exquisite sterling teas

Black, Oolong, Green, White, Herbal and Rooibos

Tea Info According to Chinese legend, some 5,000 years ago a scholarly emperor named Shen Nung sanitized his drinking water and food utensils by boiling it. One day as traveled the countryside, he rested beneath a tree. The wind blew a little leaf into his cup of hot water. The curious emperor let the leaf steep, and then drank the brew. Tea was born!

Tea is now the most consumed beverage in the world next to water. Although there is an array of teas to choose from, all tea comes from the same plant called Camellia Sinensis. The difference in tea's color, taste, and caffeine content is the result of the plucking and processing methods used during preparation. How the leaf is processed will determine whether it is classified as white, green, oolong or black tea.

Black Tea and Oolong Tea undergoes a full fermentation process composed of six basic steps: withering, rolling, sorting, fermenting, firing (or drying) and grading. Roll breaking cracks the surface of the leaf exposing the leaf's enzymes to air initiating oxidation. Oxidation is the process that results in the flavor profiles of Oolong and Black tea, which is often full-bodied and robust. Although it contains the highest amount of caffeine compared to the other tea types, it is still well below the amount found in coffee or sodas.

Green Tea is picked then steamed to neutralize active enzymes. After steaming, the leaf is withered and manipulated to achieve the desired leaf finish. It is then steamed again or pan fired. This process yields a chemical composition in green tea similar to the fresh tealeaf. Green tea offers a pale colored brew and possesses a fresh, grassy, and sometimes astringent flavor.

White Tea is the least processed form of tea. Comprised of fine silvery white unopened buds and select leaves, they are simply picked, withered, and dried. Because of minimal processing, white tea is believed to have a higher concentration of antioxidants and nutrients than black or green tea and depending on its preparation, may contain the least amount of caffeine. White tea steeps a golden color liquid and offers a light, delicate, slightly sweet flavor.

Herbal Tisanes and Rooibos
Those beverages that are brewed that do not contain the Camellia Sinensis (tea) plant are actually called Tisanes. Herbs, fruits, and plants are infused with hot water to create an appealing caffeine free drink that offers many natural health benefits.

Tisanes are a creative mix of herbs, spices, and/or fruits blended to provide a variety of flavors and health benefits. They are brewed like tea and are naturally caffeine free.

Rooibos is a natural herbal plant found in South Africa. This rich red herb is caffeine free and offers a pure drink that can be enjoyed throughout the day. Rooibos is very high in antioxidants and minerals such as copper, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.

 

"If you are cold, tea will warm you.
If you are too heated, it will cool you.
If you are depressed, it will cheer you.
If you are excited, it will calm you."
~Gladstone, 1865