Accessories The right choice of tea is as important as the choice of the very different teapots, cups, glasses, tea caddys, filters and the numerous other accessories that have developed throughout the course of history just like the culture of drinking tea.
Africa Africa is a major producer of CTC teas. Here, harvesting takes place all year round. The biggest tea growing regions are Kenya and Malawi.
Assam The world's largest contiguous tea growing region, situated on either side of the Brahmaputra in Northern India.
Auctions In the producer countries, tea is sold via large-scale auctions to the individual tea brokers, who are able to pass on the offered prices to the importers. The importing countries in turn offer the brokers their best prices for the individual lots. At busy times, up to 10,000 tons may change hands at the weekly auctions. The biggest auction sites are Calcutta in India, Colombo in Sri Lanka, Jacarta in Java, Mombasa in Kenya, etc. Up to 1998, London was also an auction site (the only one in Europe). Today, auctions are only held in the source countries.
Autumnal The Darjeeling Autumnal begins after the second flush period (October/November) and has a more full-bodied taste than the second flush. The yields are not as high as during the peak times, however.
Bancha Bancha is the traditional tea of Japan. It is generated during the production of Sencha and is coarser, low in caffeine (theine) and rich in tannins.
Blend Blends are mixtures of different teas to produce a distinctive new taste, as in the familiar English, Scottish, Irish, Russian or our famous "East Coast" blends, e.g. # 1036.
Boston Tea Party Immigrants to North America brought the tea-drinking tradition with them and created a new trend: In Boston and Philadelphia tea was served as an elegant ritual, until the tightening of the tax laws in 1767 as a step to support the army and colonial governments. The result was an American boycott of English imports. At that time, tea was imported exclusively by the British East India Company. In 1773, when seven sea ships from London reached the American coast line, a long war began with the Boston Tea Party: New York and Philadelphia forced the landing tea ships to turn back, civil servants from Charleston upturned the cargo and in Boston the "Dartmouth" was stormed by Americans dressed as native Red Indians. Vowing to turn the Boston harbor into a huge "Tea Pot", they threw all 340 tea chests overboard within three hours. This provocative act ultimately led to the beginning of the American War of Independence.
Brewing The bigger the vessel the tea is brewed in, the more its aroma is able to unfold. The best method is to pour the water onto the loose tea in the tea pot. According to the Japanese saying, "tea must swim!" Tea can be re-brewed up to five times without loss of quality. Indeed, the Chinese re-use it up to 12 times, which also has advantages in terms of the price ratio.
Broken Broken is the term for small-leaved tea. It is smaller than leaf tea but larger than fannings.
Bulk Bulks are blends of individual crops from the same plantation. Bulks are used when there is a high demand for tea from a particular plantation.
Caffeine Natural protective toxin of the tea plant. Tea contains 4-10 % caffeine (teine), which gives it its stimulating effect. A cup of tea contains 20-70 mg of caffeine (teine), a cup of coffee 80-120 mg caffeine.
Camellia sinensis The original tea plant (also known as Thea sinensis and Chinese tea). Grows in the form of a bush in moderate climate zones and is even capable of surviving frost.
Catechin Catechin is the main part of acidic acids in tea. They are giving the typical bitter taste to some teas. Catechin is said to have a prophylactic effect against arteriosclerosis, heart attack and caries. Clinical studies are currently running world-wide.
Ceremony The Japanese have preserved this ritual since the development of this kind of ceremony by Japanese Buddhist monks centuries ago. A tea ceremony is held among invited guests in a Japanese tea house (chashitsu). Those who enter the house leave their daily routine behind them for a while and withdraw into themselves to give thanks for nature and existence. After a small welcoming meal (a type of cake), the Matcha is prepared, whereby the host places the powdered tea in the earthenware bowl (chawan) with a special spoon (cha no yu), adds hot water and stirs or beats it with the tea broom (chasen). The bowl is then handed round the circle of guests. The audible slurping of the tea is an expression of appreciation. The process may be repeated several times, and the ceremony can last up to several hours. This is only a short overview of the ceremony. In order to get to know the spiritual meaning and the whole course of the event, as well as the content, just try it out, tea ceremony seminars are offered for example in many museums.
