Posts in Tea Information
Genmaicha Japanese Green Tea

If you're a tea lover looking for a unique and flavorful green tea, we would recommend trying Genmaicha Japanese Green Tea. This traditional Japanese tea is made by combining high-quality green tea leaves with roasted brown rice, resulting in a nutty and aromatic flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Not only does this tea offer a delicious taste, but it also provides health benefits due to its high levels of antioxidants and the natural benefits of green tea. The addition of roasted brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness to the tea, making it a perfect option for those who prefer a slightly sweeter tea.

The appearance of the tea leaves is unique, with a mix of green tea leaves and small pieces of roasted brown rice, creating a textured and colorful appearance. The aroma is also distinctive, with a nutty and slightly toasty scent.

To brew this tea, simply steep one teaspoon of the tea leaves in eight ounces of hot water at a temperature of 180°F for two to three minutes. The resulting tea has a light golden color and a nutty, toasty flavor with a slight sweetness from the roasted rice.

Overall, Beantean Tea & Spices' Genmaicha Japanese Green Tea is a must-try for tea lovers who enjoy unique and flavorful blends. This tea provides both taste and health benefits, making it a perfect choice for any time of the day. The combination of high-quality green tea and roasted brown rice creates a unique and satisfying taste that is sure to delight the senses. Try it today and experience the delicious flavor of this traditional Japanese tea!

Very Berry Fruit Tea

If you're a fan of fruit teas, then you're in for a treat with our naturally caffeine free Very Berry Fruit Tea. This delicious tea is made from a blend of high-quality ingredients, including real berries and hibiscus and other fruits, that combine to create a delightful and refreshing flavor.

One of the things that sets Very Berry Fruit Tea apart from other fruit teas is its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The natural sweetness of the berries is complemented by just the right amount of tartness, resulting in a flavor that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Another great thing about Very Berry Fruit Tea is that it can be enjoyed both hot and iced, making it a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed year-round. And because it is made from all-natural ingredients, it's a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.

Overall, if you're looking for a delicious and refreshing fruit tea, Beantown Tea & Spices' Very Berry Fruit Tea is definitely worth trying. With its delightful flavor and all-natural ingredients, it's sure to become a new favorite in your tea collection.

Why Cold Brew Tea?

Cold brew teas are growing in popularity both due to their refreshing taste and health benefits. This blog will cover some of the health benefits of drinking cold brew teas, how they differ from traditional hot brewed teas, and discuss how the brewing process and temperature play a role in cold brew tea’s potential health benefits.

The health benefits of cold brew tea can be attributed to the antioxidants and phytonutrients found in tea: specifically, catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigens. These antioxidant compounds are responsible for providing health benefits such as enhanced cognitive function and weight management.

One of the most important antioxidants found in tea is polyphenols, which have many health benefits. Cold brew tea contains more polyphenols than hot brewed tea, due to the different brewing processes. Cold brewed tea is typically steeped at low temperatures with little to no heat, whereas hot brewed tea is steeped in hot water, which can reduce the level of polyphenols in the tea. Polyphenols have been found to have potential benefits such as reducing inflammation, preventing damage to DNA, and reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Catechins are another type of antioxidant found in tea, which have been found to provide many health benefits. When catechins are heated, they can break down, which reduces their health benefits. This can be a problem when consuming hot brewed tea, as the heat can reduce the level of catechins present. However, cold brew tea is brewed at low temperatures, which allows the catechins to remain intact. Studies have shown that the catechins present in cold brew teas can reduce the risk of heart disease, improve cholesterol levels, and decrease blood pressure.

Theaflavins are a third type of antioxidant found in tea, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits. Studies have shown that theaflavins can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to chronic disease. Theaflavins have also been found to reduce the risk of cancer and improve liver health. Because cold brew tea is brewed at a lower temperature, the level of theaflavins present is greater than in hot brewed tea, which allows for more of the health benefits from theaflavins to be gained.

Thearubigens are another type of antioxidant found in tea, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits. Studies have shown that thearubigens can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to chronic disease. In addition to this, thearubigens have also been found to have antiviral activities and can improve blood pressure. Thearubigens are more abundant in cold brewed tea than in hot brewed tea, due to the lower brewing temperature.

