DISCOVER TEA
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
Tea
green tea
Freshly picked tea leaves are quickly moved to a humid, warm environment where the moisture content of the leaf is reduced and the leaf begins to soften. The leaves begin to develop their sweeter notes during this time and replace the bitterness usually found in freshly picked leaves. The leaves are then heated to preserve this flavor and keep its green color. Depending on the type and quality of green tea, the leaves will then be twisted, rolled, or cut before they are sent for a final drying. (Important note: Japanese green teas are steamed rather than roasted. This results in a uniquely distinct flavor.)
FUN FACT:
China is the birthplace of tea! Over 1.5 million years ago, mythical ruler Shen Nong passed along his understanding of agriculture and became known as the first herbalist. He tasted and tested the plants he found growing along the forests of China’s Yunnan Province and determined which plants were beneficial to the body and which were poisonous to eat. He discovered that tea not only gave the body vigor but was also an effective antidote to poisonous plants.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Brew at 170°F for 1-3 minutes.
white tea
All that happens between the plant and your brewed cup is simply the plucking of the leaf and allowing that leaf to air dry. White tea is the least processed of any tea and allows you to experience the natural flavor that the plant has developed through years of careful cultivation within its unique growing regions.
FUN FACT:
China’s Fujian province is the birthplace of the white tea that we drink today! Silver Needle is among the most famous of white teas and consists only of the bud. Each year after the mild winter and spring rains, the factory’s tea master will keep careful watch on the tea gardens and wait to see the newest shoot emerge from the bush. Once spotted, he and his team then quickly descend on the gardens during the early morning hours to collect these unopened leaf buds that are still covered with a fresh and shiny white fuzz. After plucking, the buds are left to dry, then packaged, and await the steeping in your cup.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Brew at 175° to 185° F for 2 to 3 minutes.
black tea
Black Tea Black tea is made when (after the withering and rolling process) the tea leaves are spread out in a humid environment so that the leaves may absorb oxygen. This process, called oxidation, turns the leaf’s color from green to brown. The leaf is then fired to stop the oxidation process and turns the leaf’s color from brown to black. The end result is a tea whose flavor and aroma is deeper, fuller, and more robust than a green tea. When brewed, its liquor color can produce a beautiful array of light copper tones to deep amber colored tones.
FUN FACT:
Back in 1835, the governor of Darjeeling, India was trying to encourage farmers to grow tea on Indian soil. What they found was that a variety of the Camellia sinensis tea plant was growing in the wild in the northeastern jungles of India. Upon learning of these findings, land was cleared, tea plants were planted and plantations were formed. The lack of sunlight, cold mountain climate, and damp atmosphere produced leaves of that offered an extraordinary flavor and rare aroma. Since then, several tea gardens have preserved sections of the original plantations which growers are proud to show visitors. Fun reference: India’s Singell Estate contains a heritage section that grows only original trees.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Brew at 210°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
oolong tea
Oolong teas are the most time consuming teas to craft and can result in a wide variety of flavors. To begin, the tea master must choose larger leaves located further down the stem (3rd and 4th leaves) because they can withstand the tougher and longer processing methods required to craft an oolong tea. The tea master then carefully follows a very specific recipe of processing steps that consist of oxidation, rolling, shaping, drying and firing. Some oolongs are even roasted. These steps essentially “layer” the leaf with unique flavors and aromas. Considering this large leaf is rolled into a tiny ball or tight twist, it will gradually unfold during many steepings. The consumer will find that with each steeping, the flavor develops and transitions into several other notes thus making it a truly special drinking experience.
