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Introduction
Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage worldwide after water, and for good reason! Not only does tea taste great, but it is also high in antioxidants which have been shown to prevent and repair the damage caused by aging and environmental toxins. For more on the health benefits of drinking tea, see the Medicinal Value of Tea.
With such a wide variety of choices and range of prices, the world of tea can seem a bit intimidating. We created this section to tell you about some of our favorite and most popular teas, as well as about the differences between the four major types of tea. Since our inception over 35 years ago, tea connoisseurs as well as the newly initiated have relied on us for premium imported loose leaf teas.
As a direct importer, we are proud to offer you the finest teas of the season at unbeatable prices. While our selection will always deliver excellence within all four true tea types, changing growing conditions may affect individual tea availability. Please visit our Online Store for our current tea offering.
Types of Tea
Tea is made by steeping the processed leaves, buds or twigs of the tea bush Camellia sinensis. The variations in processing (such as oxidation, heating and drying) produce a number of different types of tea: Green, black, etc.
There are four types of true tea, all of which are produced from the leaves of the tea tree, Camellia sinensis. The different tea types are defined by the degree of oxidation and processing the leaves undergo:
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White Tea
is picked and then immediately hand rolled and fired. It undergoes no oxidation and is the least processed of the teas. White tea’s delicate nature makes for a refreshing iced tea; while it’s high levels of the amino acid L-theanine makes for a gentle mood lifter. Often picked within the months of March and April, this young tea well suits spring season drinking.
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Green Tea
like white tea, is also not oxidized. The leaves are allowed to dry on large sheets before being baked or steamed and then rolled. Seasonal eating explains this tea’s ability to clear heat in the body, as green tea is picked later in the spring season. High levels of catechins (a type of flavonoid) found in green tea directly contribute to this tea’s antioxidant, antiaging and antiviral properties. Green tea can help you calm down, cool off in the summer, or simply restore health.
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Oolong Tea
is picked and dried in the same way as green tea. However, the leaves are subsequently tossed, causing the edges to lightly bruise. Enzymes are released through this process; and their only partial oxidation results in this tea leaves’ characteristic color. The leaves are lastly fired to stop the oxidation process. Those less inclined towards green tea’s somewhat grassy flavor will find many of the same health benefits in oolong, but with rich, nutty notes. This partly oxidized tea makes for a perfect match to autumn’s transition of summer to winter.
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Red (“Black”) Tea
is processed in the same way as oolong except the leaves are allowed to fully oxidize before being fired. Its long processing renders black tea the warmest in nature of the four true tea types; naturally, it continues to be a longtime winter favorite. Despite its slightly decreased antioxidant properties (as compared to unprocessed green), black tea’s robust flavor continues to contribute to its popularity in the West. While Westerners most commonly refer to this fully oxidized tea as “black,” the Chinese have traditionally called it hong cha, or “red tea” because of its color when steeped.
In addition to these four true tea types, there are a variety of herbal ‘teas’ which are made from plant substances other than the leaves of Camellia sinensis.
Herbal Loose Leaf Tea is caffeine free and typically categorized as either an infusion or a decoction depending on both the part of the plant used and the brewing technique. Herbal tea has many uses and is well-suited for those individuals sensitive to caffeine. Herbal Infusions are typically made from leaves, flowers and light materials. Herbal decoctions are typically made from bark, roots, and berries.
Brewing of Tea
In brewing a proper cup of tea, a connoisseur may choose (1) what water* is used to infuse (2) how much tea at (3) what temperature in (4) what vessel and for (5) how long. This can be a very specific process involving many fine distinctions; but, here we will include just an outline to help you get started.
*Water used to brew a cup of tea should be fresh, cold water. Just as water has dissolved minerals in it, water has dissolved oxygen in it, as well. Choosing fresh, cold water over hot water (or the water remaining from a previous boiling) is one way to ensure your water contains high amounts of oxygen. The oxygen is what gives your tea a fuller flavor.
Medicinal Value of Tea
Even as early as 8th century CE, the health benefits of long term tea consumption were already included in the Chinese Materia Medica (Ben Cao Shi Yi): "Drinking tea for a long time soothes the mind, uplifts the spirit, and prevents obesity and aging." While these health benefits have been known for millennia, modern science is now providing evidence through studies. Research shows antioxidants found in the form of flavonoids in tea can prevent and repair free radical attack in the body. This process directly helps to prevent cardiovascular disease and many types of cancer (especially cancers of the pancreas, breast, prostate, ovary and mouth).
