Everything you could possibly want to know about Azores Tea

Azores teas are a unique and sought-after product that have been gaining in popularity in recent years. The Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, are home to some of the best tea-growing conditions in the world.

With its subtropical climate, rich volcanic soil, and abundant rainfall, the Azores provide the ideal environment for producing high-quality tea.

Table of Contents

• About Azores Teas
  • Black tea
  • Green tea
• What's so Special about the Azores Teas?
• Azores Tea Producers
• Like Tea? You'll Love the Azores!

 

About Azores Teas

The two main varieties of Azores tea are black tea and green tea. You will see references to Orange Pekoe Black tea and Hysson Green tea. This can be a little confusing, but I'll get into the differences below:

Black tea

Black tea is a type of tea that is fully fermented and has a strong, robust flavor. It is the most oxidized of all the tea types and is the basis for many popular tea blends, including English Breakfast and Earl Grey.

Azores black tea is known for its smooth, robust flavor and is a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong, full-bodied tea.

In the Azores, most of the black tea produced has the label "Orange Pekoe". This is a grading system for black tea leaves, indicating the size of the leaves. Orange Pekoe tea is made from high-quality leaves and is known for its full-bodied flavor, bright color, and brisk taste.

It is commonly used as the base for blends such as Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea.

Green tea

Green tea is a lighter and more delicate tea that is known for its health benefits. It is a type of tea that is also made from Camellia Sinensis leaves, but with minimal oxidation. This results in a tea that is lighter in color and has a more delicate flavor compared to black tea.

Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented, which helps to preserve its natural flavor and health benefits. Azores green tea is prized for its bright, fresh flavor and is a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle tea experience.

In the Azores, you will see the reference "Hysson" - this is a type of green tea from China with long, twisted leaves picked in early spring. It is considered a high-quality tea due to its delicate processing and milder, slightly sweeter flavor - witout the bitter or adstingent taste some green teas can have.

Hyson tea is also known for its health benefits, including high levels of antioxidants. Whether for its taste or health benefits, Hyson tea is a popular choice among tea lovers.

What's so Special about the Azores Teas?

While Azores teas are made from Camellia sinensis, the same plant used to produce tea in other parts of the world, the conditions in the Azores create a distinct flavor that sets these teas apart from others. 

What truly make Azores teas a unique and highly prized product, enjoyed by tea lovers around the world, are four main reasons:

1. Unique Terroir: The Azores have a unique climate and soil that provides the ideal growing conditions for tea. The volcanic soil and misty sea-air climate create a distinctive flavor profile that sets Azores teas apart from teas grown in other regions.

2. Traditional Production Methods: The tea factories in the Azores, such as Gorreana and Porto Formoso, use traditional methods of tea production that have been passed down from generation to generation. This includes hand-picking the tea leaves and processing them using artisanal methods that result in a high-quality product.

3. Sustainability: The Azores tea factories are known for their commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmentally responsible production methods. This helps to protect the local ecosystem and ensures that the teas produced in the Azores are of the highest quality.

4. Unique Flavors: Azores teas are known for their unique flavor profile, which is a combination of the unique Atlantic island terroir, traditional production methods, and the high-quality tea leaves used. These flavors are unlike any other tea in the world, making Azores teas truly special.

Azores Tea Producers

Gorreana Tea Factory is one of the oldest and most well-known tea producers in the Azores. Founded in 1883, it is located on the island of Sao Miguel and is known for producing high-quality black teas using traditional methods.

The tea is grown on the slopes of the Gorreana mountain and is harvested by hand. The factory is open to visitors and offers guided tours, as well as tastings of its teas.

Porto Formoso Tea Factory, located on the island of Sao Miguel, is another well-known tea producer in the Azores. The factory is known for its commitment to producing high-quality teas using only the finest ingredients.

The tea plants are grown on the slopes of the Porto Formoso mountain and are harvested by hand. The factory offers a range of teas, including black tea, green tea, and herbal blends. Visitors can take a guided tour of the factory and learn about the production process, as well as sample its teas.

Both Gorreana and Porto Formoso tea factories are popular tourist destinations in the Azores, and offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of tea production in the region. Whether you are a tea aficionado or simply looking for a unique and interesting experience, a visit to one of these tea factories is a must.

 

The popularity of Azores teas has led to the growth of a thriving tea industry in the region. This industry not only provides jobs and economic benefits for the local community, but also helps to preserve the local culture and traditions of the Azores. In addition, the tea industry has also helped to raise awareness of the Azores as a tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in learning more about this beautiful and unique region.

Like Tea? You'll Love the Azores!

If you're a tea lover and are looking for a new and unique tea experience, Azores teas are definitely worth trying. Whether you prefer black tea, green tea, or herbal blends, there is a type of Azores tea that is sure to suit your tastes. So why not head down to your local tea shop and pick up a package of Azores tea today? If you are feeling adventurous,, consider exploring the islands and taking home some Azores tea, as a wonderfully unique souvenir!