Step into our Tea Room at Celestial Esscents and you'll find rows of glass jars containing a variety of exquisite Black, Green, White, Red, Oolong and Herbal Teas and Tisanes. With so many choices, and with so much focus being put on tea drinking and its health benefits these days, it can be mind-boggling trying to decide which teas to drink! We hear questions every day such as, "Which tea is better for you, Green or White"?, "Which tea has no caffeine?", "Which has the most anti-oxidants?", "Which tea can help lower blood pressure?". Many of our customers are new to the world of drinking loose-leaf tea so we've added this section to our website to help shed some light on loose leaf teas, their health benefits, and tips for brewing the perfect cup or pot of tea!
TEA vs. TISANE, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
All true tea comes from the same plant, called the Camellia sinensis. Any leaf that comes from a different plant is considered an herbal tea or tisane. For example, chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves are considered herbal teas because they do not come from the traditional tea plant. It is important to distinguish between real tea and herbal tea since the flavor, health benefits and nutritional characteristics vary from plant to plant.
TEA VARIETALS
All true teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Within this category, there are hundreds of different kinds of teas, each with their own individual appearance, taste and aroma. To make sense of all the varieties possible, true teas can be categorized into 4 major groups: White, Green, Oolong and Black. These categories refer to how much a tea is fermented, or oxidized. Similar to the way leaves turn brown in autumn, oxygen changes the properties of the tealeaves. By selectively exposing the tea leaves to air, tea-farmers and artisans can bring out certain flavors and aromas. In other words, this oxidation process will determine whether the tea will end up as White, Green, Oolong or Black.
Generally speaking, the less a tea is oxidized, the lighter it will be in both taste and aroma. Heavily oxidized teas will yield a dark, rich, reddish-brown infusion while less oxidized teas will yield a light, yellow-green liquor.
After each section below is a listing of the teas of that variety that we carry at Celestial Esscents. We rotate varieties to keep our selection fresh and interesting, so all varieties are not available at all times. Many of our teas are Certified Organic and/or Fair Trade.
WHITE TEA
Named for the silver-white down (resembling the skin of a peach) that covers each delicate leaf, White Tea is harvested by hand only a few days each year.
Because White Tea undergoes virtually no processing and is made from the tender, infant bud of the tea plant, White Tea is considered the healthiest of all teas. In fact, White Tea has even more antioxidants and anti-aging properties than Green Tea! White Tea is also the highest dietary source of the amino acid L-Theanine, which is known to improve mood, reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure. White Tea is also revered for its detoxifying effects and has the lowest caffeine content of all true teas.
White Tea's gentle honey or nectar-like flavor is ideal for everyone from the beginning tea-drinker to the connoisseur.
White Tea Varieties that we carry: Ginger Peach (Certified Organic), Pomegranate (Certified Organic), Strawberry White (Certified Organic), and Wild Blueberry (Certified Organic).
GREEN TEA
Due to minimal processing, Green Tea retains its natural appearance and vibrant color as well as high levels of the plant's healthy properties. Green Tea varies dramatically in flavor from grassy and sweet to floral and fresh to nutty and roasted. Like fine wine, Green Tea's flavor depends on the plant varietal, season of harvest, soil, elevation, weather, cultivation and origin. Each region has its own distinct flavor and aroma.
Green Tea is one of the fastest-growing segments of the US specialty tea market due to continued media coverage highlighting its powerful health benefits. According to scientific research, Green Tea is rich in EGCG (one of nature's most potent antioxidants) which may help protect the body against disease and aging. Green Tea is also noted for its ability to aid weight-loss, improve immune system functioning and simultaneously relax and rejuvenate the body.
Our Green Tea Blends are hand crafted in small batches and infused with only pure essential oils, natural essences and fresh botanicals.
Green Tea tends to be the most difficult category to brew correctly.
Green Tea Varieties that we carry: Jasmine Citrus (Certified Organic), Lime Blossom (Certified Organic), Tangerine Ginger, Tropical Green (aka Passionfruit), Serene Green (Certified Organic), and Emerald Spring (Certified Organic).
