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Cardamom

Cardamom Tea

It’s easy to see why cardamom is often referred to as the “queen of spices.” When you bite into a pod, the flavor bursts forth, filling your mouth with a warm, aromatic sensation that spreads throughout your body. This exotic spice is a staple in many Far Eastern cuisines and ranks just behind black pepper in global usage.

Historical Significance

The first recorded mention of cardamom dates back to the 4th century BC, found in the writings of the Greek physician Theophrastus, who noted its medicinal properties. However, the spice’s origins lie in the rich cultures of southern India, where it has been cherished for centuries. The people of this region held cardamom in such high esteem that they offered it to their gods during religious ceremonies. Today, we invite you to celebrate this beloved spice by brewing a pot of our Cardamom Tea, perfect for sharing with friends or dinner guests.

Flavour Profile

Our Cardamom Tea is one of our most exotic blends, offering a unique and delightful flavour experience. The warming spice melds beautifully with high-quality Ceylon tea, creating a cup that is both invigorating and soothing. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, this tea is sure to elevate your senses.

Quality Ingredients

We pride ourselves on sourcing our teas from the top three tea-growing regions of Sri Lanka: Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, and Uva. The Dimbula region and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya experience peak quality from January to February, while Uva and the eastern estates reach their prime from July to August. This careful selection process ensures that we provide the finest ingredients for our flavoured teas year-round.

Each cup of our Cardamom Tea delivers classic Ceylon tea character, with floral bouquets and distinct flavour notes, complemented by bright coppery hues. Using flavouring oils instead of artificial crystals guarantees a high-quality tea experience. Indulge in this aromatic blend and make your next gathering truly special!

Extra Large Black Tea Brick

Extra Large Black Tea Brick

Tea bricks are among the most visually striking forms of processed tea in the world. Their origins trace back to the ancient spice trading routes of the Far East around the 9th century. Traders and caravan herders, transporting goods by camel or horseback, needed to optimize space. To facilitate this, tea producers began compacting processed tea leaves with stalks and dust, pressing them tightly into molds and drying them in the sun. This method became so popular that by the 19th and early 20th centuries, pieces broken from these bricks even served as currency in Tibet, Mongolia, Siberia, and Northern China.

Brewing Tradition

Traditionally, brewing tea from a brick involved roasting a piece over an open flame until it turned reddish. The brick was then crumbled and brewed in a pot. In some regions of China, people added spices like onion, ginger, and orange to enhance the flavor. In Tibet, tea bricks were integral to making the famous fermented yak butter tea. If you don’t have fermented yak butter on hand, don’t worry! We recommend using regular milk instead. Today, many appreciate tea bricks not only for their flavor but also for their aesthetic appeal. They make unique gifts and excellent conversation starters when displayed in an upright plate holder.

The Origins of Black Pu-erh

As for black Pu-erh, its development can be traced to the Kunming Tea Factory in 1972. At that time, the Chinese government aimed to expand its economic base and tasked the factory with creating a new, marketable tea. Drawing from centuries of expertise, the tea masters at Kunming created black Pu-erh, which has since become the world’s top-selling variety.

Unique Characteristics

What sets black Pu-erh apart from other black teas? The answer lies in its unique fermentation and aging process. Unlike regular black teas, black Pu-erh undergoes fermentation, where the tea is processed and stored for a specific period without being fully dried. This can involve burying the tea underground, storing it in caves, or keeping it under damp, heavy tarps. Over time, this fermentation imparts the earthy character that Pu-erh teas are famous for.

Enjoy the rich history and unique flavours of our Extra Large Black Tea Brick, and discover why this tea has captivated hearts and palates for centuries!

Pu-Erh Beeng Cha

Pu-Erh Beeng Cha: The 7-Layered Teacake

In some remote villages of Yunnan Province, Pu-Erh Beeng Cha, known as the 7-layered teacake, holds a cherished place in local legend. Its colloquial name, Qizi, or “7 Sons,” originates from a captivating tale. This story recounts the life of a government official’s wife who oversaw the town’s struggling tea industry. The couple had six sons and yearned for a seventh, hoping a boy could help rejuvenate the local economy.

