BLACK TEA
There are three major commercial categories oftea manufactured by the world's tea producing countries, green (unfermented), oolong(semi-fermented) and black (fermented). Black tea is also commonly known as red tea, aterm originating in China where this type of tea has been cultivated for centuries. Inmore recent times, its popularity has grown and black teas are currently being produced inmany other countries, such as India, Sri Lanka, Java, etc.
GREEN TEA
The world's finest green teas are produced fromthe small leaf China tea plant Camellia sinensis, variety sinensis. Youngtender budding leaves are traditionally hand-plucked and quickly processed withoutfermentation to produce a wonderfully fresh tasting tea. Dragon Well tea is produced inthe Hangzhou's West Lake area, Zhejiang province, China. Most fine green teas are usuallybest prepared in a gaiwan (covered steeping cup) with lower temperature water (about 75degrees C/167 degrees F) and relatively short steeping times (about 1 minute or less). Thewonderful flavors of quality green teas may be enjoyed through at least 3 or 4 separateinfusions.
OOLONG TEA
There are three major production methods thatdetermine the broadest categories of tea. Green tea is generally termed unfermented, black or red teas are fermented, and oolong teas comprise the semi-fermentedfamily. Although the word fermented is often used by the tea community, it refers to aprocess involving enzyme and oxidation action that occurs within the leaf. To stimulatethis action, the leaves are bruised in various methods, the most common of which isrolling. Oolong leave s rolled by hand or in a rotating drum usually exhibit a distinctivered fermented edge, while the inner portion of the leaf remains green in color. Oolongteas offer the greatest range of flavor from a light floral green style to the sweetrichness of the dark styles.
PU-ERH TEA
The rare exotic taste of pu-erh tea has longbeen a traditional favorite in China, and its widely acclaimed health benefits arecurrently stimulating substantial western interest. The rich mellow flavors of pu-erh teaare easy to prepare for enjoyment in either the gaiwan or in a clay pot gongfu style.
WHITE TEA
White teas are a deliciously unique departure from the three major commercial categories of tea. Although sometimes included with greenteas, they have a slight degree of fermentation. However, the amount of fermentation isnot sufficient to classify them as semi-fermented or oolong style tea. These delightfullysmooth flavorful teas, produced only in China, are given a unique modified-bruising leafsurface treatment, along with their light fermentation. White teas offer a rare exoticopportunity to enjoy.
SCENTED TEA
Premium quality scented and flavored teas havelong enjoyed great popularity throughout the world. Among the most famous of thetraditional products are the gloriously fragrant jasmine teas from China. .The naturalessence that grace our premium quality scented and flavored teas offer a unique selectionof delicious aromatic experiences.