Ceylon Sri Lanka (Ceylon till 1972) produces a fresh, tangy, aromatic tea in the three main growing regions of Dimbula, Nuwara Eliya and Uva. The main harvests are January to March in the West (Dimbula), top qualities from January to March in Nuwara Eliya and late summer in the East (Uva).
China China has been growing tea for over 5 millennia (History link). Today, the Chinese produce a mild, smoky-flavored tea which is grown in 16 provinces and accounts for approx. 25 % of world production. They also show a great deal of skill in the manufacture of specialities, e.g. tea roses and tea bricks. The main harvest is between May and August. The People's Republic of China owns the largest cultivation area in the world and is the world's second biggest producer after India.Only a third of the tea produced is exported, however.
Darjeeling In the early 19th century, English colonials systematically established large plantations on the slopes of the Himalayas. The strong mountain sun and low night-time temperatures caused the leaves of the tea bushes to grow particularly slowly, resulting in the distinctive, mild aroma of this tea. Darjeeling tea ranks among the finest and most expensive varieties in the world.
Decaffeinated tea The decaffeination of black tea can be performed in 3 different ways: with methylene chloride, ethyl acetate or carbon dioxide. These substances are used to extract the caffeine ( from the tea, and are in turn also extracted with the aid of steam to render the tea drinkable again. The carbon dioxide method is the natural way to "decaf" a tea.
Dimbula Tea growing region in western Ceylon. Produces first-class highgrowns such as the Ceylon OP1 Kenilworth.
Dooars Tea growing region in Northern India, situated west of Assam, strong flavor reminiscent of Assam tea.
Dragon Pearl Very rare and special tea with a hand-rolled, green leaf and Silver Tips (known also as Silver Needles).
Dust The smallest leaf grade consisting of fine particles, very economical, mainly used in tea bags. Usually high in tannin but low in character.
Earl Grey Bergamot oil was used to flavor what was probably the first flavored tea in the world. The English Earl Charles Grey hit on an idea for making this tea more interesting. He got the recipe from China, with which he had diplomatic contacts. "Earl Grey" is still probably the best known variety of Flavored Black Tea.
East Friesian blend Assam forms the basis of this strong, malty blend, which is enjoyed particularly in East Friesia (Northern Germany) with rock candy crystals and cream.
Essential oils These determine the flavor and aroma of the tea. Approx. 200 aromatic compounds are known to exist, 23 of which have been identified so far.
Fine cuts Fine cuts is the equivalent term for fannings in the case of fruit and herb teas. The maximum particle size for fine cuts is approx. 2 mm. See also Fannings.
First Flush The first shoots of the year in Darjeeling tea plants, between March and April, the first time when the leaves are 'flushed' out on screens to be processed. Mild, fresh and flowery taste, pale liquor.
Flavorings Nature-identical flavorings are obtained by chemical processes and are identical in their chemical composition to a substance occurring naturally in a raw or processed foodstuff of vegetable or animal origin.
They are used to flavor foods in which stability of taste, heat and acid resistance, a long shelf life and consistent quality are essential criteria. See also Natural flavorings.
They are used to flavor foods in which stability of taste, heat and acid resistance, a long shelf life and consistent quality are essential criteria. See also Natural flavorings.
Fluoride The high fluoride content in green tea is said to have an effect which slows down the build up of caries and therefore protects the mouth.
Fruit Tea The basic ingredients of fruit tea are apple, hibiscus and rose hip. This can be varied to obtain any flavor and appearance, however.
Genmaicha Japanese Bancha with roasted brown rice and popcorn. Pale brown liquor with pleasant aroma: slightly salty, grainy taste with a hint of sweetness.
Ging Plantation situated in Northern Darjeeling. A particularly aromatic tea from this region is the Darjeeling FTGFOP1 First Flush Ging.
Green Monkey The Tai-Mu mountains to the north of the Chinese province of Fujian are home to this unusual tea which is made carefully by hand to give it its distinctive fresh, smooth character and white tips.
Green Mu Dan Green tea rose. 50 young shoots are tied together by hand into a tea rose. Develops its full form and a fine, pleasant aroma when hot water is poured on.
