Loose Leaf Tea and Herbal Blends General Knowledge

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The Legendary Camellia Sinensis: One Plant, Endless Possibilities

Ah, Camellia sinensis—the little plant that could. From this one unassuming shrub comes an entire world of tea: black, green, white, and oolong. The difference? It’s all in the processing. Whether the leaves are rolled, oxidized, or left to sunbathe like they’re on a lazy beach vacation, each style creates its own unique flavors, aromas, and personalities.

Here’s a quick tour of the teas born from this mighty plant:

Black Tea

• What It Is: Fully oxidized, bold, and robust—black tea is like the confident friend who always knows what they want.

• Types: Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon, Keemun, and the ever-charming lychee.

• Flavor Profile: Malty, earthy, or fruity, depending on its origin.

• Brew Tip: Steep 5-6 minutes at 200-212°F (just shy of a bubbling cauldron). Too long, and it might scold you with bitterness.

• Pro Tip: Black tea loves a second steep. It might lose a little intensity but gains a softer, sweeter character.

Green Tea

• What It Is: Minimal oxidation keeps the leaves green and fresh—like spring in a cup.

• Types: Sencha, Gun Powder, Jasmine, Matcha (for those who like their tea whisked into a frothy dream).

• Flavor Profile: Grassy, nutty, floral, sometimes a little sea-breezy.

• Brew Tip: Be gentle. Green tea likes 160-175°F for 3-4 minutes—too hot and it’ll turn bitter faster than your last breakup.

• Pro Tip: Give it a second steep! Greens often mellow out beautifully the second time around.

White Tea

• What It Is: Lightly processed, delicate, and ethereal—like a whisper of tea.

• Types: Silver Needle, White Peony.

• Flavor Profile: Soft, floral, and subtly sweet.

• Brew Tip: Keep it cool and slow—175-185°F for 3-4 minutes. White tea is sensitive, and we don’t want to hurt its feelings.

• Pro Tip: Steep it again. The second round often coaxes out hidden flavors.

Oolong Tea

• What It Is: Somewhere between green and black, oolong is the artist of the tea world—complex and full of surprises.

• Types: Tie Guan Yin, Da Hong Pao, and all the beauties in between.

• Flavor Profile: Floral, toasty, creamy, or even fruity—oolong is nothing if not versatile.

• Brew Tip: Go for 185-200°F and steep 3-6 minutes. Oolong isn’t in a rush, and neither should you be.

• Pro Tip: Oolong practically begs for a second steep. Sometimes even a third. The flavors evolve and deepen each time, like a good conversation.

So, there you have it. Black, green, white, or oolong—each tea from Camellia sinensis is its own adventure. And remember: just because you steeped it once doesn’t mean the leaves are done. Go ahead, give them another go. Tea leaves are generous like that.

Herbal Blends: Caffeine-Free (Mostly) and Full of Flavor 

Herbal blends are like the fun-loving cousins of true tea—colorful, flavorful, and not afraid to stand out. Unlike teas from Camellia sinensis, herbal blends usually skip the caffeine (except for that one overachiever, yerba mate).

Here’s where the magic happens: I pack my hand-blended herbal teas with 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of pure herbal goodness per serving. Why? Because you deserve the full benefit of every ingredient—no skimping here. Whether it’s soothing chamomile, zesty peppermint, or berry-packed bliss, each sip is designed to give you the ultimate herbal experience.

Brewing Tips:

• Steep for at least 10 minutes at a rolling boil (200-212°F) to extract all the goodness. Herbal blends are tough—no need to coddle them.

• Second Steep? Absolutely. Herbal blends have plenty of life left in them, so feel free to brew them again. The second round might be a bit lighter, but it’s still full of flavor.

And let’s talk about yerba mate for a second. This South American powerhouse may not technically be tea, but it does bring caffeine to the party. It’s smooth, earthy, and energizing—like your morning cup’s cool, adventurous sibling.

So, whether you’re sipping a calming bedtime blend or something bright and zippy, herbal teas are here to suit your every mood—no caffeine jitters required (unless yerba mate calls your name).

Pro tip- when steeping with a hand-packed teabag be sure to leave the teabag in the cup and begin sipping when cool enough to enjoy. But never remove the teabag. This will ensure you get the full intended benefit in each brew!

These teas are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any illness, disease or condition, and have not been evaluated by the FDA