Black Tea

Black tea is the most popular tea around the globe.  Most of the world’s tea consumption is black tea. China’s major export of tea is still predominantly black tea. Black teas are fully fermented teas and have the highest amounts of caffeine of any of the tea varieties. Black tea also has the least amount of antioxidants and essential nutrients.

Black teas are highly processed and undergo oxidation and roasting to create their rich flavors. Although they are processed more than other teas, they can still be a healthy addition to any diet. Research has shown that decreased stroke incidence in men was directly related to flavinoid intake, 70% of which was found to come from black tea consumption.

Because black tea has such a mellow taste it easily blends with other flavors. Many well known teas are, in fact, made by adding flavorings to black tea. Most of our black teas are  unblended and any of our Tea Consultant would be happy to teach you the blending technique to create your very own favorite.  It has a rich, full flavor. Whether you like it plain or with milk, this black tea satisfies any palate.

 

Pu’erh Tea

Pu’erh teas are known in China as "medicinal teas" and it is the most popular form of black tea in China. The Pu’erh teas could be found in a lot of provens of China but the species believe to be best if from Yunnan.  These trees are believed to be an older variety of the modern, smaller leafed tea bush. Some pu’erh tea bushes can be ancient; the oldest known bush is believed to be over 2000 years old.

Pu’erh leaves are processed differently than green tea leaves. They are oxidized similar to an oolong tea, but not as long as the loose black tea. The leaves are then dried loose or compressed into tea cakes, which look like pancakes or bird nests. These teas offer unique visual experiences. Some tea cakes have been aged in caves to develop their particularly earthy flavor.

Pu’erh tea has yet to be researched to the same degree as green tea, but what we do know is that pu’erh tea has unique benefits that the other teas do not. In particular, pu’erh helps decrease blood cholesterol levels, helps digestion and improves fat metabolism. We have conducted our own informal and unscientific study and found that to be the case. 

Many coffee drinkers enjoy pu’erh’s rich, deep flavors. Since pu’erh tea has less caffeine than coffee, it is a great alternative for those looking to decrease caffeine intake but still like a full bodied beverage. Tea also provides health benefits not found in coffee and is a great addition to anyone’s diet. One cup of pu’erh tea with each meal has shown to stimulate weight loss.

Our pu’erh teas come in loose leaf and compressed forms. The loose leaf is easy to measure and generally milder tasting. The compressed cake teas are usually heartier tasting. Made with fine leaves, our cakes are a high grade, smooth pu’erh. Some of the pu’erh tea are aged and are quite strong and earthy. The pu’erh lover will enjoy these special cakes, although a newcomer to pu’erh may find these aged teas robust. Some enjoy drinking pu’erh tea initially, for others the deep red liquid’s mellow taste is an acquired one.

416 North Main Street

Bloomington, IL 61701

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