HISTORY BEGIN
Green Tea
Tea consumption has its legendary origins in China during the reign of Emperor Shennong. A book written by Lu Yu in 600-900 AD (Tang Dynasty), “Tea Classic” (simplified Chinese; traditional Chinese; pinyin: chájīng), is considered important in green tea history. The Kissa Yojoki ( Book of Tea), written by Zen priest Eisai in 1191, describes how drinking green tea may affect five vital organs, the shapes of tea plants, flowers and leaves, and how to grow and process tea leaves.
Phuc Long Whole Leaf Green Tea
Phuc Long supplies fine, whole-leaf green tea from Vietnam. The silvering is what makes white tea “white”, and is an indication of the youth of the baby leaves and the minimal handling. The packaging is both beautiful and convenient: inside, the tea is packed in a foil bag for freshness.
However, really fresh green tea is always a little astringent.
Jasmine Tea
Jasmine tea is tea scented with aroma from jasmine blossoms to make a scented tea. Typically, jasmine tea has green tea as the tea base; however, white tea and black tea are also used. The resulting flavour of jasmine tea is subtly sweet and highly fragrant. It is the most famous scented tea in China.
Tea leaves are harvested in the early spring and stored until the late summer when fresh jasmine flowers are in bloom. Jasmine flowers are picked early in the day when the small petals are tightly closed. The flowers are kept cool until nightfall. During the night jasmine flowers open, and release their fragrance, and this is when the tea scenting takes place. There are two main methods used to scent the tea with the jasmine. In one method the tea and flowers are placed in alternating layers; in the other, the tea is blended with jasmine flowers and stored overnight.It takes over four hours for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavor of the jasmine blossoms. The scenting process may be repeated as many as six or seven times for top grades such as Yin Hao. The tea absorbs moisture from the fresh Jasmine flowers so it must be dried again to prevent spoilage.
Jasmine Green Tea
Pure green tea, scented with jasmine petals. The jasmine aroma is distinct but not overpowering. This is a very balanced tea, and very fresh-tasting. A few natural jasmine petals remain in the tea, enhancing the aroma and demonstrating its authenticity.
Lotus Green Tea
Like jasmine green tea, lotus tea is regular green tea that has been scented with lotus blossoms. You can tell this is a natural scent because a few lotus petals remain in the mix as proof (they enhance the aroma, too!). As is traditional for lotus tea, this is a “sticks and leaves” tea, meaning it contains both the top leaves and the tip of their stem, to complement the lotus flavor.
If you’ve never tried lotus tea, you’ve been missing out! It’s always a smash hit when we taste-test it at markets and parties. The lotus aroma is difficult to describe, but it has hints of chamomile and a subtle richness. It’s also a bit naturally sweet. Particularly refreshing when iced!
Classic Green Tea
Pure, fresh green tea. Nothing added. Clean, bright flavor and delicate aroma. Lightly astringent on the first brew, smooth on the second brew.