A Study conducted by the Harvard Medical School’s affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found that a person who drinks a single cup of tea a day can cut the risk of having a heart attack by 44 percent. Again this benefit is due to antioxidants which are able to combat the deposition of fatty plaques in the arteries. Furthermore, the antioxidants found in both green and black teas are thought to help reduce blood pressure, hardening of the arteries and LDL levels ('bad' cholesterol).
Research studies suggest that tea may be beneficial for the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Atherosclerosis
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cancer (especially breast, ovarian, oral and prostate cancer)
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Obesity
Bai Hao Yin Zhen, Certified Organic
(Silver Needle Tea)
白毫銀針
Country:China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Slightly sweet, nutty
Infusions: Three (3)
Silver Needle is one of the most coveted white teas in China, gathered only on select spring days before the buds have turned to leaves. Only the buds, covered in white down, are meticulously hand-picked while the weather is still dry and warm. The sweetest of the white teas, Silver Needle is known for its gentle, fresh fragrance.
Bai Mu Dan*Local Best Seller
(White Peony Tea)
白牡丹茶
Country:China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Slightly sweet, fruity
Infusions: Four (4)
The name ‘White Peony’ is derived from this tea’s carefully picked ‘two leaves and a bud,’ that when steeped open to resemble the petals of a peony blossom. Grown in the mountains, this white tea has a slightly bolder taste than Silver Needle and gives off a pleasant floral aroma. Enjoy it over ice for a refreshing, light iced tea.
Shou Mei, Certified Organic
(Long Life Eyebrow)
寿眉
Country:China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Fruity, woody
Infusions: Four (4)
Shou Mei is the strongest of our white teas, producing a flavor reminiscent of a light oolong. The tea is produced from naturally withered upper leaves and tips allowed to mature past those picked for White Peony. As the leaves curl around the slim bud, this white tea’s appearance coupled with its high antioxidant content directly inform its name, 'Long Life Eyebrow.’
Long Zhu Hua *Local Best Seller
(Jasmine Pearl/Dragonball Flower)
龍珠花茶
Country: China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Floral, nutty, slightly sweet
Infusions: Five (5)
Jasmine Pearl is a Chinese green tea hand rolled into tiny balls and scented with fresh jasmine flowers. A local favorite, we often have trouble keeping this tea in stock. Rolling the mixed leaves and buds allows for this tea’s natural oils to surface, contributing to its nutty and sweet overtones. Enjoy watching the silvery tipped leaves unfold when infused in clear glassware.
Qian Ri Hong Xian Tao *Local Best Seller
(1,000 Days Red/Immortal Peach)
千日紅仙桃
Country: China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Subtle floral, light grassiness
Infusions: Three (3)
Immortal Peach is an oblong tea bulb, likened to the shape of a peach, composed of green tea hand tied to enclose a pink amaranth flower. The story of this tea’s name comes from a Chinese folktale of the Monkey King, in which he ties 1000 of these tea bulbs together for the Queen Mother of the West’s birthday. Still popular for birthdays and anniversaries today, this tea’s unveiling flower is best appreciated when steeped in clear glassware.
Xi Hu Long Jing, Certified Organic *Kamwo favorite
(Dragon Well)
西湖龍井
Country: China
Region: Zhejiang Province
Tasting Notes: Slightly sweet, grassy
Infusions: Four (4)
Dragon Well is a famous variety of high quality green tea from Zhejiang Province, where it is produced mostly by hand. When steeped, the tea produces a yellow-green color, a gentle, pure aroma, and a rich flavor. Dragon Well is Kamwo’s best-selling green tea.
Hou Zi Cai Tie Guan Yin *Local Best Seller
(Monkey Picked Iron Goddess of Mercy)
猴子採鐵觀音
Country: China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Peach, caramel
Infusions: Four (4)
The name ‘Monkey Picked’ recalls a Chinese legend in which Buddhist monks trained monkeys to climb wild tea trees in order to reach the youngest, top leaves without damaging the branches. Though not a reference to current harvesting methods, the name is now used to denote a tea’s high level of distinction. The choice young leaves picked for this tea not only make Iron Goddess of Mercy perhaps the finest of its category, but also lend a slight green tea quality to this oolong.
Shui Xian Wu Long, Certified Organic
(Water Sprite Oolong)
水仙烏龍
Country: China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Woody, slightly fruity
Infusions: Five (5)
Water Sprite is one of the darkest of all oolongs, producing a full body taste and strong floral aroma. Known for its ability to smooth digestion, this tea can be found in many a Dim Sum restaurant listed under its alternate spelling, “Shui Hsien.” Partly oxidizing the leaves renders Water Sprite, as with any other oolong, warmer in nature than green tea, but slightly cooler than a red (“black”) tea.
