Nowadays, awareness about healthy food consumption is becoming more popular. It’s evident from recent statistics presented by the Organic Trade Association that depicted yearly sales of organic products have nearly doubled in the past 10 years and currently hit about $63 billion. Besides, this explains why probably some tea lovers prefer organic tea over non-organic tea.
What is the difference between organic tea and non-organic tea anyway? The main difference is that organic tea is grown without using chemicals such as synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides. On the other hand, non-organic tea often requires a farmer to use several fertilizers and pesticides to protect leaves and boost their green color. Let’s explore more differences.
What is Organic Tea?
Organic tea is grown without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs. Usually, organic tea is grown according to organic guidelines provided by various organizations such as the USDA in the US, IFOAM in Europe, and CGFDC in China. It varies from country to country. However, they all have a common provision that the process of growing and processing organic tea must respect the environment and relies on ecological processes, biodiversity, and cycles adapted to local conditions.
Organic tea is considered high quality and carries many health benefits to consumers apart from the significant environmental impact. For instance, organic match tea is rich in antioxidants, may improve cardiovascular health, boosts your energy, lowers cholesterol, etc.
NB: Since standards related to organic products vary from country to country, it might not be entirely clear how to identify organic tea while traveling. However, as shown on the list, you can always check tea products with these regulated organic logos worldwide.
What is Non-organic Tea?
Unlike organic tea, non-organic tea (conventional tea) is cultivated using chemical and synthetic fertilizers that support plant growth and enhance tea taste. Also, the processing method is considerably faster. Often, conventional tea farming aims to produce more tea at the cost of the environment and human health.
While it’s true that some chemicals are removed during the processing, some of the chemicals end up in a consumer’s cup of tea. As a result, long-term consumption of non-organic tea poses a health risk to the consumers
Below is a brief comparison table between organic and non-organic tea based on various factors.
Organic Tea vs Non-organic Tea
Since farming organic teas doesn’t need chemicals for growth, it enhances biodiversity. Consequently, it also reduces soil pollution and improves soil quality.
| Organic Teas | Non-organic Teas | |
| Growth and harvesting | Organic tea is grown without chemical inputs to grow or process the tea after harvest. However, farmers may use organic fertilizers. | Growing non-organic entails using synthetic fertilizers and other chemicals such as pesticides and fungicides to stop crops from being destroyed by unwanted elements. |
| Color and taste (Quality) | Organic teas should have a more solid green color with a rich, natural and recognizable taste. | Non-organic teas may not have a deep intense taste and color. They might have flavors that are barely noticeable or unpleasantly chemical tasting. However, some non-organic teas may look and taste exactly like organic ones because of chemical enhancement: that’s why you should check carefully while buying your tea products to ensure they’re certified. |
| Sustainability | Since farming organic teas doesn’t need chemicals for growth, it enhances biodiversity. Consequently, it also reduces soil pollution and improves soil quality. | Farming of non-organic teas is based on monoculture and entails using chemicals. Therefore, it’s more likely to contaminate soils and harm a local ecosystem over time. |
| Price factor | Usually, organic teas tend to cost more than non-organic teas. It’s because the growth and production process of organic tea is time-consuming, requires highly skilled labor, and its availability is limited | Often, non-organic teas cost less than organic teas. It’s because they’re harvested in larger quantities and are comparatively cheaper and faster to process. Besides, they have fewer health benefits compared to organic tea. |
Organic vs Non-organic Teas: Which is Safe for Drinking Every Day?
Organic tea is a better option for drinking daily compared to non-organic tea. Organic tea is safer (it’s toxin free) and offers numerous health benefits that help keep blood sugar in control, boost antioxidant intake, improve immunity, etc. Besides, you enjoy a better taste while taking a cup of organic tea.
Try some organic matcha tea to enjoy a vegetal natural sweet taste and soothing fresh small. It’s also loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
References
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