Overall, cold brew tea is an excellent source of polyphenols, catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigens, all of which are antioxidants that have been linked to a variety of health benefits. The lower brewing temperature of cold brew tea means that the polyphenols, catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigens are less likely to break down, which allows for more of the health benefits to be gained from these compounds. Therefore, cold brew tea is an excellent way to get the health benefits of tea.

Oolong Tea and It’s Production

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese beverage that is made by partially fermenting the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This type of tea has been enjoyed for centuries and is today gaining in popularity due to a variety of health benefits that it can provide. In this post, we will discuss the production process of oolong tea and the types of benefits that it can give drinkers.

To begin with, oolong tea production generally begins with plucking and wilting the tea leaves. Plucking generally consists of picking two leaves and a bud from the Camellia sinensis plant. This process is usually done every five to ten days, depending on the weather conditions and the season. Once the leaves are plucked, they are then wilted. This involves laying the leaves on large bamboo or straw trays or hanging them on lines and exposing them to sunlight and wind. This process helps to soften the leaves and reduce any bitter taste.

Next, the leaves undergo oxidation. During this step, the leaves are spread out and left to lie in the sun. At times, the leaves are shaken in bamboo baskets to accelerate the oxidation process. Oxidation helps to give oolong tea its unique flavor and color.

Once oxidation is complete, the leaves are ready to be dried. This is done by stretching the wet leaves into thin threads and then baking them. The baking process helps to deepen the color and add to the flavor of the oolong tea.

Then the oolong tea leaves are ready to be packaged and purchased by consumers. Oolong tea is generally available in both loose and bagged forms. Loose tea is best used in gaiwan, Japanese teapot, or a French press. Bagged tea is best used in other forms of teaware, such as a teacup or teapot.

There are many benefits of drinking oolong tea. Oolong tea is known to boost metabolism and can aid in weight loss due to its low calorie content. Additionally, it can help prevent the formation of dental plaque and reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as cancer. Oolong tea can also promote relaxation, improve mood and mental alertness, and nourish the skin.

Overall, oolong tea is a beloved beverage in many parts of the world. The production process of oolong tea involves plucking, wilting, oxidation, and drying the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Additionally, oolong tea can have a variety of health benefits, such as improved metabolism, dental plaque prevention, and disease prevention.

Sources:

OolongTea, Tea Research Center. (2020). Oolong Tea. Retrieved from https://oolongtea.org/

Newby, P. (2013). The Health Benefits of Oolong Tea. Retrieved from https://www.tea-and-coffee.com/article/1479/The_Health_Benefits_of_Oolong_Tea/

History of Japanese Tea

Japan has experienced a long, complex history with the cultivation, production and consumption of tea. Japanese tea, which is the traditional green tea, has been consumed for centuries and is deeply rooted in the culture of Japan. It is an important part of the Japanese culture and is often seen in many different settings, from casual to formal, from highly traditional to modern.

The history of tea has deep roots within Japan, and it is said to have arrived from China in the 8th century, via a diplomatic mission from China to Japan. During the Heian period (794-1192) the cultivation of tea was encouraged by the ruling class, and by the Kamakura period (1185-1333) tea had become a popular beverage amongst people from all levels of society. In the 15th century and onwards, Japan experienced a big boom in the production and consumption of tea, with more recipes and growing methods being shared by tea masters. As the usage and cultivation of tea spread, so did its importance as a ritualistic and social practice.

The process of making tea developed into a highly artistic process, called the sencha ceremony, which is still practised today. This ceremony is still seen today in the traditional Japanese tea house, and involves the preparation of tea for a group of patrons, often accompanied by a light meal and forest bathing. Sencha tea is now an iconic feature of Japanese culture.

The goal of the tea ceremony is to take the knowledge found within the tea, and teach it to the students by upholding the traditional ways of making and guiding the patron through the whole tea process. There are many steps and forms to crafting tea which include the tea ceremony itself, the ordering of tea, understanding the kama (tea pot) and whisk, and, finally, the wiping of the kama. Tea production requires extensive knowledge and skill as artisans must gain experience in taste, color, and aromas so that they can confidently identify the right tea leaves to serve, as well as how to correctly brew the leaves for the best taste.

The Japanese are well known for their Tea culture and art, and tea production and culture have now become an important part of Japan's cultural and economic economy. With so many different types of tea to choose from, each with their own traditions and flavour profile, tea remains a popular—and important—cultural heritage for Japan to preserve and continue.

