Tea Primer 

Black tea, oolong tea and green tea are not separate species, but are each the result of the means by which leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea bush are processed after harvesting. Once picked, tea leaves begin a process of oxidation and begin to darken. The point at which the oxidation process stops determines the classification of the end product.

Black tea is fully oxidized as the result of being allowed to dry on its own. Green tea is the result of an oxidation process stopped by heating the harvested tea leaves just after they are picked. Oolong tea falls somewhere in between and derives its character from its partially oxidized state.

Rooibos tea, also known as South African red tea is technically not a tea, as it is not obtained from the Camellia sinensis bush. Rooibos tea is obtained from Aspalathus linearis, a bush in the legume family found only in a small area of South Africa’s Western Cape province.

The level of caffeine in tea is commensurate with its level of oxidation, with fully oxidized black tea containing higher levels of caffeine. Minimally oxidized green tea contains lower levels of caffeine, with oolong tea falling somewhere in between. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free.

In summary, the difference between black tea, green tea and oolong tea is not in their origin, but rather in the characteristics resulting from the amount of oxidation allowed during processing. Rooibos tea is not genetically related to the other types of tea. It is , however, processed in the same manner and contains many of the same texture and flavor characteristics - but without the caffeine.

 Tea, Chai or Tisane?

The term “tea” is generally used to refer to beverages prepared using the leaves of Camellia sinensis.

The term “chai” (which simply means “tea” in many parts of world) is generally used when tea leaves are infused with additives for enhanced flavor. The term is often prefaced by a term denoting the nature of the additive(s), for example, “spice chai.”

The French term “tisane” is generally used to refer to a tea-like beverage made with leaves not originating from Camellia sinensis. Our Rooibos blends, for example, are referred to as “tisanes” since they technically contain no  tea.

 About Our Teas

Our tea products are all natural and preservative free, and obtained from reliable growers and importers meeting our strict quality standards. Non-tea ingredients used in our chais and tisanes also meet our high quality standards, and are all-natural with no artificial additives or flavorings.

 Storage

For your convenience, each product is shipped in a resealable polyethylene pouch. Depending upon the type of tea, proper flavor can be retained for 6 to 12 months from purchase if stored in a dark, moisture-free location. Be aware that tea easily absorbs surrounding odors, therefore it is recommended that it be stored away from foods bearing a strong scent.