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A BRIEF HISTORY OF TEA
The origins of tea can be traced back nearly
5,000 years to a legendary emperor of China. A
prolific herbalist, it is believed that leaves from
some twigs he was burning floated into a boiling
kettle of water. The results were delicious, and
tea was invented. The hot beverage flourished
throughout southern Asia; the Dutch East India
Company introduced it to Europe in the late 17
th
century. From there it spread to the American
colonies and the rest of the world!
TYPES OF TEA
There are many types of teas, the most popular
being black, oolong, green and white. All teas
come from the same warm-weather evergreen
plant: the Camellia sinensis, or tea plant. Tisane
or “herbal” teas can be a mixture of just about
anything: herbs, flowers, spices, seeds, etc.
There are also varieties of tea that are real teas
with spices or other flavourings blended in. Earl
Grey, for instance, is black tea with bergamot
peel or oil added.
THE BENEFITS OF TEA
Tea is more popular than ever. And every cup is
brimming with benefits: natural vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants. Drinking tea has
actually been found to be better for you than
drinking water. It rehydrates your body and its
healthy antioxidants may offer protection against
a wide range of diseases. Tea can be an
invigorating start to the morning, a soothing
break from a busy day, or a comfortable way to
unwind and relax each evening – it all adds up to
a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
THE ART OF STEEPING TEA
Great care is taken to create every tea’s unique
character. Each tea should be brewed at the
right temperature to properly savour and
appreciate all the natural and aromatic flavours
and benefits. More delicate teas risk burning at
general steeping temperatures; this variety
should be steeped at a lower temperature to
optimize flavours. Below is a chart with our
suggested steeping temperatures and times.
TEA STEEPING CHART
Type
Temperature
Steep Time
Delicate Tea
160°F (71°C)
1–2 min
Green Tea
175°F (80°C)
2–3 min
White Tea
185°F (85°C)
2–3 min
Oolong Tea
190°F (88°C)
3–4 min
French Press
200°F (95°C)
4–5 min
Black & Herbal Teas
212°F
(full boil [100°C])
3–5 min