BLACK TEA
The most widely known variety in the West, Black Tea comes from leaves that are oxidized, or fermented. Freshly-picked leaves are withered until they are pliable enough to be rolled, releasing juices and enzymes that react with oxygen. Oxidation changes the leaf's properties and accounts for the dark, rich colors and strong, brisk flavors characteristic of Black Tea. Essentially, it is this oxidation, process that makes Black Tea different from Green Tea. Classic teas like English Breakfast and Earl Grey fall within this category.
Because both Black and Green Tea comes from the same plant, health benefits are similar. Black Teas are especially rich in theaflavins and thearubigens (potent antioxidants) which have shown impressive cholesterol-lowering abilities and cardiovascular benefits.
Black Tea Varieties that we carry: English Breakfast (Certified 100% Organic), Grand Earl Grey (Certified Organic), Afternoon Darjeeling (Certified 100% Organic), Raspberry Lychee, and Vanilla Chai (Black Tea blended with Rooibos).
OOLONG TEA
Oolong Teas (also known as Wu-Long) are semi-oxidized and express characteristics in-between Green and Black Teas. During production, leaves are tossed in bamboo baskets to lightly bruise their edges, releasing enzymes that react with oxygen. With Oolong Tea, the outer part of the leaf is allowed to oxidize, but the center is kept green.
Less-oxidized Oolong is similar to Green Tea with a fresh, floral flavor and golden-green infusion. More-oxidized Oolong is closer in character to Black Tea with an amber-colored infusion and notes such as dark chocolate, fruit and roasted sugar. Due to their smooth, complex flavors, Oolong Teas are often a favorite among connoisseurs.
Oolong is said to reduce plaque in the arteries, lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, boost metabolism and aid weight-loss. Oolong tea is also rich in antioxidants.
Oolong Tea Varieties that we carry: Lemongrass, and Amber Dragon (Certified Organic).
HERBAL TEA
Our herbal teas are hand-crafted botanical blends using the highest quality herbs, blossoms and spices from around the world. Each herbal tea blend is designed to support and complement a healthy lifestyle.
Herbal Tea Varieties that we carry: Calming Chamomile (Certified 100% Organic), and Cinnamon Chai.
ROOIBOS (RED) TEA
Also called Red Tea because of its vibrant, ruby color, Rooibos (pronounced Roy-boss) has a sweet, full-bodied flavor without a trace of bitterness. As a source of powerful antioxidants, Rooibos strengthens the body's immune system and contains some of the highest known levels of anti-aging properties of any plant on earth. Rooibos is also known for its ability to replenish the skin from the inside out and is recommended for mild depression, allergies, headaches, anxiety or insomnia.
This therapeutic Herbal Tea offers many of the same health-promoting properties as Green Tea but is 100% caffeine-free, making it an ideal choice for evening or for people sensitive to caffeine.
Rooibos Tea Varieties that we carry: Winter Mint, Vanilla Cream, Sweet Berry Dreams (Certified Organic and Fair Trade), Paradise (Certified Organic and Fair Trade), Spiced Apple Pie, and Rooibos and Roses.
YERBA MATE
Yerba Mate (pronounced MAH-tay) is indigenous to the subtropical rainforests of South America where it is consumed widely (6 to 1 over coffee) and has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy. Mate is gaining popularity in the United States for its robust antioxidant content and for its natural ability to boost energy, improve mood and aid weigh-loss. Mates robust, earthy flavor blends well with other herbs and botanicals.
As a renewable rainforest product grown without harmful pesticides or fertilizers, our Organic Yerba Maté assists in the conservation of the precious rainforest. Maté production also provides Amazon tribes a viable alternative income to destructive logging and cattle ranching.
Unlike other herbal teas, Mate contains a substance similar to caffeine which is known as "Matteine." Matteine provides energy without the nervous jitters associated with coffee. This natural source of energy is ideal for early mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups or before work-outs. However, those who wish to avoid caffeine should also avoid the invigorating effects of Matteine and opt for one of our 100% caffeine-free Red or Herbal teas instead.
Yerba Mate varieties we carry: Rainforest Mint (Certified 100% Organic), and Spiced Chai Mate (Certified 100% Organic).
TEABAGS VS. LOOSE TEA
BREWING TIPS
TEA AND HEALTH
