Tea is one of the oldest beverages and India is one of the largest producers of tea in the world. Tea is grown on mountain terrains and a specific type of climate and geography is crucial for tea cultivation. Each tea-producing region in India provides a different yet perfect climate for its cultivation. Hence, tea from different regions have their uniqueness in taste, texture, colour, form and appearance. Almost 70% of the tea produced in India, is consumed by its own people. Tea from every region has its uniqueness which gives it an identity. This uniqueness in colour, taste, aroma and texture has to be maintained and kept intact, for it to be of marketable quality.

Tea quality testing services are carried out to ensure that its quality is maintained all throughout the process from its cultivation to its packaging. Tea testing services include tea testing parameters like checking for any contamination or factors affecting the quality of tea due to change in weather conditions, etc. Tea quality testing is done to keep the tea quality in check by tea traders/exporters from a recognized tea testing service provider. The tea testing services provided by certified companies in India are conducted as per set standards and regulations. Tea quality certification is also provided which confirms its marketability. This is an important requisite to have a good hold over tea trading, including exports to different countries.

QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE TEA INDUSTRY

The purity and freshness of Tea depends on the Quality Assurance of the tea producing company. Strict quality checks as per set standards and benchmarks is crucial for gaining customer confidence and to have a good hold in the market. Quality Assurance is ensured mainly in three main stages of growing, plucking and processing the tea. High level of quality is maintained by ensuring quality assurance in plucking, processing to packaging processes through tea quality testing services. Any deviation from the set standards should be retrievable by spotting the fault in the chain of processes.

Quality assurance in the Tea industry can be met through the following stages -
• Fine plucking standards must be ensured.
• Right level of withering plays a vital role in deciding the quality.
• Special care should be taken in maintaining temperature, humidity and duration of fermentation to keep the flavour intact.
• Firing/Drying of tea should be done at a regulated temperature. This also decides the flavour.
• should be done for grading to different sizes.
• Weighing and packaging should be monitored to avoid contamination.
In today’s competitive times, having the most stringent levels of Quality Assurance is a game-changer in the industry. A business that adheres to this, has its business sorted. Similarly, looking at the variety of tea available in India from different regions, tea industry players with strict quality assurance, set a different level of competition in the tea market.

IMPORTANCE OF TEA QUALITY TESTING AND ANALYSIS

Tea is a high value commodity, and to maintain its marketability it must have high quality, in order to maintain its demand in competing with all other tea types from different regions. Any deviation may cost a heavy price to the tea producer or seller. Hence Tea quality testing services encompassing a number of Tea quality testing parameters like colour, texture, flavour, aroma, size etc become essential. The process of Tea Quality Analysis also evaluates if there is any contamination during the stages of 3Ps - Plucking, Processing and Packaging. Also Tea analysis is done to check for any adulterants that devalues the quality of tea. This ensures there are no health hazards for people consuming it.

Some of the other factors why tea quality testing and analysis is important-
• To have a good hold over national and international market.
• Boost exports to swiftly meet the export destination’s quality standards.
• Boosts branding.
• Helps in gaining an upper hand in the business.
• Ensures 100% retainment of customers.
• Helps in making continuous improvement in processes.

Material Test	Test Performe	Test Method
Tea	Loss on drying	IS: 3633-1972 / ASC Specification no.185A
	Total ash	IS:5982 :2003
	Acid insoluble ash	IS:5982 :1970 / IS:15279-2003
	Water soluble ash	IS:1679-1960
	Alkalinity of water soluble ash	IS:5982 :1970 / IS: 15279-2003
	Water extract	IS:5975 :1970 / IS: 1679-1969
	Crude Fibre	IS:1679 :1960 / IS: 15279-2003
	Iron	IS:1151 :1969
	Copper	APHA3030D APHA3030D3030J:1992
	Colouring matter	APHA3030D3030J: 1992
	Foreign matter
	Caffeine content
	Tannin content
Stimulant Foods,Tobacco & Chewing products (Pan masala, Gutkha, Catechu)
	Loss on heating	IS: 5643-1999
	Total alkaloids	IS: 5643-1989
	Total ash	IS: 5643-1989
	Acid insoluble ash	IS: 5643-1989
	Total chlorides	IS: 5643-1989
	Nicotine contents	IS: 5643-1989
Pet foods	Carbohydrates	IS: 1656-1997
	Protein	IS: 7219-1973
	Fat	IS: 4684-1975 /
	Total Ash	IS:1656-199
	Acid insoluble ash	IS: 1009-1979
	Alkalinity of ash	IS:1164-1986
	Cocoa butter	IS:1164-1986
	Caffeine	IS: 2791-1992

Below Table Show Starch Testing

Material Test	Test Performe	Test Method
Cornflour	Moisture	IS: 1005-199
	Acid insoluble ash
	Total ash
	starch
	Protein
	pH of aqueous ext
	Alcoholic Acidity
	Arsenic
	Lead
	Copper
	Zinc
	Tin
Custard Powder	Moisture	IS: 1002-1984
	Total ash
	Acid insoluble ash
	Sulphur dioxide
	Gelling Powder
Corn Flakes	Moisture	IS: 1158-1973
	Total ash (excluding NaCl)
	Acid insoluble ash
	Crude fiber
	Alcoholic Acidity
Macroni, Spaghetti,Vermicelli	Loss on drying	IS: 1448-1993
	Total ash
	Acid insoluble ash
	Protein(Nitrogen)
	Cooking test
	Free Acidity
Bread	Total solids	IS: 11231-1985
	Acid insoluble ash
	Crude fibre
	PH
	Alcoholic Acidity
(Flours, blends, Chana Sattu)	Moisture	IS:4706-1978
	Starch Content	IS:4706-1978
	Protein	IS:4706-1978
	Ash	IS:4706-1978
	Acid Insoluble	IS:4706-1978
	Sulphur ash	IS:4706-1978
	Cold water extract	IS:4706-1978
	Iron	APHA 3030D, 3030J: 1992
	Lead	APHA 3030D, 3030J/IS 12074:1987
	Arsenic	APHA 3030D, 3030J/IS
	Cd	APHA 3030D
	Sn