January 07, 2012
Is there a difference between the kinds of teas we see in today’s market? Yes. Each variety of tea has its own characteristics and qualities. The Indian tea plant is used almost exclusively to make black tea. Black tea demands its own following.
Black teas are fully oxidized (the tea leaves are bruised to give them more exposure to air), making for assertive flavors and aromas. Darjeeling is a black tea that comes from the Chinese tea plant but grown in India. The character of Darjeeling tea (also Indian) depends on when the leaves are picked: The first flush in early spring produces light, fragrant teas; the second pluck, in the summer, is more robust; fall’s harvest tends to be mild. Likewise Ceylon tea comes from the Chinese tea plant, but grown in Sri Lanka, formerly called Ceylon. Sri Lanka’s black Ceylon teas have a crisp citrus aroma and mellow fruit flavor. India’s Assam region produces full-bodied, malty black teas. Chinese black teas are generally less astringent than South Asian ones, and include peppery teas such as Yunnan Gold and floral varieties like Keemun.
The benefits of black tea, while it shares some properties with its white and green friends, have a much higher caffeine content than green, white, or oolong teas due to how it’s processed. Therefore making it a favorite for breakfast and a renowned metabolism booster for dieters.
Other benefits of black tea are:
- The Energy Boost – high caffeine content
- Heart Health – black tea drinking has been known to improve arterial health
- Cancer Inhibitor – the antioxidants in black tea (and other similar tea varieties) protect the body from a range of ailments
- Better bones and skin – other elements in black tea protect the skin and build stronger bone
It’s good to try several types of black tea to decide which you like best. So Happy Sipping!
July 06, 2011
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) has long been enjoyed as a fruity, mild-flavored beverage by the locals where it is grown in South Africa. The mild flavor of rooibos (pronounced Roy-Boss) has made it a very popular ingredient in various herbal tea blends.
Green rooibos is often preferred because it contains a considerably higher level of antioxidants. The fermentation step does decrease the antioxidant activity of the tea, possibly due to the 25% loss of polyphenolics during the process. The tea gets withered and steamed immediately thus preventing oxidation. This results in a lighter and more aromatic taste and a deep green color of the beverage.
Rooibos has no caffeine and is low in tannin, so it can be enjoyed all day long without any unpleasant side effects. Unlike many other teas, this one is naturally caffeine free. A cup of rooibos tea before bedtime can be soothing and help you relax if you are suffering insomnia or stress..This also makes it a great tea for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
May 27, 2011
The ceremonial drinking grade of Matcha is perfect for daily consumption. This daily treat contains the highest color quality, nutrient value, and taste for the average consumer. Matcha is the only tea variety that is ground into fine powder form. When drinking Matcha or enjoying a food or beverage made from Matcha – you consume the entire tea leaf. Thus receiving the full nutrition benefits of the whole tea leaf, high concentration of green tea antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Matcha is extremely rich in 3 very important nutrients that are of high interest for healthier lifestyle living: Insoluble Fibers, Antioxidants, and L-Theanines.
Tea Smoothie (makes 8oz cup)
Fill an 8oz cup with 4-5 cubes ice and plain soy milk*. Pour into a blender and add 1 Tbsp (15g) of Matcha into the blender and blend until smooth.
Tea Latte (makes 8oz cup)
Combine 8oz of plain soy milk* and add 1 Tbsp (15g) of Matcha and steam the soymilk using a steamer until it creates a fine froth.
*Regular Milk or Plain Soy milk
April 05, 2011
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!!
