Wuyi Rock Tea

Posted on: 02 October, 2017

Author: Karina Garcia

Wuyi Rock Tea is a general term for the category of Wuyi Oolong tea produced in the north of Fujian province. It belongs to the kind of semi-fermented tea. It is well known for the unique “charm of rock”, a rock aroma which makes you enjoy a rich and mellow taste along with an endless sweet aftertaste.  Wuyi Rock Tea combines the delicate fragrance of green tea with the mellow taste of black tea. It is regarded as the best category in Oolong tea and it is a representative of China’s top teas. It also enjoys a long history. Being...

Blooming Flower Tea

Posted on: 02 October, 2017

Author: Karina Garcia

Blooming flower tea, or otherwise known as flowering tea, is the combination of green tea leaves and certain flowers. One or more dried flowers are wrapped in bundles of dried tea leaves formed into a bulb shape then set for drying.  Other than its unique and refreshing taste, its aesthetic is truly remarkable. The bulb, once put in boiling water, expands and unfurls into something like a blooming flower. How are Blooming Flower Teas Made? Blooming flower teas are typically made from the delicate buds of the tea plant, they are often made with white tea varietals, which have long,...

Organic Matcha Green Tea

Posted on: 02 October, 2017

Author: Karina Garcia

Matcha is a special type of powdered green tea that is grown and produced in Japan (in most cases). The green tea leaves are shaded from the sun for the last few weeks of their growth, increasing the chlorophyll content and creating a gorgeous green color. Then, the leaves are carefully ground with stone grinding wheels to produce a fine powder.   The powder can then be used to brew an antioxidant rich frothy green tea or in recipes like smoothies or baking. Unlike other types of teas, the green tea powder is not strained out before consuming, so you are...

Fascinating Florentines: A Biscuit-y History

Posted on: 02 October, 2017

Author: Lisa Jeeves

If you’re looking for the delightful baked goods known as Florentines, an earnest search through the wonderful pastry shops of Florence could leave you empty-handed. These delicate fancies regul... If you’re looking for the delightful baked goods known as Florentines, an earnest search through the wonderful pastry shops of Florence could leave you empty-handed. These delicate fancies regularly make an appearance at Christmas with their delicious and seasonal combination of candied fruit and nuts. But although they make a fantastic festive addition to any retail space, their origins are shrouded in mystery. Even a seasoned wholesale confectionery boffin like myself...

About Keemun Black Tea

Posted on: 02 October, 2017

Author: Karina Garcia

Keemun black tea also is known as Hao Ya B. Keemun black tea is part of China’s famous tops ten teas. It has a very strong and nice aroma to it with a sweet taste. It is a black in appearance and olled up and dried, It is part of many very fine teas and Chinese teas. This tea is also known as keemun Congou and Lapsang Souchong. This is a decaf tea and taste a lot longer than many other teas when stored. How is it made? It is produced in Qimen County in the Anhui province China and...

What is Bai Ji Guan Tea

Posted on: 02 October, 2017

Author: Karina Garcia

Bai Ji Guan is a lightly oxidized oolong tea that is grown in the Wu Yi Mountain region in the Fujian province in China. It is different from all other oolong teas because of the color of the tea leaves. Tight and strongly twisted, the tea leaves are yellow-greenish in color, not the usual dark green, with a hint of white. Processing Bai Ji Guan Tea Bai Ji Guan is semi-oxidized tea with a light to medium oxidation of 25% to 50%. It is a very rare tea when compared to other teas grown in the Wu Yi Region. Bai...

East, West, Home is Best: Buying Chocolate Locally

Posted on: 02 October, 2017

Author: Lisa Jeeves

With Belgium and Switzerland often cornering the quality chocolate market, let’s take a look at what refined and delicious treats the UK has to offer.   We are in many ways a global society, and the exciting range of tastes and textures available to us is enough to get any chocolatier hot under the collar. However, just as the UK has some of the world’s best literature, it is universally acknowledged that we know how to make a sweet treat or two! So, today, I want to set aside the chocolaty pleasures of Belgium and Italy and remind you that what...

Chinese Black Tea - keemun Mao Feng

Posted on: 15 September, 2017

Author: Karina Garcia

Keemun Mao Feng black tea is one of our favorite classic China black teas and is quite popular with those who like the dry, full and rich flavor of eastern China black teas. This Premium Grade tea has the clean, brisk style of an elegant Keemun, and a greater depth of flavor due to its being manufactured from a slightly later, but still spring pluck of two-leaves and a bud.  While we love the classic toasty and complex flavor of a premium Keemun Congou or Hao Ya ‘A’, we especially look forward to having Keemun Mao Feng in our repertoire....

Tie Guan Yin - The Iron Goddess of Merc

Posted on: 15 September, 2017

Author: Karina Garcia

Tie Guan Yin, otherwise known as "Yin Yun" in Chinese, is a type of Oolong tea. It is characterized as having a floral fragrance and is hand-cultivated from high altitude orchards in the Fujian province of China. Tie Guan Yin tea is a premium variety, harvested by hand from high altitude tea orchards and is the Oolong tea of choice among the Chinese. Natural plant nutrients, such as antioxidants, are preserved in this semi-oxidized tea providing several health and lifestyle benefits. The Chinese have been drinking this tea for many generations for as much its earthy flavor as for its...

Yunnan Fengqing One Bud One Leaf Maofeng Black Tea

Posted on: 15 September, 2017

Author: Karina Garcia

Some teas are almost beyond description. They take you to a place of pure relaxation and contentment. Our One Bud one Leaf Maofeng Black Tea is that special. It is from the rare category of teas knowm as Gongfu black tea, meaning that lots of work goes into its production. The exceptional quanlity is evident in every sip.  It is one of our finest teas, and serves as a wonderful companion to your favorite book, or for simply spending time and time agian. Like an old friend, its consistency will always be there when you need it. Brewing Intructions A...