In conclusion, tea culture has deep roots in Japan, and it continues to be a popular and important tradition in modern times. The process of brewing tea is a highly artistic form of culture and art, with a long established ceremonial tradition. Tea has become not only an important part of Japanese culture, but also a significant part of its economy.

Sources

1. "Cultural Context: The Japanese Tea Ceremony." Tea Tea, Tea-Tea.co.uk, www.tea-tea.co.uk/the-japanese-tea-ceremony

2. Hagar, Robyn. "A Brief History of Japanese Tea." Japanese Green Tea Blog, Best Japanese Green Tea Japan Taste Journal, 10 Mar. 2015, japanesegreentea.net/japanese-tea-history/

3. Inoue, Ayako. "The History of Tea in Japan." Inside Japan Tours, Inside Japan Tours, 24 Apr. 2019, www.insidejapantours.com/blog/history-of-tea-in-japan/

4. "A Short History of Tea in Japan and the Japanese Tea Ceremony." Japan Guide, Japan Guide, 15 Oct. 2019, www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html

Brief History of Earl Grey Tea

One of the most popular types of tea served in tea houses around the world is Earl Grey. This particular tea is distinguished by its aromatic bergamot flavor, which is also often incorporated into various blends of tea. The history of Earl Grey and its origin is a somewhat disputed one, but what is known is that the tea has been around for several centuries.

The first known references to a blend of tea flavored with bergamot come from the early 19th century. In the early 1800s, Canton teas (Chinese green teas) were imported in Europe with bergamot added to reduce the musty taste of the tea. This tea blend was popular among English tea drinkers and spread throughout the country. By the mid-1800s, it had become widely known as "Earl Grey." It is believed to be named after Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey and British Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834.

Charles Grey was given a gift of tea flavored with bergamot by a Mandarin Official, or perhaps by a Chinese Lord, for saving the official's son during the Opium Wars in China. Supposedly, he was so impressed with the aroma and flavor of this particular tea that he requested his own blend to be made. As a reward, the Mandarin Official or Chinese Lord sent him a supply of tea flavored with bergamot, which was then distributed to his friends and family. This eventually spread, and to this day, Earl Grey remains one of the most popular teas in Britain.

The popularity of Earl Grey spread to the United States during the early 19th century as well. In the 1870s, American importers began offering Earl Grey tea, which was quickly embraced by the American tea drinkers. To this day, it remains one of the most popular types of tea in the country.

Since its beginnings several centuries ago, Earl Grey has become widely popular around the world because of its unique flavor and aroma. While the exact origin of this tea may be disputed, its popularity is something that we can all agree on.

Sources:

1. T-Ching. "What's the History of Earl Grey Tea?". July 28, 2020.

2. Bidwell, Dawn. "The History of Earl Grey Tea". November 26, 2019.

3. Vavro, Eva. "The Interesting History Behind the Popular Earl Grey Tea". November 18, 2019.

4. Chatterjee, Nitish. "Know the History of Earl Grey Tea". October 25, 2019.

5. BBC. "Earl Grey Tea". November 21, 2014.

Caffeine in Tea vs. Caffeine in Coffee

Caffeine is a common stimulant found in both tea and coffee, which can be enjoyed in a variety of forms: brewed, espresso, or in capsule form from a single-serve coffeemaker. Caffeine affects the body's central nervous system, providing mental and physical energy and alertness. However, there are some key differences between the caffeine in tea and the caffeine in coffee that affect its stimulating properties.

Caffein found in tea is different than that in coffee.

Caffeine in tea is generally considered to be of higher quality than caffeine in coffee. Tea leaves contain higher concentrations of caffeine, approximately 40-70mg per cup compared to coffee, which contains 20-100mg per cup (CNBC). This makes tea a more concentrated source of caffeine, and therefore more efficient at providing an energizing effect. In addition, tea's unique plant compound, theanine, seems to increase the calming effects of caffeine and reduce the jittery feeling associated with drinking too much coffee (Healthline).

The type of caffeine found in tea may also have a gentler effect on the stomach than coffee's caffeine. Unlike coffee, most teas are not acidic and do not contain oils that irritate the stomach (Bon Appetit). Tea's lower acidity and reduced bitterness can help to combat common digestive symptoms like reflux, bloating, and upset stomach.