One night, the official dreamt of a dragon who revealed that to ensure a seventh son and save the town, he should prepare a cake made from seven layers of local Pu-Erh tea. The dragon advised that if they spoke their wish into the steam of the first pot while steeping the tea, their desire would manifest by the time they finished brewing the cake.

The next morning, the official instructed the local factory to create the 7-layered Pu-Erh cake. Following the dragon’s instructions, the couple brewed the tea together. Over the next week, they enjoyed pot after pot, and, as fate would have it, three weeks later, the wife became pregnant. Eight months later, they welcomed a seventh son, prompting widespread celebration in the village. The newly popular 7-layered cake revitalized the local economy, and to this day, the village thrives.

The Unique Qualities of Pu-Erh Beeng Cha

What makes Pu-Erh Beeng Cha so special? Beyond its enchanting legend, this tea undergoes a unique aging process. After being compressed into cakes, it is aged for two years, developing a wonderfully earthy profile with musty undertones. Once brewed, the leaves can be steeped multiple times, revealing subtle changes in flavor with each infusion.

The Origins of Black Pu-Erh

The origins of black Pu-Erh tea can be traced to the Kunming Tea Factory, established in 1972. At that time, the Chinese government sought to diversify its economy and mandated the factory to create a new, marketable tea. Drawing on centuries of experience, the tea masters of Kunming crafted black Pu-Erh, which quickly became the world’s top-selling variety.

Distinct Characteristics

So, what sets black Pu-Erh apart from other black teas? The answer lies in its fermentation and aging process. Unlike standard black teas, black Pu-Erh is partially fermented, allowing it to be processed and stored without complete drying. This often involves burying the tea, storing it in caves, or placing it under damp tarps. Over time, this fermentation imparts the earthy character that defines most Pu-Erh teas.

Brew yourself a pot of Pu-Erh Beeng Cha, make a wish, and savour the depth of flavours while you enjoy its rich history!

White Pu-Erh – Wenshan

White Pu-Erh – Wenshan: A Modern Delight

With a 5,000-year-old tradition like tea, any new development creates excitement. While Pu-erh teas have been cherished for centuries, white Pu-erh emerged in marketable quantities only around 2000. This was significant news! Before then, white teas were so scarce that experimenting with them seemed impossible. Limited production meant that only a select few, like government officials or affluent tea enthusiasts in Hong Kong and Macau, could savor them. However, the democratization of the Chinese economy led to a rise in living standards and an increased interest in rare specialty teas. Now, while many of these teas are primarily produced for the internal market, white Pu-erh occasionally finds its way to the West.

The Art of Production

Crafting white Pu-erh is an artisanal process. Experts hand-select the buds and top leaves from broad-leafed white tea plants. The harvested leaves are then meticulously sorted for perfect color and form. Following this, the tea undergoes a mild fermentation and is hand-sorted again. Yes, you read that correctly—fermented white tea! To qualify as Pu-erh, even traditionally unfermented teas must undergo a fermentation process. According to Yunnan Province’s Bureau of Standard Measurement, Pu-erh teas are defined as “products fermented from green tea of big tea leaves picked within Yunnan Province.”

Once fermentation is complete, the tea is pressed into traditional Pu-erh molds, steamed, packaged, and stored. The result is a superb cup of White Pu-Erh—Wenshan, which weaves together layers of sweetness, earthy musk, damp moss, and subtle orchid, finishing lightly and lingering delightfully. This tea truly belongs in the life-altering category!

Aging Potential

Like fine wines, white Pu-erh can be aged for years. As it ages, the tea continues to ferment, reacting to its environment and developing new characteristics. Since large-scale production of white Pu-erh is relatively recent, it lacks a vintage history. However, many tea experts believe that it will age gracefully, evolving a sweet, noble, and musty character.

