INDIAN TEAS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXX, Issue 8623, 26 October 1888, Page 2

INDIAN TEAS.

Great Britain, which is no doubt one cf the greatest tea-drinking countries in the world, some fifty years ago drew the whole of her supplies from China alone. But at the present time, owing to the large amount of success attending the endeavours of the Indian Tea planter, and the consequent increasing demand.for ;his Teas, it is estimated that the present season will see nearly one hundred million pounds of Indian Tea imported into Great Britain, or nearly one-half of the total amount consumed. At present the bulk of India Tea is used for blending purposes, for. the reason that itposseeses decided and distinctive qualities as compared with others, which, perhaps* is not appreciated only by a few; but.ths taste for Indian Tea is soon acquired, and when attained other teas to a certain extent become insipid. Indian Teas must certainly have very decided merits to have gained so much favour in so short a time, and it seems quite-within the bounds of possibility that, very shortly, they will have completely superseded those of China; one importanc fact that will certainly assist to'a consummation of such a contingency, is—that of late years China Teas have detenoratea in quality to an alarming extent, which each succeeding year only tends to confirm this. , ' , . t No doubt China Teas have the advantage in variety, which, according to the present public taste,* are almost indispensable: for flavouring and blending purposes," which, in the hands of a judicial tea blender, may be used with great advantage for the improvement of other teas. Taylor, Pappa and Co. have had many experience, which, combmed with the very low rate of profit, for which they sell their teas, no doubt accounts ior_ the large amount of favour with which they ara received. Their orange-flavoured blended teas, at Is lOd and 2s per lb, we consider the best value obtainable. [AdvtJ