Tea Community Blog

All teas come from the same plant called Camellia sinensis. The thousands of different varieties of teas available in the world only vary on the region it was grown, the time of year picked, and the processing method. The differences stem from how they are processed.

How the leaves are processed will determine their final classification. The main categories of tea are White, Green, Oolong, and Black. The main difference between the many tea varieties is how much oxygen the leaves are allowed to absorb during processing. Much oxygen produces dark-colored black teas. Little oxygen results in green tea. Unprocessed leaves are called white tea.

Each type of tea has its own characteristics including a different taste, differing health benefits, and even different levels of caffeine.

♦White teas are the least processed of all. Quite simply, the leaves are gently withered and dried.

♦Green teas undergo slightly more processing. After plucking, the leaves are steamed or heated briefly and then dried.

♦Oolong teas require an additional step of partial oxidation. The leaves are gently bruised and exposed to the air for a carefully controlled period of time. This partial oxidation creates a tea with flavor between a green tea and a black tea.

♦Black tea, leaves are slightly withered, rolled, fully oxidized to develop a deeper flavor, and then dried.

 There is no other beverage that can be so relaxing at times, while so invigorating at others; that can be enjoyed either hot or cold and that is so very easy to prepare yet produces flavors that are so complex as the incredible beverage that is commonly referred to simply as tea. Happy Sipping!

http://www.praisetea.com/types-of-tea

Often time customers will ask us about pricing as it relates to price per cup, price per ounce, of hot tea, or price per cup for a gallon of brewed iced tea. We will break down the cost per cup of tea for you.

If you divide all of our prices by 4, you will get the price per oz. Example: Lemon Soleil Green Tea - $12.00 per 1/4 lb. (4 oz.) package = $3.00 per oz.  In a 4 oz. (1/4 lb) bag of tea there are  approximately 50 cups. This equals 24 cents per cup of brewed tea. If you choose to re-steep your tea, a second time, that price is cut in half.

Iced tea uses 1oz. per gallon of brewed tea. That equals approximately eleven (12 oz.) glasses of tea. $11.00 for 1/4 lb of Blood Orange Herbal Tea @ $2.50 / oz. of tea = 21 cents per glass of iced tea. REMEMBER, almost all of our teas can be steeped twice. That cuts the actual cost in half.  a fantastic value for you!!

Teas are a great value for your hard earned dollar. So enjoy!!

You need a good teapot to truly enjoy a good cup of tea. And, it all starts with the vessel – the Yixing Teapot. For centuries, the aesthetic Yixing teawares are known to be the best vessel for brewing tea. Yixing teapots are famous in China and abroad for it’s renowned beauty and practicality.

History
Yixing teapot was first produced during the Sung Dynasty (A.D. 960 – 1280) but did not flourish until the Ming Dynasty (1600). This traditional style commonly used to brew tea originated in China, dating back to the 15th century, and are made from the world’s only source of uniqye clay produced in the region of the town of Yixing in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu. This clay is called “Zisha” or purple clay. During the Ming Dynasty traders have bought these teapots to Europe. Demand throughout China and from Europe had spurred a high level of artistic mastery in teapot design. The Yixing craftsmen inscribe Chinese art, classical literature, and calligraphy on the body of the teapots. Due to the exceptional artistry, they  became sought-after treasures and were often found in the homes of royal families and social elites.

The Benefits
The Chinese have made teapots from different materials: jade, agate, crystal, lacquer, bamboo, iron, chinaware, sand, and clay. Yixing clay teapots have endured the test of time and are the most popular teapots in China.  Individually handmade, the Yixing teapots are made from purple clay. With continued usage the porous and unglazed teawares will absorb the aroma and flavors of your tea. It is said that if you use a Yixing teapot for many years, you can brew tea by just pouring boiling water into the empty pot. The exceptionally strong purple clay will also increase in luster and color with repeated use. They have the ability to withstand high temperatures and are slow to conduct heat; therefore, the handle remains comfortably cool even when pouring very hot tea.

Preparing The Teapot
Prior to FIRST use:
1. Remove lid and add tealeaves into the teapot. Use tealeaves that you intend to brew in the future with your Yixing Clay Teapot.
2. Pour boiling water into your Yixing Teapot.
3. Let your teapot soak in the tea for 24 hours.
4. After 24 hours, remove the contents of the teapot.
5. Rinse well with hot water. This removes the natural earthy aroma of the teapot and rinses away any clay residue from the inside of your pot.
6. Let it air dry uncovered.

Cleaning Your Yixing Teapot
After each teapot usage, follow instructions below:
1. Pour the tea sediments away.
2. Rinse out the pot with hot water.
3. Wipe the outside dry with a soft cloth.
4. Leave in a dark dry corner to dry naturally.

Caution: Never use soap, cleansers, or detergents on your Yixing teapot

Having at least one Yixing teapot is essential to the tea lover’s kitchen collection!

Ok, so we are often asked,”How do I brew my tea to not have it taste bitter?” Well preparing the perfect cup of tea is a process to be savored. Come share with us and learn how to get infused.

It all starts with Water.  The quality of tea is affected by the quality of water used to prepare it. Using filtered or spring water is best. If possible, avoid brewing tea with tap, distilled or mineral water. Never over-boiling water, as it results in flat-tasting tea.

Preheat your tea pot.  For black and oolong tea a warm teapot will maintain the requisite temperature for superior tasting tea. While the water is heating pour hot water into your teapot and cups, let sit and then drain completely.   Do not preheat the pot for white tea.

Next, add your favorite Praise Tea loose leaf tea. You can use your teapot with a removable infuser, paper tea sachet, or teaball.  Try to avoid using small tea balls, as the leaves have less room to unfurl and develop their full flavor. Depending upon the tea type, use one teaspoons or one tablespoon per 6 ounces or cup of water.

As  a general guide, follow the below guidelines for steeping the perfect cup.

Steeping Notes: Although we recommend the proportions and infusion times above, you can experiment depending upon your own flavor and strength preference. With practice, you will discover the right steeping time for each tea and what works best for you. Also, for brewing green or white tea, you can bring water to a roiling boil, and then let it sit for 1-2 minutes before steeping to attain the proper water temperature.  Happy Sipping!