FUN FACT:
The recipe to crafting a specific oolong is known only to the tea maker and his confidants. Many times he is following a recipe that has been perfected over time and handed down from generation to generation. By keeping this recipe secret, the tea maker can offer a flavor and aroma that is uniquely distinguishable among other oolongs on the market. It is also a way for him to protect his legacy and ensure a pathway for his future generations to thrive in the industry long after has has retired.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Brew at 180° to 200° F for 3 to 5 minutes.
wellness tea
Thousands of years ago, plants and herbs were boiled primarily to extract their healthful benefits. Our ancient ancestors left us with rich and well documented traditions that were practiced by those in charge of caring for the sick and the ill. Wellness tea blends were later created as purposeful combinations of botanicals whose intent was to support a particular function within the body. Today’s wellness teas are crafted based on these ancient principles and designed to fit the lifestyle needs of its drinker. If you are searching for a tea to accompany your new diet, for a tea to relax with, or even a tea that has a higher caffeine content, our line of wellness teas would be a great addition to your stash!
FUN FACT:
The oldest written herbal remedies date back to over 5,000 years ago. They were transcribed on Egyptian medicinal papyri, Greek scrolls, and were an important part of Ayurveda medicine in ancient India. The growing seasons of the plant and instructions on how to make dried powders, cold infusions and extracts were well documented. One can find that modern day pharmacology has its roots in these ancient practices.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Locate and follow the brewing instructions for your specific tea. Temperatures range from 170° to 208°F and steep time ranges from 3 to 10 minutes.
rooibos tea
Black, green, white, and oolong tea all come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Rooibos, on the other hand, is made from the leaf of the Aspalathus linoaris plant which only grows in South Africa. This “tea” is technically classified as an herbal and is appreciated for delivering a unique, full bodied, slightly sweet flavor. Harvested in the summer, the raw bright green leaf is rolled and cut into pieces. The leaves are piled into mounds and allowed to ferment over a short time. They are then spread out and left to dry in the sunlight. At this point the leaves come into contact with oxygen and oxidize – turning the leaf into its famous red color. It is then dried, packaged and ready to brew. Enjoyed hot or cold, one will enjoy a delicious beverage without in taking the caffeine found in traditional tea.
FUN FACT:
Dutch settlers in South Africa developed rooibos as a satisfying and economical alternative to their beloved black tea which had to be imported from Europe. The processing method was based on the same steps used to make Keemun tea in China. Considering that Rooibos is a legume that only grows in a small part of Southwest Africa near the Cedarberg Mountains, it’s location and Mediterranean-like climate make it almost impossible to cultivate elsewhere. Many attempts to do so have failed.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Brew at 180° to 212°F for 4 to 10 minutes.
fruit tea
Fruit “teas” are part of the herbal tea or tisane family. Blends are created when delicious summer fruits are combined with savory spices such as ginger, cinnamon, almond, or other fruits. Hibiscus, rosehips, berries, or flowers may also be found in many fruit teas. When brewed, the fruit’s vitamins and antioxidants steep into your cup and deliver a full bodied flavor that ranges from pleasantly tart to vibrant and sweet. Enjoyed hot or iced, fruit teas are ideal for those seeking a caffeine free beverage.
FUN FACT:
Hibiscus is a common additive to many fruit blends. It delivers a tart, cranberry-like flavor that is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals. The hibiscus plant is an annual that can reach a height of up to 8 feet and grows in tropical climates around the world. Although it produces white flowers, it is actually the fleshy fruit calyx, not the flower, that is used to make hibiscus infusions. The fruit calyx will turn red over a span of 6 months after harvesting and it is then made into the dried herb for infusion.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Brew at 203° to 212° F for 10 to 12 minutes.
pu'erh tea
Pu’erh is better known as mystery tea! It goes through a unique processing stage yet produces a very smooth cup that is widely known to be the healthiest tea available. So what is it? Pu’erh tea is created when black or green tea is left to undergo a secondary processing stage that allows the leaves to ferment. Yes, this tea actually improves with age! After many months or years left to ferment, the tea master makes the decision on when the tea is ready for consumption based off of its aroma and flavor. The leaves may then be compressed into elaborate, thoughtfully designed tea bricks that are highly prized for their design (many seldom seen outside of China) or left to sell as a loose leaf. When tasting Pu’erh tea, it offers a very unique aroma and flavor. Its aroma is that similar to an old forest. Its flavor is complex yet offers bold, musty, and earthy notes. Although the liquor color is dark, it does not have a bitterness that is usually found in black teas. Rather it finishes with a faint sweet note that does not come from added sugars or sweeteners.