Although tea and coffee both contain caffeine, it is clear that there are a few differences that must be taken into consideration when deciding which to enjoy. Tea's higher quality caffeine, coupled with its calming theanine and lower acidity levels, make it a more digestible choice when seeking an energy boost, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs.

Sources:

Bon Appetit. (2017). The Difference Between

Coffee and Tea. Retrieved from https:// www.bonappetit.com/story/difference-coffee-and-tea

CNBC. (2018). How much caffeine is in tea vs. coffee? Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/

2018/03/29/how-much-caffeine-is-in-tea-vs-coffee.html

Healthline. (2020). What's the Difference between Tea and Coffee? Retrieved from https:// www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-vs-coffee#types-of-tea-and-coffee

What Really is White Tea

White tea is one of the most delicate and sought after teas in the world. It is made from the tips or the buds, and youngest leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and is a reflection of the traditional tea-making artistry of the Chinese. Unlike other teas, white tea is not broken down or rolled, but rather dried. This gives it a light yellow color and smooth taste, a hallmark of white tea.

White tea is renowned for its health benefits and its subtle taste. The leaves are first handpicked and then immediately dried to retain their natural flavors and characteristics. This is why white tea has such a low caffeine content and high levels of antioxidants. On top of that, white tea can also help improve circulation, protect against cardiovascular and cancer diseases, and increase the body's energy levels and metabolism.

Moreover, white tea contains an impressive array of polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against skin damage from the sun. It is also thought to slow the aging process by inhibiting collagen breakdown in the skin. For all of these reasons, white tea has become a popular source of antioxidants and vitamins that can help keep us looking and feeling young.

Given its light and delicate flavor, white tea is ideal for brewing in a teapot and using for a variety of recipes or drinks. Iced white tea with some lemon can be a great summertime beverage, as well as a hot cup of white tea with something sweet such as honey or a splash of cream. In fact, white tea can even be used in a wide variety of cooking recipes, such as salad dressings, smoothies, and sauces, just to name a few.

All in all, white tea is a unique and flavorful beverage that is sure to please anyone lucky enough to indulge in it. Between its subtle flavor and abundance of health benefits, there's no wonder why white tea is becoming increasingly popular all over the world.

How Brewing Temperature Differs for different Types of Tea.
Water temperature is very crucial in making the perfect cup of tea.

Brewing tea to its perfection is like an art. It involves skill, timing, and the right temperature of water to bring out the unique flavors of the various tea types.

Though all types of tea are brewed using the same process, each variety of tea will yield a different flavor depending on the water temperature used in the brewing process.

Brewing Green Tea

Green tea has a mild, slightly grassy taste and requires a cooler temperature of water in order to bring out its subtle flavor. It should be brewed with water no hotter than 175 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature prevents the green tea leaves from becoming bitter and ensures that the subtle flavors of the tea will be preserved.

Brewing White Tea

White tea is delicate and has a light, sweet flavor. It is best brewed at a low temperature of between 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower temperature of water allows the tea to steep quickly, which preserves the subtle sweetness of the leaves.

Brewing Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a semi-bitter, slightly smoky tea that is best brewed with hotter water. Water heated to between 185 to 205 degrees

Fahrenheit brings out the complexity of the tea without making it too bitter. Oolong teas brewed with cooler water will yield an insipid flavor with little complexity.

Brewing Black Tea

Black tea has a bold, full-bodied flavor. It is best brewed with water heated to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher temperature of the water allows the tea to fully steep, bringing out its strong and robust flavor. If brewed with cooler water, the tea can be insipid and lack flavor.

In conclusion, to get the best results when brewing any type of tea, it is important to use the right temperature of water. Green tea and white tea require a lower temperature of water in order to preserve their unique flavor, while oolong and black tea should be brewed with hotter water in order to bring out their complexity. Following these steps will ensure that each type of tea yields the best flavor.

How Green Tea Helps Boost Our Energy.

Green tea has long been a popular beverage of choice for individuals looking to increase their energy levels without the use of artificial stimulants. It is derived from the plant

Camellia sinensis and has a range of potential health benefits with its high antioxidant content, including improved cognitive performance, preferable cardiovascular health, and even potential cancer prevention.

For more than a thousand years, green tea has been consumed as a natural way to increase energy levels.

