Tea

What is Tea?

1.Variety

Over 2000 cultivars of the tea plant are known to exist. Cultivar variations affect the flavor and aroma of a tea; it is one of the factors that determine a tea’s character.

2.Provenance

Where a particular tea is grown affects the quality of its leaves. Soil type, climate, surrounding vegetation, and elevation are all conditions that can produce different nuances in character.

3.Harvest Date

Time of harvest can distinguish a phenomenal tea from a mediocre one. Different tea types typically have one or two peak harvesting times.

4.Craftsmanship

Crafting creates a tea’s final identity. By controlling the enzymatic oxidation of the tea leaf with heat, the tea maker creates the different tea types we are familiar with.

  • New Arrivals Alishan, Spring 2013

    Alishan, Spring 2013

    One of our favorite Formosa oolongs, with a fruitiness akin to baked apples or apple sauce, a hint of orange zest and a persistent finish of flowers and sweet cream.

    2 oz. for $25.00

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  • New Arrivals San Lin Xi, Spring 2013

    San Lin Xi, Spring 2013

    A slightly higher oxidation rate creates a sumptuous tea that has a concentrated and intense finish, with notes of flowers, tropical fruit, brown sugar and cream.

    2 oz. for $28.00

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  • New Arrivals Wenshan Baozhong, Spring 2013

    Wenshan Baozhong, Spring 2013

    As close to a green tea as oolongs come. Lightly oxidized, twisted instead of rolled. Sweet, enticingly floral with a hint of cane sugar and cream.

    2 oz. for $22.00

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  • Fu Shou Shan

    Fu Shou Shan

    An oolong from the highest peak in the Lishan mountain range, with complex floral and citrus notes that bring to mind grapefruit, oranges and apples.

    2 oz. for $36.00

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  • Xin Gong Yi (New Craft)

    Xin Gong Yi (New Craft)

    A new style of white tea crafting that takes oxidation beyond 30%, resulting in a tea with notes of raisins, dried apricots and roses. Harvested April 2011 from Fuding County, Fujian.

    2 oz. for $18.00

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  • dry

    Organic Bai Mu Dan

    Comprised of a two leaf and a bud combination from the Da Bai cultivar, picked mid-April, then lightly faded to create a tea with notes of almonds and dried apricots.

    4 oz. for $14.50

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