§ 1220.61 - Testing of teas.

(a) In comparing with standards, examiners are to test all the teas for quality, for impurity consisting of artificial coloring or facing matter, and other impurity, and for quality of infused leaf. Quality shall be ascertained by drawing, according to the custom of the tea trade, with the weight of a silver half dime to the cup. The quality must be equal to standard, but the flavor may be that of a different district, as long as it is equally fit for consumption. As an illustration, a Teenkai may be equal to a Moyune, but a distinctly smoky or rank Fychow or Wenchow of sour character is not considered equal to the first two mentioned.

(b) Tea dust, fannings, siftings, and offgrades, including broken tea (BT), broken mix (BM), and Bohea when so marked and for which there is no specific standard, should be tested for quality, purity, and fitness for consumption in comparison with their respective leaf standards.