Enjoying White Pu-Erh Today

You can enjoy White Pu-Erh now without hesitation. In fact, it’s often recommended for new Pu-erh drinkers due to its mild flavor. So, break off a piece, brew a pot, and immerse yourself in the delightful world of White Pu-Erh – Wenshan!

Xantou Mandarin Black

Xantou Mandarin Black: A Unique Fusion of Flavor

The story of Xantou Mandarin Black tea begins in 1972 at the Kunming Tea Factory, where tea masters established the roots of black Pu-erh. During this time, the Chinese government aimed to expand its economic base and tasked the factory with creating a new, marketable tea. The tea masters chose to craft black Pu-erh for its unique qualities. Unlike traditional teas, black Pu-erh undergoes a special fermentation process. Producers process and store it without complete drying, often burying it, storing it in caves, or keeping it under damp tarps. This unique aging imparts the earthy character typical of Pu-erh teas.

A Flavorful Twist

When you brew Xantou Mandarin Black, you’ll notice a delightful departure from the heavy, musty flavours associated with traditional Pu-erh. While those earthy notes remain, they layer beautifully beneath sweet citrus tones. This unique flavour profile results from packing the tea in orange peel before fermentation. As the tea ages, it absorbs the essence of the peel, creating a harmonious blend of earthy and sweet notes. Importantly, producers flash-dry the orange peel at high temperatures to eliminate any microorganisms, ensuring the tea’s purity.

Brewing Instructions

To fully appreciate this exquisite brew, follow these traditional Chinese brewing instructions:

  1. Break off about 1g of tea for one cup.
  2. Brew the first cup for 30 seconds.
  3. For the second brew, steep for 40 seconds.
  4. The third brew should also steep for 40 seconds.
  5. For the fourth, steep for 60 seconds.
  6. The fifth brew should be for 90 seconds.
  7. Finally, steep the sixth cup for 120 seconds.

With each subsequent brew, notice how the flavor and strength of this exceptional black Pu-erh subtly shift, revealing new layers of taste.

Important Note

Remember, the orange peel used in this tea is not intended for consumption, as it has undergone intense high temperatures for purification and pasteurization.

Indulge in the complex flavours of Xantou Mandarin Black and discover a unique tea experience that transcends traditional boundaries! Enjoy!

 

Xantou Mandarin White

Xantou Mandarin White: A Unique Tea Experience

In a country where tea drinking dates back to 2737 BC, making news in the tea world is no small feat. With centuries of tradition behind it, every leaf style, production method, and scenting technique has been refined countless times. However, in recent years, white Pu-erh has gained popularity among China’s emerging middle class. This includes Xantou Mandarin White Pu-erh, which is steadily making its way westward and winning fans wherever it appears.

Flavour Profile

White Pu-erhs typically greet the palate with warm notes of vanilla, early spring grass, and the subtle character of lightly roasted mountain oolong. The careful plucking of centuries-old tea bushes, combined with traditional methods, ensures a premium product. Artisans roll the leaves in wide wicker baskets, and they fire the mandarin orange peel over natural wood fires to eliminate any microorganisms.

Brewing Characteristics

The resulting cup is outstanding. You’ll find a light yellow liquor reminiscent of chamomile tea, leading to a medium body with gentle astringency. Sweet notes of citrus, honey, and vanilla create a delightful blend, culminating in a surprisingly clean finish. Xantou Mandarin White is a tea that delights the senses!

Brewing Instructions

To fully enjoy this exquisite tea, follow these traditional Chinese brewing instructions:

  1. Break off about 1 gram of tea for one cup.
  2. Brew the first cup for 30 seconds.
  3. For the second brew, steep for 40 seconds.
  4. The third brew should also steep for 40 seconds.
  5. For the fourth, steep for 60 seconds.
  6. The fifth brew should be for 90 seconds.
  7. Finally, steep the sixth cup for 120 seconds.

