From the time loose leaf tea was discovered, the history of tea created a basis that was respectfully considered to be a healthy and refreshing drink, and Buddhist priests introduced it throughout China and Japan. Specifically, in Japan ancient tea ceremonies are considered to be purifying baths of the sixth senses.

The history of tea was discovered in England the year 1644.  Sailors from the Far East brought back gifts of loose leaf tea as presents to their brides and parents. In North America drinking coffee was a common practice instead of drinking loose leaf tea, as the English had levied a tax on tea shipped to its colonies. On December 16, 1773, three ships sailed into Boston’s harbour carrying tea and fifty men disguised themselves as “Indians” wearing traditional Indian attire and  boarded ships owned by the British East India Company. They broke open 342 wooden crates filled with imported loose leaf tea and threw them into the Boston Harbour. This was part of the history of tea and in Boston became known as the “Boston Tea Party” which ultimately led to the American Revolution.

I attended the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum  in September 2009, and was in complete fascination on how even though centuries have passed, you can still the hear revelry of patrionism in the air, and at that time the cost for freedom was  usually a persons life.

Strolling through the ships that replicate the Dartmouth, the Elenor and the Beaver surrounded me with the chronicle events from yesterday and made me understand and truly appreciate how the history of tea and the Boston Tea Party enables us North Americans to appreciate what it means to sip a cup of our favorite loose leaf  tea.

Green tea is grown mostly in China and Japan and they grow well due to the misty, damp climate and hot sunshine that hovers over Asia. There is usually 4 crops harvested per year from the tea plantations which starts in the late autumn through to the spring months.

Green tea grown in Japan is similar to green  tea grown in China, in that they both are green, however the flavor and color is much different. Tea is always the color “green” as it is growing on the tea bushes.  Green tea grown in Japan is considered to have a much sweeter taste and is much lighter in color once steeped. Most of the green tea grown in Japan is on hillsides that are close to rivers, streams and lakes and the humidity and limited sunshine is what produces the fresh green tea leaves. Japan ‘s green tea is very fragile due to the small sized leaves and it produces a higher concentration of chlorophyl. The most common types of green tea grown in Japan are: Matcha, Sencha, Gyokuru, Bancha, Houjicha and GenMaiCha. Japan’s green tea is sipped without adding milk or sugar as it very sensitive with it’s premium taste and you certainly would not want to loose that special taste and aroma.

Green tea grown in China is usually named after a prominent person, place or thing, they do this out of respect so that the legacy lives on. China produces green tea  and black tea, which depends on where it is grown. The most common tea grown in China is Dragon Well, Lapsang Souchong and Puerh tea. China produces some of the finest green teas and their tea is harvested by plucking the tea leaves from the bushes by hand. Green tea is one of the best drinks to increase one’s health as it contains ECGC which is the strongest antioxidants available in a natural state.

My favorite green tea is GenMaiCha because I love savoring the mild, yet sweet green tea from China, with the natural rice grains blended so carefully.  I like drinking this tea in  the afternoon hours and it makes me feel very “Zenish”.

I have been an importer and handler of certified organic tea since 2000 and am considered to be a leading tea laureate. My attraction with tea began as a youngster and grew much deeper throughout the years. My knowledge of today’s organic tea and quality where it is grown and processed has become my priority and I look forward to unfolding the magic of today’s organic tea through its health benefits, spiritual healing and physical wellness. From the four corners of the world, and for generations today’s organic tea has adapted to the needs of people, and in some countries is their staple drink. Plantations that are continuing to grow tea leaves with pesticide residue are slowly depleting as consumers are more health conscious and are not willing to settle for secondary tea.  Economically speaking, today’s organic tea is paying off to organic tea farmers as today’s organic tea cult is growing in mass for Baby Boomers and X and Y Generation.

