Quality characteristics of black tea brands in Syrian markets

Twenty two samples of black tea were collected from local Syrian markets during 2009-2010 to study the quality characteristics of tea in terms of moisture، water extract، caffeine، total ash، water soluble ash، alkalinity of soluble ash, insoluble ash in diluted hydrochloric acid in addition to microscopic examination. Results showed that all tested samples were identical to the Syrian Standard No. 286/2003 for all above quality specifications، except for caffeine percent which was less than the standard in 4 samples. The results also showed that there was no adulteration with foreign plants nor exhausted tea leaves.