The caffeine content of green tea is much lower than that of coffee and other energy drinks, making it an attractive alternative for those looking for an energy boost. It contains caffeine, the stimulating compound that works to increase alertness, but in a lower amount. The unique blend of vitamins and minerals found in green tea also helps to improve concentration and focus. This combination of natural compounds work together to provide the body with an energy boost that is long-lasting and sustained.

Apart from caffeine, green tea also contains potent compounds called catechins, flavonols and polyphenols. These nutrients are naturally occurring in the tea leaves, and their health benefits have been extensively studied.

Green tea catechins are believed to aid in fat burning, and polyphenols may help to protect against certain illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease. These compounds work synergistically to provide the body with sustained energy and alertness.

Green tea can be consumed either hot or cold, depending on an individual's taste. For maximum therapeutic benefits, green tea should be brewed correctly - it is best to use freshly boiled water and not to allow the tea to steep for longer than five minutes. Green tea can be enjoyed on its own and added to smoothies.

Green tea has long been celebrated for its numerous health benefits. It is high in healthy compounds and can provide individuals with natural energy. As long as it is prepared correctly and enjoyed in moderation, green tea is an excellent way to enjoy sustained energy without relying on artificial stimulants.

Matcha and Brain Function

Matcha is a type of green tea powder that has been gaining immense popularity in recent years due to its variety of health benefits. This traditional tea has been consumed in Japan for centuries, but its popularity has seen an uprise in the West. Apart from numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, one of the benefits of matcha are its effects on brain function.

The findings are very promising and suggest that regular consumption of Matcha can improve mental clarity, alertness, and concentration.

First, Matcha contains several compounds that can improve mental focus by increasing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. A study done by the National Institute of Health found that the natural caffeine in Matcha can also help to boost cognitive performance.

Caffeine helps to increase alertness and focus while calming the mind and preventing stress-induced distraction. The ample antioxidants in Matcha also help to protect the brain against toxic free radicals.

Second, the amount of Matcha consumed can directly impact the degree of improved brain function. Generally, it is recommended to start off with one gram per cup of hot tea or a scoop of Matcha powder. As your body adjusts to terms a higher dosage, you can monitor your body’s reaction and make adjustments accordingly.

Finally, there are long-term benefits to drinking Matcha as well. A study from the American Journal of Nutrition found that regular consumption of Matcha could lead to an improved memory and long-term brain health.

Additionally, the polyphenols in Matcha can help to prevent Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and other age-related degenerative brain illnesses.

In conclusion, there is evidence to support the use of Matcha to improve mental focus, focus, alertness and concentration. The key to gaining maximum benefits is to monitor your body's reaction to Matcha and consume it in moderation. With regular consumption, you can enjoy the long-term benefits of improved brain health.

Tea Espresso and Cappuccino

Ever wonder how to make a tea espresso drink using an espresso machine? If you love espresso coffee drinks chances are you will also enjoy a cup of tea espresso drink.

The process of making an espresso from tea is pretty straightforward and almost identical to making coffee espresso. However, there are a few keys to a delicious cup of tea espresso drink. Let's go through them in this article.

Pictured above is a tea cappuccino made using our Malawi Chisunga.

Pictured above is a tea cappuccino made using our Malawi Chisunga.

Type of tea to make espresso

Black tea is most suitable for espresso making. Black tea is a fully oxidized tea which means it has a fuller and more robust taste. Black tea also takes high temperature and pressure well. This is very important because we want to extract the flavor and at the same time preserve the taste of the tea. Black tea is the ideal candidate due to its oxidation level. Other types such as green and white teas are more delicate and just slightly oxidized. They just can’t tolerate high temperatures and pressure. 

Malawi Chisunga CTC Tea Grounds after brewing. 

Malawi Chisunga CTC Tea Grounds after brewing. 

We highly recommend using CTC black tea

CTC stands for “crush, tear, curl”. CTC is a tea making process. In this process, tea leaves are processed and broken down to astandard size through the use of machinery.  CTC teas are perfect for espresso making because they are broken down into very small pallets. Flavor can be extracted more easily from CTC tea leaves because of their shape and size.

CTC tea in the porta-filter.

CTC tea in the porta-filter.