Green Pekoe From the Chinese province of Fujian; thin, carefully rolled, tippy leaf. Fresh, pleasant taste and clear, pale-green liquor.
Green Rooibos Aspalathus linoaris. Same plant as the Red Rooibos but unfermented, with a light, delicately tangy and herb-flowery character.
Green tea The health benefits of green tea have been known to the Japanese for centuries. The beverage is already recommended in ancient Japanese textbooks, e.g. to improve concentration. Today we not only know that green tea is good for you: its healing powers are also the subject of scientific research.
Gu Zhang Mao Jian Chinese tea from the Wuyi mountains along the Quishui river. Slightly sweet, chestnutty character. Harvested for 10 days in spring and slightly fermented. Ideal for newcomers to green tea.
Gunpowder Green tea variety with a hard, tightly rolled leaf. The leaves are rolled into homogeneous balls between the palm of the hand and the inside of the boiler.
Gyokuro Japanese speciality. An exclusive tea known as "fine dewdrop" which is shaded with rice matting or foil weeks before the harvest to reduce the tannin and increase the caffeine content.
Hazelbank This small, picturesque garden in the Indian region of Assam produces one of the best teas in the world. It is named after Hazel, daughter of the famous civil servant Dr. Mead. The fullness, size and color of Hazelbank makes it a favorite among tea merchants.
Herbs Herb teas have been prized and recommended for their beneficial effects on the nerves and internal organs since the ancient civilizations.
However, these products straight from "God's apothecary" are often less than divine in terms of taste. Once again, it is a case of finding the right mix. The herbal composition must have a balancing effect in order to be safely drunk over long periods.
However, these products straight from "God's apothecary" are often less than divine in terms of taste. Once again, it is a case of finding the right mix. The herbal composition must have a balancing effect in order to be safely drunk over long periods.
Hui Ming Hui Ming tea takes its name from the Huiming temple of Jungning in the south of the Chinese province of Zhejiang. To coincide with the opening ceremony of the Panama canal in 1915, an international exhibition was held in San Francisco for which every country selected its finest products. The Chinese tea was voted best and received the gold medal. Since then it has been known widely as Gold Medal Hui Ming.
Iced tea Tea also makes a refreshing drink for the summer months. Cold: Make a pot of fruit tea (e.g. Caipirinha, Apple/Lemon, Sangria or Cranberry) with a higher strength than usual, leave it to stand then add ice cubes. After a short time, you will be able to enjoy a refreshing cup of ice-cold tea.
In between "In between" refers to interval between the first flush and second flush harvesting periods (approx. April to mid May).
India India has been among the world's leading tea producers ever since the English brought tea to the country. The tea growing regions are Darjeeling, Terai, Sikkim, Assam and Dooars in the north of the country and Nilgiri in the south. India is the world's biggest tea consumer today.
Indonesia Indonesia produces strong, dark, tasty teas all year round. Harvesting takes place on Sumatra throughout the year. These teas are highly popular as an addition to blended varieties. Java also produces strong, dark, tasty teas - mostly fannings - during the dry period. Premium qualities.
Ingredients Active ingredients in Tea: The cheapest drink worldwide after water is one of the most valuable in terms of its chemical composition: approx. 32 % of its ingredients pass into the infusion.
Tea contains: Caffeine (teine) / Tannins / Amino acids / Proteins
Trace elements and minerals: fluoride, potassium, calcium, manganese
Japan Japan produces exclusively green tea (approx. 100,000 tones p.a.), which is generally harvested mechanically. Approx. 90 % is used for domestic consumption. Harvesting takes place all year round depending on the tea variety. The most popular tea among the Japanese Bancha, Genmaicha and Gyokuro.
Jasmine tea Probably the best known flavored Chinese tea. Perfumed exclusively with tender white jasmine flowers. These lose their scent within 20 hours of picking, and therefore have to be added to the tea immediately to give it the desired aroma.
Java Java produces strong, dark, tasty teas - mostly fannings - during the dry period. Premium qualities.
Ju Hua Cha White tea rose. 50 young shoots are tied together by hand into a tea rose. Develops its full form and a fine, pleasant aroma when hot water is poured on.
Keemun Classic Chinese black leaf tea with a small, delicate leaf and a sweet aroma. Lower in teine than most other black (considered red in China) teas. Used as component in various "Russian Teas" because of its low tannin level.
