including moisture, total ash, water soluble ash, ash alkalinity, aqueous extract, crude fiber and caffeine according to Iranian standards - black tea, specifications and test methods - No. 623. Data analysis showed that all three types of tea, among the physicochemical properties only water soluble ash, which indicates the level of soil and contamination of tea was more swings and other characteristics did not have significant change. Overall, all properties except the moisture content of tea was within the standard limit. Also, the results showed that the extent of each of the physicochemical characteristics of the three types of tea varies with one another due to their different origins and production process. On average, among the three types of tea, CTC tea had more desirable physicochemical properties.