Don’t overfill the porta-filter

Fill and tamp the porta-filter as how you normally would with your coffee. If the brew is too strong and you are enjoying it with no milk, you can dilute it with hot water. When making cappuccino and latte, we recommend experimenting with different amounts of milk/foam to get the right ratio. 

Tea espresso dripping out into the cups.

Tea espresso dripping out into the cups.

Now let’s turn on the machine and make some tea espresso! 

Enjoy! 

Peppermint
FullSizeRender.jpg

Peppermint is a hybrid between spearmint and watermint.

The best peppermint comes from the northwestern United States. The pure, moist mountain air of the spring and early summer growing season gives this peppermint some of the highest volatile oil counts of any member of the mint family.

It is often consumed after meals as the oils stimulate the flow of bile to the stomach and helps relieve gas pains. Additionally, it has been reported and written that peppermint sweetens the breath and calms the digestive system, plus it helps heartburn, stomach ache and nausea. An interesting and tingling way to use peppermint is to place a handful of peppermint leaves in your bath water which will lower your body temperature - perfect for cooling fevered skin or after working on a hot summer’s day.

Peppermint is a primary ingredient in remedies used in the relief of gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, and local aches and pains. Because of its bright, pungent flavor, peppermint is often used to mask the unpleasant taste of various medicines. Peppermint tea is made from both the leaves and the flowers. As a hot tea it is cool and refreshing, as an iced tea the menthol content produces a pleasantly chilling taste sensation.

Peppermint
size:
Quantity:
Add To Cart

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoons of peppermint for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the flavor). Pour into your cup. Milk or sugar is not generally added to the cup.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.

FullSizeRender.jpg
How to use a Moka pot to brew tea.
FullSizeRender.jpg

Have you ever wanted a very robust, bold and full-flavored cup of tea? 

If you have a stovetop Moka pot at home, try brewing tea in a Moka pot. You may be surprised by how robust and flavorful the tea is. Tea brewed in Moka pot also makes very delicious Black Tea Latte. 

What kind of tea is best for Moka pot? 

From our experience, black tea is more suitable for Moka pot. Black tea is fully oxidized which means it takes high temperature and pressure very well. Other types of tea, such as green and white teas, don't tolerate high water temperature well and can easily over brew.

FullSizeRender.jpg

How to use a Moka pot to make tea.

  • Fill the base of the Moka pot with hot water.

  • Put tea leaves in the filter container. Level and smooth the tea leaves using a spoon and don't over fill the filter.

  • Screw on the top part (spout) and place Moka pot on the stove.

  • Turn stove on to medium flame. Make sure not to burn the handle of the pot.

  • Take the pot off the stove as soon as tea starts dribbling out.

  • Pour the tea into a cup. Enjoy the tea as it is. Or add steam milk to make a Tea Latte.

  • Enjoy! 

When tea starts dribbling out, take the pot off the stove. 

When tea starts dribbling out, take the pot off the stove. 

Japanese Kukicha Green Tea

Kukicha or 茎茶 is a green tea from Japan. Kukicha in Japanese means stem or twig tea. Like it’s name suggests, Kukicha consists of both green tea leaves and young tea stems. 

Pictured above is our Kukicha. Ours is Gyokuro and Sencha base green tea with both young leaves and delicate tea stems. Click “here” to view product.

Pictured above is our Kukicha. Ours is Gyokuro and Sencha base green tea with both young leaves and delicate tea stems. Click “here” to view product.

Because of the addition of delicate tea stems, ​Kukicha has a unique flavor that is nutty and slightly creamy. The Umami level is very high in this tea because of the production method. Umami is a Japanese term for natural savory taste associated with amino acids especially the L-glutamate amino acid. It is used to describe the unique flavor from meats, cheese, vegetables and tea. 

IMG_3744.JPG

Kukicha is a low caffeine green tea. It has just half the caffeine of what regular green tea has. This makes it a popular afternoon and evening tea.

There are different grades and types of Kukicha. Our version is more sought after by tea drinkers in Japan, because it is Gyokuro and Sencha based. The addition of Gyokuro makes it more flavorful and intensifies the “Umami”. 

For brewing, we recommend using 1 heaping teaspoon of tea leaves per 8 oz. of water at 180°F (80°C). Steeping time is 2-3 minutes. The same leaves can be infused multiple times.

Kukicha also makes refreshing cold brewed tea. For cold brewing instructions please see our Cold Brewing Guide.

