Tea 101

Shop our Pu Erh Tea collections! When you discover a box of tea that's past its expiration date, it's important to consider a few factors before brewing a cup. Expired tea doesn't necessarily mean it's harmful, but it might affect the flavor and potency. Shelf Life: Most teas have a shelf life of about 18 to 24 months. However, this can vary depending on the type of tea and how it's stored. Storage: Your tea's longevity is significantly influenced by storage conditions. Keep it in a: Cool, Dry, Dark place, Away from strong odors. Storing tea properly helps in maintaining...

In tea smoking, you infuse foods with the subtle aromas and flavors of various teas, using them as a smoking medium in a heat-safe pan or smoker. Overview of Tea Smoking Tea smoking is a culinary technique inspired by traditional Chinese cooking practices. It involves using tea leaves as a primary component in a mixture that's heated to create smoke, which permeates and flavors food. Steps to Tea Smoke: Preparation: Collect tea leaves, a heat source, and a container for smoking. Mixture: Create a blend of tea leaves, usually with rice and spices. Heat: Apply heat to the mixture until...

Purple tea is a unique variety of tea that originates from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is also the source of traditional black, green, and oolong teas. This vibrant tea gets its name from the purple color of its leaves, which is due to a unique type of pigment known as anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is also found in other plants, such as blueberries and eggplants, and is well-recognized for its potential health benefits. Grown predominantly in the highlands of Kenya, purple tea is not only distinctive for its color but also for its healthful properties. It's rich in antioxidants, which you...

Tea stains in mugs are caused by substances called tannins that are present in the tea. Over time, especially when a mug isn't washed immediately, these tannins can build up and result in a brown residue that can be tough to remove. Factors Influencing Stain Severity: Type of Tea: Black and dark teas often have more tannins. Herbal and green teas, while still capable of staining, typically result in lighter stains. Strength of Brew: A stronger brew with a longer steeping time usually leads to more pronounced stains. Mug Material: Porous materials like unglazed ceramic can absorb stains more readily....