Kenilworth This plantation is situated in Lower Dimbula and produces a full-bodied tea with a coppery liquor.
Kenya Kenya mainly produces strong-tasting fannings according to the CTC method. The main harvest is from December to March. A major buyer of this tea is England. Kenya is also the only African country which produces high-quality leaf teas: these are grown on the Milima and Marinyn plantation.
Kokicha A Japanese specialty. The green tea is first pulverized before being recompressed by a special process and cut into small, longitudinal slices. Pleasantly fresh with a pale, mild liquor. Another version in this category is the "Small veins tea". Broken leaves are blend with fine-cut veins of the tea bush.
Kwai Flower This Chinese tea gets the name Kwai Flower from the osmanthus blossom. Also from China, this is a sweet-smelling plant with a strong, aromatic taste. In China it is also used in the manufacture of various foodstuffs such as sugar and wine.
Lapacho Lapacho is obtained from the bark of the rainforest tree Lapacho, whereby only the outer red bark is used in the production process. The bark contains numerous tannins, acids and vitamins. The tree does not have to be felled for this purpose, as the bark grows back again within a year.
Leaf Leaf tea is the largest leaf grade. The virtually intact leaf is much prized for its fine aroma, particularly in the case of Darjeelings. Leaf teas currently account for approx. 2% of total tea production. See also leaf grades.
Longview One of the first plantations to produce the first flush teas at the beginning of the year. Our vintage tea.
Lot The produce of the individual plantations is traded in lots. One lot consists of several crates, boxes or sacks.
Lowgrown Tea from the low-lying parts of Ceylon's tea growing regions. Lowgrowns generally have a stronger taste and a darker colored liquor.
Lung Ching Green tea from China with a flat, long leaf. The leaves are first stetched with the fingers and then pressed flat.
Malawi Tea producing country in Africa. These tea growing regions produce better qualities than the rest of the continent. They specialize in strong-flavored fannings produced according to the LTP method.
Margaret's Hope Margaret´s Hope is situated approx. 10km south of the town of Darjeeling, north of Kurseong at a height of between 600 and 1500m above sea-level. The plantation acquired its current name at the beginning of the 20th Century in memory of the hopes of the daughter of the former plantation owner Mr. Crulkshank, who died from a serious tropical illness.
Matcha bowl Handleless porcelain or ceramic bowl used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Plays an important spiritual role within the ritual.
Matcha whisk The Matcha whisk CHASEN is used in the Japanese tea ceremony to prepare the powdered tea in the bowl. One of the main elements of the ritual.
Mate The Mate bush Ilex paraguariensis is indigenous to Brazil and Argentina and is botanically related to our holly plant. Mate is the only herb tea which, like green and black tea, contains the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. After harvesting and sorting, the Mate leaves and buds are quickly heated over fire to prevent them from turning black. This is followed by drying and crushing of the leaves. The end product is green Mate. Another milder version is also obtained by additional roasting, giving the consumer a choice between green Mate and roasted Mate.
Monsoon The monsoon is a seasonal weather pattern typically associated with the Indian subcontinent. It is characterized by a seasonal reversal of the wind direction. This phenomenon is due to the distribution of land around the globe, whereby the continents are concentrated in the northern hemisphere. This situation is responsible for the anomaly of the summer ITCZ (Inner-Tropical Convergence Zone). The ITCZ describes the local pressure conditions, i.e. the amount of air flowing in the southerly and northerly direction. As with an offshore wind, a large part of this air flows back to the strongest point of irradiation, where it collides with the air from the other hemisphere. The ITCZ is the point of collision. The heating-up of the land mass and the resulting static thermal low in Tibet and parts of China causes this to shift a long way northwards, skipping the Himalayas. During the northern winter, the ITCZ is in its normal position slightly south of the equator.
Namring Plantation in Darjeeling producing extremely fine, flowery teas; altitude 1,380 m, size: 475 hectares.
Natural flavorings Natural flavorings are obtained by physical, enzymatic or microbiological processes from raw materials of vegetable origin which are used as such or processed for human consumption using conventional foodstuff preparation techniques.