 

Kukicha
size:
Quantity:
Add To Cart
Sangria Iced Tea
FullSizeRender.jpg

This thirst quenching tropical delight is an alcohol free Iced Tea Sangria. It is a perfect kids friendly summer drink. Please see recipe below for ingredients and direction.

Ingredients to made a 60 oz. pitcher:

  • 5 teaspoons of Black Tea . We used our Assam Behora Estate for its strength and malty flavor. 
  • 2 cups of fruits. Use fruits and berries that are fresh at your local market. We used strawberries, mandarin oranges, sweet tomatos, and apricots.
  • Honey or sugar to taste. Alternatively, use stevia extract to make a sugar free version. 
  • 1 lime and 5 fresh mint leaves.   
  • Ice. 

Direction:

  • Wash, peel and cut the fruits into bite size pieces and put them into a pitcher.
  • Add mint leaves and honey (or sugar) in the pitcher. 
  • Muddle and mash the fruits, mint and sweetener for 30 seconds.
  • Fill pitcher with ice.
  • Bring 30 oz. of water to a boil. Then use a tea pot (or a heat resistant pot) and steep the tea leaves in the freshly boiled water for 5 minutes.
  • When tea is brewed, strain and pour tea into the ice-filled pitcher.
  • Stir well and top off with more ice if needed.  

Enjoy!

Green Tea Mojito
FullSizeRender.jpg

Summer is around the corner! Let’s make some refreshing drinks to quench our thirst. 

Here we made a delicious Green Tea Mojito (with Matcha Green Tea). Matcha adds a nice jammy taste and compliments the mints and lime very well. Below please find the recipe for a pitcher size Green Tea Mojito.

Ingredients:  

  • 1 tablespoon Matcha Green Tea
  • half cup white sugar. 
  • 2 handfuls fresh mint, or to taste.
  • 3-4 limes. 
  • 1 cup rum. If you prefer alcohol free, use coconut water instead.  
  • 36 oz. club soda.

Direction:

  • Put sugar and fresh mint into a pitcher. Muddle them until the mint leaves are broken down.
  • Quarter the limes and squeeze lime juice into pitcher. After being squeezed, add the lime pieces in pitcher and muddle them for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  • Add Matcha Green Tea into pitcher. 
  • Pour and stir rum into the mixture.
  • Add ice. 
  • Add club soda and stir until Matcha and sugar are well dissolved.

Enjoy!

Matcha Latte.
Matcha latte make using our Matcha Green. Click “here” to view product. 

Matcha latte make using our Matcha Green. Click “here” to view product. 

Matcha latte is fairly easy to make. Below are some basic steps to a nice cafe quality Matcha latte.

Steps:

  1. Put about 1/2 teaspoonmatcha in a mug or glass
  2. Add sweetener to taste
  3. Heat or steam the Milk or Soy Milk
  4. Add milk slowly while whisking/stirring the tea at the same time.
  5. Can also add whip cream on top and sprinkle some chocolate powder.

Enjoy!! 

Assam Hunwal Estate

This is a FBOP (flowery broken orange pekoe) graded Assam tea from Hunwal estate. 

The brewed cup has the classic Assam tea characters and has a finish that is more delicate. It is full-bodied, malty and smooth. The astringency is slightly less prominent than a typical Assam tea. This is due to the tippy leave presence in the tea. The result is a well balanced tea that is good on its own or with a few drops of milk. If you are looking for a smoother Assam tea that has more depth, give this Hunwal estate tea a try. You will not be disappointed.

 

Assam Hunwal
size:
Quantity:
Add To Cart
Japanese Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea).

Hojicha is a charcoal roasted Japanese charcoal roasted green tea.  The tea base for Hojicha is a summer harvested green tea called Bancha. 

Bancha is tea that contains both tea leaves and tea twigs. After the roasting process, the leaves and twigs turn brown and gives off a nice toasty aroma. 

When brewed, Hojicha makes a nutty cup of tea that is slightly sweet with a very clean finish. It is also excellent when served as an iced tea. 

The roasting process takes the vegetal/grassy edge off the green leaves and reduces the caffeine to a minimal level. The low caffeine content makes Hojicha a popular evening tea in Japan. For the same reason, it is also the tea of choice for children and elderly in Japan.

IMG_2082.JPG