With each subsequent brewing, notice how the character of this wonderful white Pu-erh subtly shifts in both strength and flavor.

Important Note

Please remember that the orange peel in this tea is not intended for consumption, as it has undergone intense high temperatures for purification and pasteurization.

Indulge in Xantou Mandarin White for a truly unique tea experience that captures the essence of tradition and craftsmanship! Enjoy!

Xantou Mandarin Green

Xantou Mandarin Green: A Refreshing Twist on Tradition

In the early days of Pu-erh production, Chinese tea growers experimented with unique ways to pack and press their teas. They created various shapes like mushrooms, coins, and bricks to stand out in the market. One ingenious method involved hollowing out mandarin oranges, filling them with raw tea leaves, and aging them in cool mountain caves.

Crafting the Tea

To create Xantou Mandarin Green, producers follow traditional methods. First, they hollow out fresh mandarin oranges by hand. Next, they fill these oranges with Pu-erh tea and flash dry them at high heat, which sterilizes the peel and eliminates any microorganisms. After packing, they store the oranges in a cool, dry place, allowing the tea to ferment and dry naturally inside the fruit. Over time, both the peel and the tea leaves develop a rich, deep brown colour.

Flavour Profile

Unlike most Pu-erh teas, which often exhibit musty and earthy tones, Xantou Mandarin Green stands out with exceptionally light citrus notes. The infusion produces a clear, golden-yellow liquid, creating a striking contrast to the darker brews typically associated with traditional Pu-erh. This refreshing twist makes Xantou Mandarin Green a delightful choice that will impress your friends!

Brewing Instructions

To fully appreciate this unique tea, follow these traditional Chinese brewing instructions:

  1. Break off about 1 gram of tea for one cup.
  2. Brew the first cup for 30 seconds.
  3. For the second brew, steep for 40 seconds.
  4. The third brew should also steep for 40 seconds.
  5. For the fourth, steep for 60 seconds.
  6. The fifth brew should be for 90 seconds.
  7. Finally, steep the sixth cup for 120 seconds.

With each brewing, you’ll notice how the character of this wonderful green Pu-erh subtly shifts in strength and flavour.

Important Note

Keep in mind that the orange peel is not intended for consumption, as it undergoes intense high temperatures for purification and pasteurization.

Indulge in Xantou Mandarin Green for a refreshing tea experience that blends tradition with a unique twist! Enjoy every sip!

Mini Toucha

Mini Toucha: A Compact Delight

Mini Toucha is the smaller sibling of large Toucha pods, offering a unique experience for tea enthusiasts. This variety is crafted from the Yunnan large leaf varietal, Camellia Assamica, and falls under the Pu-erh category. To create these pods, producers steam the processed green leaves and then press them into small, bow-shaped forms. Notably, the labour-intensive process requires each pod to be pressed by hand, ensuring quality and care in every piece.

Aging and Flavour

Like all Pu-erh teas, Mini Toucha ages exceptionally well. In local Yunnan tea shops, for instance, you might find teas aged for 25 years or more! When you infuse a Mini Toucha pod, you’ll immediately notice its mild musty character, which seasoned connoisseurs easily recognize as Yunnan Pu-erh. However, for newcomers, this flavor can be surprising, often evoking the earthy scent of fresh soil. As a result, this unique profile has led some in China to refer to it as “Earth tea.”

Multiple Infusions

Moreover, one of the standout features of Mini Toucha is its ability to be infused multiple times. With each brewing, you’ll discover new subtleties in flavor, much like re-reading a beloved novel or watching a cherished film again. While the fundamental character remains consistent, the nuances shift slightly with each cup. You might notice a subtle mustiness here or a hint of milder sweetness there.

Experience the Brew

So, the next time you brew a pot of Mini Toucha, pay close attention to its evolving flavour profile. Ultimately, this tea represents one of Yunnan Province’s most compelling brews, perfect for those seeking a unique and layered tasting experience. Enjoy the journey of flavours that unfold with every sip!

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