Nature-identical flavorings Nature-identical flavorings are obtained by chemical processes and are identical in their chemical composition to a substance occurring naturally in a raw or processed foodstuff of vegetable or animal origin. They are used to flavor foods in which stability of taste, heat and acid resistance, a long shelf life and consistent quality are essential criteria. See also Natural flavorings.
Nepal Tea growing region in north-east India. The teas are of medium strength with a flowery note comparable to a late harvest Darjeeling character.
Nilgiri Tea growing region in south-western India. Dark, wiry leaf similar to the plant products of Ceylon; tangy, golden liquor with a fruity flavor.
Oolong Oolong production:
Oolong is a semi-fermented tea (18-30%). Its secret lies in the fermentation of the leaf's outer edges, while the heart of the leaf remains unfermented. It is mainly grown in Taiwan and China.
Oolong is a semi-fermented tea (18-30%). Its secret lies in the fermentation of the leaf's outer edges, while the heart of the leaf remains unfermented. It is mainly grown in Taiwan and China.
Organic cultivation Various plantations and provinces have now switched to organic cultivation methods. These refrain from using any pesticides or plant protection agents, encouraging natural resistance instead by planting lemon trees between the tea plants.
Packaging Until a few years ago, tea was traditionally only shipped in wooden boxes. These gave the leaf suffcient protection, were easy to stack and preserved the aroma well thanks to their aluminium lining. Nowadays, cardboard boxes and sacks are often used for environmental reasons. Smaller leaf grades in particular (fannings, dust) are usually transported in sacks.
Pai Mu Tan Meaning "White Peony", this white tea has a delicate, flowery aroma. It is derived from the tip (Silver Needle) and the two most upper leaves of the plant, being jade green in color, and is slightly steamed . See also White tea.
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea produces a strong tea with a dark liquor all year round. Mainly fannings.
Pesticides Pesticides (herbicides, insectides and fungicides) are used to ensure better plant protection and increase the productivity of the harvest. Pesticides are harmful to humans above a certain concentration. In the United States and Germany, the observance of the legal maximum values is therefore strictly monitored.
Pettiagalla Exquisite taste. Long. wiry leaf, highly aromatic. The plantation is located at an altitude of 1,000 m in the district of Balangoda
Pi Lo Chun "Green spring snail". Green tea with a wiry leaf which has a distinctive fresh scent and a fruity taste.
Popoff Popoff-Freres was supplier to the court of the Russian Czars as well as numerous European and Middle Eastern monarchs. These excellent, typically Russian blends were awarded the Grand Prix at the world exhibition in Paris in 1900. They were in vogue in both East and West, in court circles and in the elegant tea salons of the French bourgeousie.
Preparation To obtain the stimulant effect of black tea, it should be brewed for 2-3 minutes. At this point, the tea develops its maximum caffeine (teine) content and improves concentration. If brewed for approx. 5 minutes, the tannins are released from the leaves and have a calming effect on the gastro-intestinal tract.
Since the brewing time varies according to variety, you should read the directions on the packet and rely on your own taste. Quantity and water quality are also important taste factors.
Since the brewing time varies according to variety, you should read the directions on the packet and rely on your own taste. Quantity and water quality are also important taste factors.
Price After water, tea is the cheapest drink there is. Even premium qualities only cost a few cents per cup.
Pu Erh Pu Erh (Pou Nei) is a strong-flavored tea with a fleshy leaf from the Chinese province of Yunnan. It gets its name from the town of Pu Erh, via which it is sold. It has a very earthy, pervasive aroma.
Pu Erh is produced according to highly traditional methods similar to those used approx. 2000 years ago in China.
Pu Erh is produced according to highly traditional methods similar to those used approx. 2000 years ago in China.
Rock candy Rock candy crystals are often added to strong-tasting teas such as Assam, as well as English, Scottish and Ceylon blends. The addition of honey, milk or cream is also common.
Rooibos Rooibos is grown in the mild oceanic climate of the north-west coast of South Africa and harvested from January to March. Its needle-type leaves and yellow flowers are reminiscent of a gorse bush. For tea production, the young twigs are harvested, crushed and left to dry for several days in the sun. During this time, the natural fermentation process takes place, giving the tea its golden-red color and typical aroma. Rooibos has a full-bodied taste and a mild aroma.
