Tea Facts

Where does your tea come from?
Tea bags or bagged tea?
Should I always Just Add Honey?
Does Earl Grey really exist?
But, I LOVE coffee!?
What is the difference between the teas?
How should I brew my tea?
Do you have tea recipes?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Where does your tea come from?
Our teas have traveled near and far to come to your doorstep. We have teas from all over the world: China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and America.

back to top of page

Tea bags or bagged tea?
Bagged tea is crushed and shredded to produce a smaller granular product. Then it passes through varying sizes of fine meshes to sort it and prepare it for tea bag production. This process is harsh on the tea and it looses some of its natural flavor. With bagged tea, it keeps its natural flavor and is usually quite attractive.

back to top of page

Should I always Just Add Honey?
While adding something to all teas is assumed, it is up to individual taste. There have been numerous discussions on customs and palate preference, so let us put in our three cents (you, me, and tea).

• Tea enthusiasts all agree that most Darjeeling, green and oolong teas need no additions.
• Black teas (Yunnan, Earl Grey, Breakfast blends, etc.) are often enjoyed with milk.
• And lemon turns the flavor of a tea lemony! The lemon is commonly used in green, herbal or black teas to enhance the flavor of iced teas. Or you can squeeze a little lemon to spruce up the flavor in bland tasting teas.

Now here is where it gets sticky…

• Many tea enthusiasts believe that adding any sweetener (sugar or honey), takes away the true taste of tea. As for other palates that like things a little sweet, you can always just add honey.

back to top of page

Does Earl Grey really exist?
Yes. Earl Grey tea was named after Charles Grey, the second Earl in his line. He was Prime Minister to King William IV in the early 19th century. The legend is that a Chinese mandarin gave the Earl the recipe.

Earl Grey tea is a blend of Indian and Ceylon teas. Oil of bergamot is added to give it an unusual taste. Bergamot is a small acidic orange native to southern Vietnam, hence the Chinese connection.

Just Add Honey has added vanilla and flower petals to give you a twist on a traditional favorite. Enjoy!

back to top of page

But, I LOVE coffee!?
Tea can be an attractive alternative! It may not float like a butterfly or sting like a bee, but tea offers punch that anyone can enjoy.

Fine tea has a delicate flavor that is just as smooth as your gourmet coffee. And while a cup of tea has less caffeine than a cup of coffee, its stimulating effects are longer lasting and gentler than your joe.

back to top of page

What is the difference between the teas?
The regions may vary, but most teas come from the same plant! The camellia sinensis is a shrub-like evergreen plant that grows in tropical climates. The plucking, drying, rolling, and fermenting process makes each tea different.

• Black tea is allowed to wither after being plucked. Once fully oxidized, the tea leaf is cut and bruised which gives its distinctive flavor and aroma.

• Green tea is the least processed of all tea types. As soon as the leaves are plucked from the plant, they are steamed or pan-fried to stop oxidization. As a result, the leaves maintain a soft texture that ultimately is rolled into the desired shape.

• Oolong (semi-fermented) tea is processed similar to black tea. The leaves are oxidized between 10 and 75%, and the unique and delightful flavor of Oolong tea begins.

• White teas are lightly oxidized. The leaves are picked the day before the shoots open which is attributed to the delicate nature and subtle qualities of white tea.

• Chai means “tea” in many eastern languages. To most tea lovers, chai connotes a sweet and spicy black tea latte.

• Herbal and fruit teas are not tea at all! They consist of only dried fruit pieces and blossoms. The caffeine-free treat is delicious both hot and iced.

back to top of page

How should I brew my tea?
Preparation of tea is quite easy. Below is a list of recommended brewing instructions for each of our teas. For your convenience, the instructions are also be located on the labels of each tin.

To enjoy a cup of decaffeinated tea (removes 75-90% of caffeine naturally):

• Steep the tea for 30-45 seconds in hot water.
• Discard of the liquid (first brew).
• Add water to leaves and steep according to the brewing instructions.

Up to 90% of the caffeine contained in the tea leaf was removed in the first brew. This process will allow you to enjoy decaffeinated tea without any sacrifice to flavor.

back to top of page

Do you have tea recipes?

Yes, we have several recipes. Click here.

back to top of page