Wu Yi Wu Long, Certified Organic
(Wuyi Oolong)
武夷烏龍
Country: China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Nutty, sweet finish
Infusions: Three (3)
Of all the oolong teas, Wuyi is best known for its ability to increase the body’s metabolism and to block fat absorption. Grown among the rocks at Wuyi Mountain, the tea is as hardy as the conditions in which it thrives. Wuyi Oolong has a classic roasted aroma that can offer coffee drinkers a simple transition towards a tea alternative.
Fu Jian Xiao Zhong, Certified Organic
(Lapsang Souchong)
福建小種
Country: China
Region: Fujian Province
Tasting Notes: Smoky, slightly sweet
Infusions: Three (3)
Not too many drinkers feel indifferent about this distinctly smoky black tea. The intense flavor comes from roasting its oxidized leaves over pinewood fires. After the first infusion, the flavor moves towards a subtle sweetness with a hint of longan fruit. Use Lapsang Souchong to brew yourself a cup of tea or to flavor savory dishes.
Dian Hong *Kamwo favorite
(Yunnan Red)
滇紅
Country: China
Region: Yunnan Province
Tasting Notes: Malty, sweet
Infusions: Two (2)
Yunnan Red gets its name from its place of origin—the ‘birthplace of tea’—Yunnan Province. The fully oxidized leaves produce a robust taste, making it a perfect breakfast tea. Extremely popular among the Chinatown locals, we encourage you to try it with milk or light cream for a rich, smooth taste.
Yun Nan Jiu Pu Er, Certified Organic *Kamwo favorite
(Yunnan Aged Pu’er)
雲南舊普洱
Country: China
Region: Yunnan Province
Tasting Notes: Earthy, sweet
Infusions: Five (5)
Pu’er is unlike other teas in that the leaves are both oxidized and later fermented over a period of days or weeks. The leaves are then either sold loose or molded into bricks (or other shapes) for easy transportation. Aging the tea is what enhances the flavor and can increase the tea’s value well into the hundreds of dollars just for a single ‘brick’ of tea. Pu’er is long known for its health benefits, especially for its ability to aid in the digestion of oily foods.
Milk Thistle Seed
Single Tea Herb
Latin name: Silybum marianum
Milk thistle seed is a member of the sunflower family and native to a narrow area of the Mediterranean.
Organic Chamomile Flowers
Single Tea Herb
Latin name: Matricaria recutita
Chamomile is native to Eastern Europe, found around the world and is a relative of the sunflower. Chamomile is known for its ability to soothe and calm.
Organic Hibiscus Flower
Single Tea Herb
Latin name: Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus flowers are of a magnificent variety of colors.
Hibiscus tea has a naturally tart taste, and is often served sweetened and chilled.
Organic Oatstraw Herb
Single Tea Herb
Latin name: Avena sativa
Oatstraw is the above-ground parts of the oat plant left after harvesting the grain.
Organic Red Rooibos
Single Tea Herb
Latin name: Aspalanthus linearis
Red rooibos is an ultra fine, delicate tea that is naturally sweet and smooth with an aromatic aftertaste and hearty red color.
Organic Rose Hip
Single Tea Herb
Latin name: Rosa Canina
Rose hip tea has a tart-sweet taste, high concentration of vitamin C, and also contains vitamin A, D, E, iron, and potent antioxidants.
Organic Yerba Mate
Single Tea Herb
Latin name: Ilex paraguariensis
Yerba Mate produces a light green tea, with a refreshingly bold flavor.
Yerba Mate is a lightly stimulating herbal beverage, can help combat mental & physical fatigue, and can be used to assist in weight loss.
Herbal Coffee
Organic Herbal Tea Blend
This brew has a remarkably similar taste to coffee, but contains no caffeine, thus making it the ideal alternative for those sensitive to caffeine, or coffee drinkers attempting to limit their daily coffee intake.
Tea blend contains: Organic roasted Dandelion root, organic roasted Chicory root, organic roasted Carob, and organic Maca powder.
Easy Day Tea
Organic Herbal Tea Blend
Tea blend contains: organic Blackberry leaf, organic Linden leaf and flower, organic Peppermint, organic Lemon Balm, and organic Marshmallow leaf.
Lemon Tea
Organic Herbal Tea Blend
Traditionally used for digestion, general health and taste.
Tea blend contains: organic Lemon Verbena, organic green Rooibos, organic Lemon Balm, organic Lemon Peel, organic Lemongrass and organic Lemon extract.