The Red and Green Rooibos Bush Tea is the 'Soft Drink' from South Africa that is becoming increasingly popular with people who enjoy its mild, gentle fragrance and appreciate it as a healthy beverage because of its beneficial effects. This unfermented Green Rooibos is theine [caffeine]-free, low in tannin and carries a high content of antioxidants. Rooitea has a pleasant sweet taste and is delicious either hot or cold, can be enjoyed with Rock Candy Crystals or milk and may be mixed with fruit juice and ice cubes to prepare an exotic cocktail. To prepare: Use the same method as for Black Tea.
Rosehip The rosehip (Rosa canina) or dog rose is an important constituent of fruit teas due to the substances it contains (including a high vitamin C content).
Second Flush The second main harvest period of the year, the time when the leaves are 'flushed' out on screens to be processed. The second flush is harvested between June and August, and has a fuller, nut/grape-like and stronger taste than the first flush, e.g.TeaFountain
Sencha Sencha is probably the most poplar tea variety in Japan and has a long, flat leaf. Japanese Sencha has a fresh, slightly sweet taste, while Chinese Sencha is reminiscent of fresh hay and highly aromatic.
Sikkim Tea growing region to the north of Darjeeling, situtated between Nepal, Buthan and Tibet (China). An aromatic tea with a similarity to Darjeeling, grown in the unique Temi garden
Silver Sprout Silver sprout is a crescent-leafed tea with a yellow-green liquor and an extremely fresh, mild aroma.
Smoked tea A Chinese tea smoked over pine needles. A familiar variety of smoked tea is Lapsang Souchong
Snow Buds Green tea with white tips and a pleasant 'White Tea character', honey-colored liquor. Mild, smooth taste. See also White Tea
Spider Leaf A specialty from the highlands of the Ratnapura district. Characterized by a distinctively fine, needle-type leaf with tender, silver tips, the taste is spicy and has an unique/outstanding touch. It is produced in small quantities only.
Stalks This term refers to the small stalks and twigs which are picked with the tea and not sifted out during production. The Japanese Kukicha (Kokeicha) variety consists entirely of stalks which are roasted before use.
Storage As a highly sensitive natural product, tea must always be stored in dry conditions, as moisture is its worst enemy. It must be kept in sealed containers. Tea should be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat, light and the sun's rays. It is also advisable to store tea packaged in small units. It should not be kept in the fridge, the freezer or above your stove top area.
Sugar Sugar is an ingredient, which is often used, particularly in Europe. When carefully administered it will successfully round off the sense of taste. With most sensitive teas we recommend however to sweeten your hot beverages with Rock Candy Crystals.
Sumatra Harvesting takes place on Sumatra all year round. These teas are a popular addition to blends.
Tannin Tannin is one of the main constituents of tea, making up 8-20 % of its contents. They have a calming effect on the stomach and give the tea its typical strong, slightly bitter taste.
Tannins Tannic acids or tannins are bitter substances which act on the stomach and intestine. They also have an antibacterial effect which helps to restore a healthy bowel flora. A cancer-inhibiting effect described in scientific literature is attributed to individual tannin constituents along with a reduction in blood pressure.
Tea bag The tea bag was originally developed as a quick and easy way of supplying tea to soldiers in the war. Over time, the invention began to be used in other areas, and the double-chamber bag was introduced. This allows the water to surround the tea on all sides and bring out its full aroma. Normally only fannings or fine cuts are used in tea bags due to their higher concentration.
Tea bags Tea bags have been increasing in popularity for some years, being handy and easy to proportion. Tea bags are made exclusively with leaf grades such as fannings and dust. It is not necessarily true that tea bags are of a lower quality than leaf teas. Fannings and dust are more economical than leaf teas due to their size and contain in general more tannin yet less character.
Tea brick (Zhuan Cha/Dschuan-Tscha) In order to facilitate transportation of the tea and preserve its aroma for longer, the Chinese under the Tang dynasty (618-906 AD) developed the tea brick. After picking, the young leaves were steamed, crushed and mixed to a paste using plum juice as a binding agent. This paste was poured into a crucible and heated until dry. During this period, the tea brick was even used as a unit of currency. Modern tea bricks consist of tea dust compressed hydraulically into units weighing 1 and 2 pounds. They're intended for decoration rather than drinking.
