The Secret of Tea Blends: Uncovering the Origin of Ingredients
In this episode of Drops of Tea, a column created by Ferri Academy 1905 in collaboration with Italy at the Table, the focus is on the origin of the blends and the provenance of the ingredients that define their identity and aromatic profile. According to Tea master Albino Ferri, “The tea blends are mainly constructed with a tea base, that is, Camellia sinensis or Assamica. This plant finds its best performances in Asian countries, such as China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Nepal.”
Albino Ferri with some ingredients from the Italian territory for the composition of the blends
Italian Botanicals: A New Aromatic Identity for Tea Blends
For some years now, Ferri Academy has been trying to re-evaluate the botanicals of the area. The use of elements such as citrus peels or local flowers introduces new sensorial nuances, linked to Italian terroir and its climatic peculiarities. As Ferri explains, “These raw materials are then imported and mixed with other ingredients, which in that case too are usually always imported.”
Botanicals grown in Italy offer a distinctive aromatic profile, often more complex and refined than standardized ingredients. The climate, soil, and seasonality have a profound impact on the final result in the cup.
Examples of Italian Botanicals in Tea Blends
Among the most interesting ingredients are citrus fruits and flowers from specific areas of the country, capable of enriching the aromatic profile of the blends. For example, Garda lemon peels and Chianti roses are products with fantastic aromatic properties that can be found in some of Ferri Academy’s blends. These details help transform each cup into a richer and more recognizable experience, where the provenance of the ingredients becomes an integral part of the quality.
The Value of Selection: When Quality Meets Research
The construction of a blend is not limited to the choice of tea leaves but involves careful work on balance, aromas, and identity. Albino Ferri highlights the importance of the origin, stating, “Knowledge of the supply chain is essential to build authentic and recognizable blends, capable of describing a territory through aromas.”
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