FUN FACT:
Pu’erh takes its name from Pu’erh City in the Yunnan province of China. Because the tea is intended for a longer preservation, it has been a favorite for trading for many thousands of years. In many ways the Pu’erh tea that we drink today is similar to that frequently traded on the ancient Tea Horse Road. The unique processing of Pu’erh allows the leaves to be pressed into various shapes, such as bowls, bird nests, hearts, and towers.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Brew at 212°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
herbal tea
Herbal teas, also called tisanes, are beverages created by infusing herbs, flowers, and spices in hot water. Herbal teas are often mistakenly referred to as a “tea” although they do not contain any part of the Camellia sinensis plant. Ingredients such as lemongrass, chamomile, hibiscus, ginger, cinnamon, ginseng, mint, cardamom, and jasmine, among others, are popular within herbal blends. They please the eye with their colorful dry blend and offer the palate bright yet sweet tasty notes. For those sensitive to caffeine or for young children, herbal teas make for a relaxing, refreshing treat any time of day.
FUN FACT:
Evidence of herbal blends consisting of medicinal plants dates back to over 60,000 years ago during the Paleolithic era. It began by observing the habits of wild animals. In an effort to self-medicate, animals would often change their diets and chew on bitter herbs that they would otherwise ignore. It was through this behavior (known as zoopharmacognosy) that our ancestors began applying this knowledge to their own bodies. For instance, monkeys were observed rubbing Citrus plants on their bodies to serve as a bug repellent. Hence we now use citronella based insect repellent.
FOR THE PERFECT CUP:
Brew at 203° to 212°F for 5 to 10 minutes.
TIPS FOR THE
perfect sip
TIP #1
Use a quality infuser when brewing your loose leaf tea! When you steep your tea, the leaves expand as they absorb water. To extract the highest concentration of nutrients and the fullest flavor from your leaves, ensure that your infuser provides enough space for proper water circulation and offers plenty of room for your leaves to expand. At Teasters, we offer a variety of infusers for at home and on-the-go use. From simple drawstring brew bags to colorful brew mugs and travel tea tumblers, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect infuser that makes brewing loose leaf tea simple and fun.
TIP #2
The flavor of your tea is influenced by the amount of time and the temperature at which you steep your leaves. To assist you in this process, we’ve provided a recommended steep time and brew temp for each of our teas. For instance, green teas need to brew at cooler temperatures for a shorter period of time to avoid from burning the leaves and turning the cup astringent. Black teas are more durable and need higher temperatures with longer steep times to extract their nutrients and flavor. Download our free steep time chart to brew the perfect cup every time.
TIP #3
Great tea needs quality water! While the leaves give the cup its body, flavor and aroma, the main ingredient of tea is water. Starting with filtered or bottled water ensures a better cup of tea. Avoid distilled water, as it will make your tea taste bland. Using quality water will also help your brewing equipment last longer. At Teasters, we use a double process reverse osmosis system for our water, so you can taste every note contained within our delicious teas.
TEA &
Health
The Camellia sinensis plant is one of the few plants with a long history as a medicinal. Unlike a diet fad, the discovery of the tea plant and its suggested healing properties placed it among the pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine over 5,000 years ago. Yet today, one can still find roots of modern day pharmacology from these ancient practices. Tea has survived this modern age virtually unchanged, even with many years under scientific scrutiny. Why?
Upon examination, white tea, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and pu’erh tea…they all come from the same plant; the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference in the dry leaf is simply the plucking and the way in which the leaves are processed. When we look into the health benefits of tea, thousands of studies have been conducted by many highly respected universities and researchers. While the majority of studies have focused on green and black tea, researchers are finding that it is the plant itself that delivers the suggested benefits. They can only be slightly altered or enhanced through varying the processing method and steep time. So to say that one type of tea has more benefits than another would simply be untrue. We encourage our readers to conduct their own research regarding their topic of interest. One will find that a quick internet search will lend an abundance of information on the topic.
