Tea Q&A: Your Questions Answered
How long has tea been around?
Tea has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Its origins are deeply rooted in Asia, with early records suggesting tea was consumed in China as far back as the 10th century BCE. During the Tang Dynasty, tea gained immense popularity and spread to Korea and Japan through trade. By the 16th century, Portuguese traders encountered tea in China, referring to it as "chá." It wasn’t until around 1660 that tea made its way to Britain, introduced by the Dutch East India Trading Company. Initially a luxury for the wealthy, tea became more accessible by the 1800s, thanks to industrialization and growing demand. Today, the world's top tea producers include China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and even Australia.
What are the main types of tea?
Tea comes in five main categories: black, green, white, oolong, and pu-erh. Despite their differences, they all originate from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What sets them apart are factors like geography, climate, and how the leaves are processed.
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Black Tea: Made through a process of withering, rolling, oxidizing, and drying, black tea has a robust flavor and higher caffeine content. Some manufacturers use the CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) method to produce strong teas ideal for teabags.
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Green Tea: Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation. After withering, the leaves are steamed or pan-fired to preserve their fresh, grassy flavors. Varieties like China’s Gunpowder and Japan’s Sencha showcase the diversity within this category.
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White Tea: The least processed of all teas, white tea uses only the youngest buds and leaves. These are dried naturally, resulting in a light, delicate flavor and high antioxidant levels.
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Oolong Tea: A traditional Chinese tea, oolong is partially oxidized, offering a balance between the strength of black tea and the freshness of green tea. Varieties range from dark, open-leafed oolongs to greener, rolled oolongs.
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Pu-erh Tea: This fermented tea has a unique, earthy flavor and is often aged, developing complexity over time.
How should tea be stored?
Store tea in a cool, dark place, away from heat, light, and moisture. Airtight tins or canisters work best to preserve freshness.
How long does tea last?
When stored properly, tea can remain fresh for about 2 years.
How should tea be stored?
Store tea in a cool, dark place, away from heat, light, and moisture. Airtight tins or canisters work best to preserve freshness.
What does "Flavoured" tea mean?
Flavored teas are made by adding flowers, fruits, herbs, or spices to white, green, or black teas. Popular ingredients include rose petals, jasmine blossoms, mint, hibiscus, and essential oils like bergamot (used in Earl Grey).
How much caffeine is in tea?
Here’s the approximate caffeine content for a 250 ml cup of tea made with loose leaves:
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Black Tea: 70 mg
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Oolong Tea: 50 mg
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Green Tea: 40 mg
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White Tea: 15 mg
How can I reduce the caffeine in my tea?
To lower caffeine, use fewer leaves, brew with cooler water, or steep for a shorter time. You can also “rinse” your tea by steeping it for 30-45 seconds, discarding the liquid, and re-brewing the leaves.
What is decaffeinated tea?
All tea naturally contains caffeine, but it can be removed. We offer teas decaffeinated using carbon dioxide, a method that preserves flavor without leaving chemical residues.
Are herbal teas really tea?
Technically, no. Traditional tea comes only from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal drinks made from roots, barks, fruits, or flowers are called “tisanes” or “infusions.”
What about tea and health?
Tea has long been celebrated for its health benefits. Packed with antioxidants like polyphenols, tea may help reduce the risk of certain illnesses. Additional ingredients like dried berries and herbs can also provide unique health-boosting properties.