Our Guide to Choosing and Storing Your Tea.
 |
I’m New to this whole tea thing, where do I begin? The good news is that we all have experienced this feeling at one point or another! Take a look at our full selection of teas and, if anything stands out that you are unsure about, send us an email for our recommendations. Sometimes we have new loose leaf teas that have yet to hit our store so you might find something that is perfect for you. Alternatively, you can jot down a few teas that sound interesting and send us an email with your food preferences (have a sweet tooth? Into spicy dishes? Maybe fruity, rich, or nutty is more your thing…) and we’ll throw you some suggestions of our own. |
 |
What Accessories or Equipment do I need? There are many types of tea pots and accessories available for brewing, serving, storing, and enjoying tea. If you are just getting into tea we suggest the ‘KIS’ rule – Keep It Simple. A good tea infuser (we offer mesh balls) or tea filter (unbleached) can be used for a single serving or for larger groups using cups or pots that you have at home. Browse our tea accessories section for items that we consider simple and essential for brewing and enjoying loose leaf teas. Oh, and one other thing – make sure that regardless of where you buy your accessories, you are buying quality products! For example: Dollar stores can sell you a mesh tea ball for a buck, but, if you keep that ball in water for a few days, nine times out of ten it will develop rust. Ensure that you are buying stainless steel mesh balls (which we carry here in our store), otherwise you could risk ingesting rust particles with your tea. |
 |
Why does the price of tea vary so much? Why are some so much more expensive than the others? Just like single estate wine and premium coffee can be more costly than other varieties, the same can also be said for quality tea. When there is a strong demand and limited supply, there will be higher market prices. With tea, there are other factors that also play a part in pricing. The grade associated with the harvested tea (i.e. the quality of the tea) as well as production cost (pan fired vs steamed) and whether it is a first or second flush (the first is usually of better quality and therefore demands a slightly higher price) can also play a part. With herbal teas, this can vary even more depending on what herbs are being used and their seasonal availability. Our Recommendation for Storing Tea: As tea is extremely sensitive to light, oxygen and moisture, we highly recommend storing your tea in light-proof, airtight containers in a cool, dry place to ensure that it maintains its quality. |