Today’s organic tea is imported from India, Assam, China, Japan and South Africa and is compliant with EU guidelines. We ensure today’s organic tea is not tampered with and is flavored only with natural flavors and is free from pesticides and insecticides and cultivated on organic land. Many of today’s organic tea growers have found improved soil fertility, balanced mineral deficiencies, and a balanced pH level eliminating leaf blister and various other plant diseases and insects which could not be managed through chemical methods. Today’s organic tea is grown on a spread of bright emerald green tea bushes over hundreds of acres waiting patiently to unfold it’s sweet beauty. Certain organic plantations allow the animals to roam freely eating only organic vegetation which produces organic milk from the cows.

We believe today’s organic tea is changing the face of medicine through Naturopathic, Homeopathic, and Integrative medicine, with the quality of life being enhanced and extended. Through mind, body, dietary, nutritional and therapeutic treatments, healing occurs with today’s organic tea and is far less than conventional medicine.

For more than 120 years Sri Lanka, where tea originated has been synonymous in growing superior loose leaf tea. Sri Lanka is also known as Ceylon, as that was its colonial name but was renamed in 1971. Sri Lanka is located off the southwestern tip of India and is rated as the worlds second loose leaf tea exporter. The Sri Lankan region is made up of several different regions; the elevation ranges from 1,500 feet above sea level to the highland gardens with can be as high as 8,000 feet. Sri Lanka produces loose leaf tea with a coppery liquor and caramel note and are superb in flavor.

Sri Lanka, where tea originated is a perfect loose leaf tea-growing climate produces beauful and fragrant gardens with honey richness. Top quality Sri Lankan loose leaf tea has golden tips and are infused for a minimum of 5 minutes as only then the true flavor shines through.

Flowery Orange Pekoe loose leaf tea is exceptionally delicious and the tippy wiry leaves produce a coppery liquor.

A new tea to Sri Lanka is known as Kirkoswold Silver Needles which is grown in the Dimbula area. Torrential amounts of rain falls in Sri Lanka on the loose leaf tea gardens during August’s monsoon month and when its harvesting time which is from December to March, the young tea bushes produce down covered tea buds that steeps a light clear honey finish.

Some of the best Sri Lankan loose leaf tea that I have ever tasted was Ratnapura, a lovely flowery orange pekoe with fine pine-needled shaped leaves and silvery tips.  Ratnapura is grown in the central highlands and produces a cup of dark red with malty, spicy notes.

India grows high quality tea as it has over 13,000 tea gardens and exports a majority of their loose leaf tea to the US, Canada, Europe and South America. India’s road to tea is noted for producing cut, torn and curled and orthodox tea. Most orthodox tea is high-quality large-loose leaf tea which sells for a high market price as the loose leaf tea grown on these estates is far above average quality.

India’s road to tea grows Assam and Darjeeling tea which is of the highest quality tea available. The regions where these loose leaf teas are grown is usually misty and damp during the monsoon season. Once infused the light astringent taste and overtones offer a unique muscatel liquor. Darjeeling loose leaf tea is hand-picked and grows some of the finest Darjeeling teas such as Goomtee, Puttabong, and Namring Upper Estate. Darjeeling loose leaf tea is usually sipped without milk or sugar and is best straight up.

Within the road to tea,  wildlife roam throughout the land such as elephants, monkey’s, gazelle’s and birds and both loose leaf tea and animals can co-exist in harmony and survive throughout the seasons.

The medicinal remedies in herbal tea and different blends containing herbs are amazing, it has been used for centuries as it has relaxant, stimulant and sedative properties. Chinese herbalists use a broad range of herbal teas depending on what they need to use them for and the age of the patient is a large factor.  Most herbal tea blends are non-toxic however you must be certain that the plant has no serious side affects.

Once the herbal tea has completely dried it is then placed in tea ball and boiling water poured over it.  The leaves begin to open and the fragrance fills the room.  All herbal tea blends are caffeine free therefore you don’t have to worry about getting the jitters or having your sleep affected.  Herbal tea that is not in tea bags has a fresher more intense taste and leaves you feeling blissfully happy.

We carry a wide range of healthy herbal such as Peppermint, Spearmint, Harmony Tulsi, Apple and Pear Tulsi and Chamomile.  You may order our tea online.