How to brew seven different kind of Teas perfectly
We offer the highest quality tea leaves you can steep and select only hand-picked, full-leaf teas from the finest tea gardens and estates. Like fine wines, styles of tea also vary by each tea estate and garden, depending on geography, climate, and farming practices, which is part of what makes tea so interesting - its extraordinary variety. Discover the distinctly different types of tea we offer below and follow the brewing instructions to learn how to make the perfect pot of your favorite tea or a variety of tea that’s totally new to you.
How to Brew White Tea
White teas are among the rarest teas in the world and perhaps the purest form of tea. Delicate and exceptionally refined, they are tea buds and very young leaves picked before they open and dried in the shade. White teas are grown all over the world, however, the best come from Fujian province in China and Sri Lanka in South Asia. Some White teas we recommend are our Chinese Silver Needle, Ceylon Vintage Silver Tips, and Winter White Earl Grey.
White teas should be brewed for 3 minutes in 175°F water. To achieve the perfect strength, remove the tea, tea bag, or sachet once your timer is up.
How to Brew Green Teas
Transplanted to Japan many centuries ago, Green teas are originally from China and are the most ancient of teas. Green tea production methods vary, but the focus is always to fix the green color. Thus, green teas are not oxidized. Although this tea has been around for centuries, it is more popular than ever before. Great Green teas we suggest you try are our Japanese Sencha, Lung Chung, and Tropical Green teas.
To brew, heat your water to 175° F and steep for 3 minutes. For best results, use a timer so your tea is not too strong. Some Japanese Green teas also taste delicious in cooler temperatures, of 140ºF or even cold brewed. One of our Japanese brokers actually brews their Gyokuro triple strength and pours it over ice immediately, which seems to enhance the umami quality of this delicious shade-grown tea. Have fun and experiment!
How to Brew Matcha Tea
Matcha is a vital, powdered green tea that is packed with antioxidants. Made from the leaves of premium green tea, it is delicious and energizing. Originally used for the Japanese Tea Ceremony, our customers have come to love its vegetal taste, unique preparation style, and our flavorful fruit-flavored Matchas. Enjoy a ceremony of your own with some of our favorite Matcha teas -Matcha Senjunomukashi,Very Berry Matcha, and White Peach Matcha.
Matcha teas should be made in160°F to 170°F water and whisked until frothy. Please note that our flavored matcha teas do not require whisking, but rather are infused like other teas.
How to Brew Oolong Tea
Partially oxidized, Oolong teas are in between green and black. These teas are light in body with fragrant flavors of peaches or tropical flowers. They likely first appeared 300 years ago in China’s coastal Fujian province. Later they were transplanted to the island off China called Taiwan. If you’re new to Oolong teas, we recommend trying our Ti Quan Yin, Fanciest Formosa Oolong, or Milky Oolong varieties.
Lighter oxidized Oolong teas should be brewed in 175°F water and darker oxidized Oolongs should be brewed in 212°F water. Both types of Oolong teas should be steeped for 3 to 4 minutes. Once the steeping time is reached, remove tea, tea bag or sachet to achieve the perfect strength. If you’re brewing an unflavored, rolled oolong (like our Li Shan), you might consider a 30-second rinse with 175ºF water, then emptying that water before performing the longer infusion.
How to Brew Black Teas
Black teas range from mellow teas from China to full-bodied teas from Assam, India. Black teas are withered, rolled, fully oxidized, and fired in an oven. This process creates warm toasty flavors. In the best teas, complex flavors develop that are reminiscent of honey, malt, and cocoa. Oftentimes, Black teas are where novice tea drinkers begin their tea education. Not sure where to start? Our English Breakfast, Scottish Morn, and Irish Breakfast teas are Harney classics.
Black teas should be brewed in 212°F water for 5 minutes. Once the steeping time is reached, remove tea. If desired, serve your black tea with milk and sugar.
How to Brew Darjeeling Teas
We source our Darjeeling teas from varying estates from year to year, depending on which producers offer the highest quality tea. Darjeeling teas offer tropical notes and a light body, without too much briskness. The Darjeeling harvest runs from February to November and yields several Flushes along the way, with the first flush being the best. Darjeeling fans will love our Darjeeling, Glenburn First Flush Tea, and Temi Sikkim tea.
Darjeeling teas should be brewed for 3-4 minutes to achieve perfect strength. First Flush Darjeelings should be brewed at temperatures of 175ºF, and Second Flush and Darjeeling Blends should be brewed at 212ºF.
How to Brew Herbal Teas
Whether you call them infusions, tisanes, or “teas”, these exclusive brews and blends are made from bark, flowers, leaves, and seeds. Soothing or stimulating, herbals have a long tradition in many cultures and are fun to explore in ours. If you’re new to Herbal teas or want to try something new, we recommend you sip on our Strawberry Kiwi Fruit Tea, Yellow & Blue Tea, or Organic Rooibos varieties.
Herbal teas should be brewed in 212°F water for 5 minutes. Once the steeping time is reached, remove tea, tea bag or sachet to achieve the perfect strength.