<!The three main categories of tea are black, green, and oolong. Within each of these categories there are many varieties.Green , Black and Oolong teas come from the same tea plant species, the difference being the processing of tea Black tea undergo several hours of oxidation during preparation. Oolong tea is partialy fermented and green tea is steamed to stop oxidation.> <!Our selection of English and Irish tea blends English and Irish teas are mostly blends of tea from India , Kenya , Malawi , Zimbabwe and Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka . Some of them are flavored , like Earl Gray (flavoured with oil of bergamot). Others are blended for a unique taste that is a trademark of the company and it’s label. Some of the most popular blends are English Breakfast tea, Irish Breakfast tea , Irish Afternoon tea and Evening blend tea . Following is our selection of fine tea blends that will brighten your morning and relax you in the afternoon .> <! India is both the largest producer and consumer of black tea in the world . The provinces of Assam and Darjeeling are two of the most renowned names in the tea world . Nilgiri , (South India) although less known , is also a major black tea producer. Assam Black Tea High altitude and annual rain fall over 100 inches makes this region one of the prime tea growing areas .With nearly 850 tea estates employing 500.000 people tea is the prime source of revenue Darjeeling Black Tea. Province of Darjeeling is located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains at an altitude of about 7000’. Darjeeling teas are also called “Champagne of teas” due to its quality and aroma resemblance to “Muskat”grapes , the most aromatic and flavorfull of all grapes used > <! Japanese tea tradition dates back many centuries with some of the oldest tea companies in existence . Green tea from Japan tastes different thantheir Chinese counterparts . The difference is not in the tea plant , but methods of processing . The main difference is in the first step which is aimedat stopping oxidation ((fermentation) where as Chinese teas are roasted over fire and Japanese teas are steamed . This process gives the tea a very delicate and delightful flavor . Banchas are the most common and inexpensive teas ; they are made of older leaves . Good quality Bancha has a sweet taste . Some of the lower grades may be bitter. Sencha is one of the exquisite teas with a very delicate taste and aroma . There are many varieties of Senchas with prices from a few to a few hundred dollars per ounce . In good quality tea the most important factor is processing - less steaming means retention of flavor, aroma and nutrients .>

How they drink tea, green tea, black tea and tisanes.

Most of the tea connoisseurs around the world prepare the tea in a similar manner.
Listed below are diverse or customary methods of preparation or consumption
of the tea, tea leaf or tisanes.

Africa - Rooibos tea ( tisane) is given to infants (mixed with milk).

India - Black tea is steeped in a mixture of hot water and milk

Japan - green tea ( Macha, Konacha) powder is mixed with hot water then stirred and consumed in its   entity. Chado ( The way of tea) is Japan's traditional tea ceremony.

UK - tea is steeped very strong. Milk honey or sugar is added.

Russia - tea is simmered for up to 30 min to make tea essence and then is mixed with warm water.

Tibet - tea bricks are boiled and Yak butter is added

U.S - cup of cold water and any tea bag is microwaved  - this custom is changing with availability of higher quality teas. Increasing number of US consumers are switching to loose teas.
 


   Green Tea   -  Black Tea    

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