Tea ceremony The Japanese have perserved this ritual since its the development of this kind of ceremony by Japanese Buddhist monks centuries ago. A tea ceremony is held among invited guests in a Japanese tea house (chashitsu). Those who enter the house leave their daily routine behind them for a while and withdraw into themselves to give thanks for nature and existence. After a small welcoming meal (a type of cake), the Matcha is prepared, whereby the host places the powdered tea in the earthenware bowl (chawan) with a special spoon, adds hot water and stirs or beats it with the tea whisk (chasen). The bowl is then handed round the circle of guests. The audible slurping of the tea is an expression of appreciation. The process may be repeated several times, and the ceremony can last up to several hours. This is only a brief outline of the ceremony. To find out more about the spiritual side and the whole procedure and content, why not try it yourself: tea ceremony seminars are offered in many museums, for example.
Tea cone Chinese specialty tea. The young tea leaves are bundled together in small "balls" and tied with string. Then they are skillfully twisted by hand into a cone shape.
Tea growing regions Main tea growing regions of the world: India, Ceylon, China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia (Java, Sumatra) Kenya, Malawi, Bangladesh, Russia, Iran, Turkey, Uganda, Tanzania, Argentina
Tea plant The tea plant (camellia sinensis) is a species of tree related to the camellia. Its flowers are yellowy-white and its fruits small and hard-shelled, similar to a hazelnut. The evergreen leaves are leathery, dark and slightly serrated. Given minimum annual temperatures of 18° C, moderate and infrequent frosts, a uniform annual precipitation of 1600 l and a good balance of sunshine, a tea plant can easily grow to become 100 years old. Wild tea plants are indeed reputed to reach an age of up to 1,700 years.
Two original tea plants are known today:
Thea sinensis (or Chinese tea): A shrub-like plant which reaches a maximum height of 3-4 m and can even survive frosts.
Thea assamica (or Assam tea): A substantial tree reaching a height of 15-20 m which grows exclusively in the tropics.
The constant crossing of these two original plants forms the basis of all the tea cultures in the world today.
Two original tea plants are known today:
Thea sinensis (or Chinese tea): A shrub-like plant which reaches a maximum height of 3-4 m and can even survive frosts.
Thea assamica (or Assam tea): A substantial tree reaching a height of 15-20 m which grows exclusively in the tropics.
The constant crossing of these two original plants forms the basis of all the tea cultures in the world today.
Tea pot The tea pot should only be used for tea, never for coffee. Similarly, it should never be cleaned inside with washing-up liquid, as the soap affects the taste. In fact, the typical patina inside the pot actually improves the aroma of the tea.
Tea roses White tea-rose, about 50 young shoots are tied together carefully by hand into a tea-rose. When hot water is poured over, it takes on its outward appearance and its fine and pleasant aroma.
Tea tasters The tea taster tests teas for their appearance, aroma and taste in both the source and importing countries. A tea taster may sample up to 500 teas per day at peak times.
Thailand Towards the Sudan, the most important growing area for hibiscus as main constituent of fruit tea mixtures.
Thea assamica Thea assamica (or Assam tea) is one of two original tea plants. Unless cut back, it grows into a substantial tree 15 to 20 m high. It needs a warm climate and is an exclusively tropical plant. It was first discovered in 1823 in what is now the Assam region.
Thea sinensis Thea sinensis (or Chinese tea) is one of two original tea plants. It retains a shrub-like stature even without pruning, reaching a maximum height of 10 to 15 feet. It is most suited to moderate climates and can even survive frosts. Source: "Thirsty for knowledge - a guide to tea" by the German tea marketing board.
Tips This refers to the light brown tips of the tea. Picked while young and tender, these tips do not have such a high tannin content as the older ones and do not turn the same copper color during fermentation. They are not specially indicative of quality except in the case of Assam teas.
TransFair The tea we sell has been awarded the TransFAir fair trade seal by TransFair e.V.. Fair trade encourages self-sufficiency and equality on the part of disadvantaged trading partners in the third world. The higher price paid for the tea is used directly to improve the living conditions of the tea pickers and processors. The Organic MAKAIBARI variety is sold exclusively via specialty tea merchants.
