Qualitea Tea
Choosing Qualitea starts with the full product name. Deluxe, Sunset, Super OP1 and Earl Grey have different specifications, even though they share a brand. Before buying, compare the stated leaf grade, net weight, packaging and any added flavour.
The brand's English name is Qualitea. In its official company history, Qualitea Ceylon states that operations began in 1989 and that the Middle East was its first market.
Comparing loose black teas
| Variety at Nawadir Tea | Grade stated on its product page | Net weight and packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | OPA | 250 g tin |
| Extra Special | No grade code stated | 250 g tin |
| Sunset | OPA | 500 g plastic jar |
| Super OP1 | OP1 | 250 g carton |
| Earl Grey | No grade code stated and flavoured with bergamot | 200 g tin |
These details apply to the linked packs. Other packs have similar names, including Deluxe in a carton. Read the individual product page when comparing them.
Deluxe or Sunset
The Deluxe tin and Sunset pages both state the OPA grade, with different pack sizes and packaging. A 250 g pack lets you try a smaller quantity. Assess the 500 g pack against your consumption and the cost per gram. A shared grade code alone does not establish an identical blend or taste.
To compare them at home, brew the same weight of each with the same water quantity and brewing time. Record which aroma and taste you prefer after the tea has cooled slightly. This gives you a comparison under similar conditions.
Super OP1 or Extra Special
Super explicitly carries the OP1 code, while the current Extra Special specifications do not give a grade code. Use a code to help understand the leaf description, then read the remaining details. Super and Special form part of the product names and do not, by themselves, determine which tea will suit your taste.
See the guide to tea grades and leaf codes for the terminology, while keeping each pack's own description in mind.
Choosing Earl Grey or tea bags
Earl Grey suits someone who wants black tea flavoured with bergamot. If you prefer plain tea, start with varieties that do not state this added flavour. For the office or individual servings, the range includes standard, individually wrapped and pyramid tea bags, as well as green tea, chamomile and hibiscus.
Choose the variety first, then the pack size and serving format. Browse the Qualitea range to check each product's price, availability and preparation instructions.
