EDUPEDIYA- HOW THE ACIDITY IN TEA IS MEASURED?

 

 

ACIDITY IN TEA

 

  Tea is the world's most popular beverage of consumption. It is not extremely expensive, and has a pleasant texture and aroma. Tea is an aromatic beverage, that can be prepared in several different ways. Tea is acidic in nature. Each method of preparation shows the acidity level of the beverage by analyzing the mixture in different ways. Tea is dehydrating which causes acidity. The excessive dehydration causes the loss of essential minerals in the blood which results in acidity and poor stomach acids. The best way to cure acidity by following hydration dehydration cycles to increase the resting metabolic rate.

              

        Acidity is caused by the excess acids produced by the glands of stomach which causes heartburns, ulcers etc.

        Acidity is usually measured by pH value. The pH value is 7 it is neutral, if it is less than 7 it said to be acidic. The level of acidity in tea tends to be very low. Tea is slightly acidic which vary from 5-6pH level which may not have much effect on our health. The acidity of tea is lower than coffee and much lower than fruit juice and soft drinks. The acidity of tea depends is mildly acidic, while green tea can range from mildly acidic to alkaline.

         EFFECTS OF pH LEVELS:

·         Steeping temperature and duration.

·         Loose leaf tea versus tea bags.

·         The leaf to water ratio applied during preparation.

 

FACTORS AFFECTING TEA's pH VALUE:

           Tea may be consumed in several different ways. Each method of preparation may impact the acidity and basicity.

           1. Additives: Additives are elements that are added to tea, after it has been prepared. The addition of additives make tea tastier, healthier, long lasting, more expensive etc and it alters the pH value.

          2. Oxidation: The level of oxidation of the leaves also affect the pH value. The highly oxidised tea for example, black tea which shows the different acidity compared to unoxidized or lightly oxidized tea for example, green tea.

         3. Addition of Milk: Milk is a colloid that comprises the lactic acid and it is responsible in increasing the level of acidity in tea.

         4. Addition of Sugar: Sugar is also responsible for the change in pH value.

         5.Type of Water: water has undergone Reverse Osmosis also has different pH levels.