TeaFountain Selection # 2004
TeaFountain Selection # 2004
Uva The tea growing region Uva is located in the eastern part of Sri Lanka in the environs of the district capital Badulla. Lots of tea bushes grow here in the shade of the trees, resulting in a lush, full-bodied tea with a sweetish, tangy taste.
Vitamins Just like other green plants the tea leaf contains vitamins and provitamins. As well as fat-soluble vitamins there is also a wide range of water soluble vitamins.
However oxidation sensitive links are extensively disturbed by the fermentation process. So, for example, the ascorbic acid contained in the tea leaf is completely broken down in the manufacture of black tea. Oxidation sensitive vitamins are to be found in greater amounts in green tea than in black tea.
However oxidation sensitive links are extensively disturbed by the fermentation process. So, for example, the ascorbic acid contained in the tea leaf is completely broken down in the manufacture of black tea. Oxidation sensitive vitamins are to be found in greater amounts in green tea than in black tea.
Water The choice of the right water is as important for a good cup of tea as the proportions and brewing time. The water should not have too much taste of its own, and should not be hard or high in limestone, chlorine or iron. Water with an excessively high salt content or oxidized magnesium is also unsuitable. A fine Darjeeling will never taste as good in a region with limy water as in one with a mild, soft water which allows its delicate aroma to fully unfold. The best water comes from springs in high mountain valleys. If you don't happen to have this to hand, you can resort to a lime filter or boil the water 2-3 times. Never use distilled water and let boiling water at 212 degrees F cool to 180 degrees F, particularly in the case of green tea, otherwise heat-sensitive enzymes may be destroyed. It is essential to boil the water first however, in order to incorporate the necessary oxygen into the water. Black tea should be made with boiling water, as the heat-sensitive enzymes have already been destroyed in this case by fermentation.
Water temperature The degree of hotness or coldness of the water (corresponding to its molecular activity).
Recommended temperatures to brew various categories of tea:
Prepare Black Tea, Herbal Infusions, Fruit Teas with boiling water at 212 degree F
Prepare Oolong Teas at 190 degree F
Prepare Green and White Tea, some First Flush Darjeelings at Teas 180 degree F
Prepare Black Tea, Herbal Infusions, Fruit Teas with boiling water at 212 degree F
Prepare Oolong Teas at 190 degree F
Prepare Green and White Tea, some First Flush Darjeelings at Teas 180 degree F
Wellness Tea not only quenches thirst, but also acts as a tonic. It stimulates the mind and creates a feeling of wellbeing.
Two ingredients of tea are responsible for its unmistakable yet diverse effect: the stimulant caffeine (teine) and the calm-inducing tannins.
Two ingredients of tea are responsible for its unmistakable yet diverse effect: the stimulant caffeine (teine) and the calm-inducing tannins.
White tea White tea:
White teas originate mainly from the mountainous regions of Fujian in Southern China. The leaves are slow and gentle steamed in the open air and very carefully handled.
This tea is gaining more and more converts. Only the bud (Silver Needle) and two most upper leaves are plucked. Very low in tannin and teine. See also Pai Mu Tan.
White teas originate mainly from the mountainous regions of Fujian in Southern China. The leaves are slow and gentle steamed in the open air and very carefully handled.
This tea is gaining more and more converts. Only the bud (Silver Needle) and two most upper leaves are plucked. Very low in tannin and teine. See also Pai Mu Tan.
Winter Flush The so-called winter flush is harvested on rare occasions in the Indian Darjeeling region. When the first weak rays of the sun reach the delicate buds on the highest mountain slopes, an early harvest is sometimes possible. Winter flushes have a highly aromatic taste similar to the first flush.
Young Hyson Chinese tea from the province of Zhejiang. The thick, yellowy-green leaves are rolled into a long, thin shape during processing. Produces an intense green liquor.
Yunnan Yunnan is said to be the birthplace of tea. This province in south-eastern China still grows a strong-flavored tea with a fleshy leaf and golden tips. Can have a slight similarity with Assam.
This article was taken from TEA FOUNTAIN.
