How do I brew loose leaf tea?
A great cup of tea starts with spring or filtered water brewed at the correct temperature.
All of our tea labels and website descriptions have our brewing suggestions for the amount of tea, water temperature and steeping time. Our website descriptions also provide number of infusions and other useful information pertaining to that particular tea.
We encourage you to experiment with brewing methods. Changing the amount of tea, water temperature and steeping time can guide you to a palate pleasing cup that is right for you.
Drink T also offers a number of brewing vessels to assist you in making the perfect cup of tea.
Are your organic teas certified?
Drink T is supportive of sustainable organic agriculture both personally and professionally. We are proud to offer organic teas and are committed to adding to our current offerings.
Each organic tea shipment arrives in the United States with a Certificate of Compliance with organic production methods, issued by the controlling body responsible for monitoring tea production from the plantation or estate of origin.
Drink T offers exceptional organic teas, however, there are many factors to consider when purchasing tea. For instance, there are growers or regions where they may never become certified organic, but the quality, history and agricultural practices of these teas meet our strict quality standards. There are some regions where organic growers simply do not exist. Furthermore, there are regions in smaller countries where organic production is challenging because of the close proximity of farms. One grower may not spray their crops with pesticides, but a neighboring farm may and winds and or insects can carry the chemicals to the non-spraying farm leaving a chemical residue.
Drink T spends a tremendous amount of time researching, developing and maintaining strong relations with its growers to ensure we import the highest quality tea. We would also not import anything we would not drink ourselves or be comfortable giving our own children.
What type of flavors do you use?
We only use natural flavors which originate or are derived from natural fruits or fruit juice, vegetables or vegetable juice, spices, herbs, bark, buds, roots, leaf, similar plant material, edible yeast or dairy products. They may only be produced by using physical, enzymatic or microbiological processes, for example squeezing, distilling, warming, filtration, grinding, blending, fermenting or crushing.
How much caffeine is in tea and coffee?
Caffeine is a mild stimulant that effects the central nervous system, can temporarily ward off tiredness and increase alertness. The caffeine in tea is different than that in coffee and is dependent upon various factors such as, varietal of tea bush, amount of tea used, temperature of water and steep time to mention a few.
In additional to caffeine there is an amino acid in tea called L-theanine. L-theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress, and improve cognitive and mood in a synergistic manner with caffeine. Therefore, you get the mental alertness without the jittery nervous feeling you can get with coffee.
Generally, tea has about one-third or more less caffeine than in coffee. However, if you are trying to reduce the amount of caffeine or are sensitive to caffeine we suggest you reduce the amount of tea used, reduce the temperature of water and or reduce the steep time. You could also dispose of the first 20 seconds to one minute of the first infusion to reduce the overall amount of caffeine. Since caffeine effects everyone differently it is best to experiment what works best for you.
Drink T also offers many savory herbal and fruit infusions that are caffeine free. Rooibos is one such herbal that is very high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is delicious hot or cold.
Is drinking tea really that good for you?
Studies have shown tea drinking aids digestion, stimulates alertness and performance, combats tiredness and reduces the effect of age related diseases by cleansing the body of built-up toxins. Greens are know for their high concentration of antioxidants while Oolongs are known for weight reduction properties. All teas offer some form of health benefit but vary depending on the processing of the leaf.
How should I store tea?
Please keep your teas in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Drink T's resealable pouch are humidity resistant and as long as they are kept sealed, will protect your tea for a long time.
How long will tea last?
Tea is a dried leaf product and can be stored for 2 years in an air-tight container, away from sunlight, before its flavor and aroma will noticeably degrade.
Loose leaf tea or tea bags - which is better?
Loose leaf tea is generally higher quality. The larger leaves brew a brighter flavor and has fewer impurities reducing toxic residues. Gourmet tea bags are becoming popular in the hospitality industry because they combine the benefits of quality loose leaf tea with ease of leaf disposal. Some commercial mass market tea bags contain a high percentage of low quality tea dust, many impurities, added artificial colors and flavors and brew almost instantly to achieve an inferior flavor. Some tea bag materials contain bleaching chemical residues.
If you have any other questions about tea, please do not hesitate to contact us!