The Origin Story of Tea
The history of tea spreads across multiple cultures over the span of thousands of years. With the tea plant Camellia Sinensis native to East Asia and originating in the borderlands of southwestern China and northern Burma. One of the earliest tea drinking is dated back to China's Shang dynasty, in which tea was consumed as a medicinal drink.
Read on to learn more about the seven fresh steeped teas we have to offer and their unique flavor profiles.
JASMINE
green tea
Jasmine tea is a type of tea that is lightly scented with fresh jasmine blossoms, which impart a delicate floral flavor to the tea. The flavors are mellow and delicate, perfect for fruity counterparts.
Jasmine tea is a natural relaxant for the mind and body. It is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system, improving restlessness, irritability, and insomnia.
CEYLON
black tea
The flavor is generally thought to be bold, full, and brisk. It has medium-to-full tannins and some notes of citrus, chocolate, or spice and is the most recognizable of all teas with its distinct wiry leaves.
Ceylon tea is an excellent source of antioxidants — compounds that help counter oxidative cell damage. Research suggests that antioxidants play a central role in health and may protect against chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
ASSAM
black tea
Assam tea has a deep, rich, full-bodied flavor with malty, earthy, and spicy notes. Its loose leaves that are a dark reddish-brown and slightly golden at the tip.
This flavorful tea boasts a rich supply of plant compounds that may boost immunity, as well as heart and brain health.
HOJICHA
green tea
Hojicha originated in Kyoto 100 yeas ago and unlike traditional green teas, Hojicha is roasted after the leaves are steamed. The roasting process removes the bitterness while giving this earthy tea its signature aroma, and a unique smoky taste.
Catechins found in Hojicha boosts the body's metabolism, aiding in calorie burn, and is also an excellent tea for promoting good digestion.
OOLONG
tea
Neither green nor black, Oolong tea is right in between. Depending on the processing technique, its flavor can range from light to full bodied, floral to grassy, and sweet to toasty.
Oolong tea is high in an amino acid called L-theanine, which studies show has cognitive effects like improved brain activity, better sleep quality, and reduced stress and anxiety.
THAI GREEN TEA
green tea
Thai Green Milk Tea is minty in color, and its taste is much more fruity and floral than its original orange Thai Tea counterpart. It's made of highly concentrated green tea leaves combined with the freshness of mint and the sweet scent of jasmine.
Thai tea is rich in antioxidants that can help you maintain a healthy immune system. Studies have shown that Thai tea has similar levels of antioxidants as green tea and other herbal teas popularized specifically for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
black tea
Earl Grey tea is a distinctive black tea whose base is flavored with oil from the rind of bergamot orange, a citrus fruit with the appearance and flavor somewhere between an orange and a lemon with a little grapefruit and lime thrown in.
It has been known to prevent serious cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and high blood pressure. Its antioxidants work to remove plaque buildup in blood vessels and the heart. They also work to prevent oxidative stress that causes cell damage.
EARL GREY
MATCHA
green tea
Farmers grow matcha by covering their tea plants a month before harvest to avoid direct sunlight, increasing chlorophyll production and amino acid content giving it its distinct color. The leaves are then ground up which means Matcha contains the nutrients from the entire tea leaf, resulting in a greater amount of caffeine and is higher in antioxidants.
One cup has 200-550 milligrams of antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, a compound that helps your body process fat and sugar while protecting the liver & improving skin health.