Plucking Time and Imperial Formosa Oolong Tea

Imperial Formosa oolong tea is one of the finest oolong teas you can buy, so long as it is produced in a quality tea garden that takes great care in how the tea is harvested and processed. To choose the best Imperial Formosa oolong tea, it's important to know some things about this tea and how it is harvested and produced.

Oolong tea is a hybrid of green and black tea. It is produced from the same plant as other teas, but processed a bit differently. Green tea is left unfermented, black tea is fully fermented and oolong tea is semi-fermented, meaning that the fermentation time is shorter than that of other teas, so some percentage of the tea leaves are left green.

This partial fermentation creates a tea that is lighter than black tea, but bolder and more flavorful than green tea. Depending upon how long the tea artisan allows the leaves to ferment, or oxidize, the tea may be closer to the flavor of a green tea or closer to the flavor of a black tea. In addition, oolong tea is produced from larger tea leaves, those that grow further down the tea plant.

Imperial Formosa oolong tea is produced only in Taiwan. Teas from Taiwan are referred to as Formosa teas because this was the country's original name. Most people think of China as the place where oolong teas are produced, and, in fact, China does produce the largest quantity of oolong tea today. However, Taiwan runs a close second, and their oolong teas are considered some of the best in the world.

According to historical book reports, tea bushes had been found growing in the wild of Taiwan about three hundred years ago. Tea varieties were introduced in Taiwan about two hundred years ago by immigrants from China and a new industry was born.

Imperial Formosa oolong tea is fermented until the leaves are about 30% oxidized. Timing the oxidation period is a critical step in creating a good oolong tea. To create the same flavor each time, the artisan must appropriately bruise the leaves and then see that the oxidation happens precisely. Producing oolong tea is a labor intensive process that cannot be effectively managed with machines and other mass production processes.

For this reason, fewer tea gardens produce oolong than other teas. Producing the very best oolong requires strict adherence to the process and timing as well as skilled tea artisans who can determine exactly when the tea leaves are appropriately dried and when they're appropriately fermented. For this reason, oolong teas are often more expensive than black and green teas. Formosa oolong teas are typically the most expensive oolong teas because labor costs in Taiwan are higher than those in other countries.

Like black and green teas, the flavor of oolong teas are also affected by when the leaves are plucked. The first teas plucked during the season are the spring teas, also known as first flush teas. These are generally the most highly prized tea leaves of the season. Though the tea plant will be harvested several more times before the end of the summer, in most cases the tea from these subsequent pluckings will not rival the first plucked tea in flavor.

This is primarily because tea leaves grown later in the season are subject to hotter weather and often become baked in the sun before theyre even plucked. The same rules apply to most oolong teas. In most cases, the first flush of oolong will have the best taste. You'll typically find Imperial Formosa oolong tea produced from the first plucking of the season.

The best tea gardens, can, however, make good tea from each flush of the growing season, though many tea connoisseurs will always favor first flush teas. This exceptional flavor and smaller availability make first flush oolong teas the most expensive of the growing season, too.

The best tea gardens label their teas not only by the grade of the tea leaves, but according to which plucking they were produced from. Some tea gardens don't even pluck more than twice a season, believing that the quality of the tea is not sufficient after the second plucking.

In most cases Imperial Formosa oolong tea will be a first flush tea and will be graded Finest to Choice, the highest grade of Formosa teas. Few tea gardens produce Imperial Formosa oolong, and most can be counted on to produce high quality tea.

Tea and Your Health

Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, after water. Asian cultures drink gallons of green, oolong and other teas, and the Brits consume large quantities of black tea. In fact, everywhere in the world, tea is a regular part of life. In many cases, we drink tea because we like it, but as it turns out, it may be extremely healthy for us, too.

Over the years there's been tons of research on the benefits of tea to our health. And, as we learn more and more, it's becoming clear that drinking tea may be one of the best things we can do to protect our health and prolong our lives. The University of Toronto Medical Journal outlines the many benefits that drinking tea can offer.

Prevention of Heart Disease

Studies have shown that regular tea consumption can actually lower cholesterol levels circulating in the blood. In fact, some studies have shown tea to reduce total cholesterol by as much as 6.5% and LDL cholesterol by as much as 11%. A reduction in cholesterol prevents atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries that carry blood become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque. The plaque that builds up in our arteries is created when LDL cholesterol oxidizes.

Prevention of Cancer

Tea has been shown to reduce the risk of several forms of cancer. In fact, tea has been shown to reduce lung tumors by 80% in laboratory mice. Tea has also been effective in human studies on cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer and gastric cancer.

Weight Loss

Tea has also been shown to be an effective weight loss supplement. Tea increases energy expenditure, promotes fat oxidation and decreases fat storage. Many studies have shown that drinking tea in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise can help you lose more weight than diet and exercise alone.

Improvement in Intestinal Tract Bacteria

Regular tea consumption can help improve the bacteria that live in your intestinal tract; eliminating harmful bacteria and helping beneficial bacteria to flourish. Tea has been shown to reduce the level of H pylori bacteria in the stomach. H pylori is associated with the development of ulcers.

Earl Grey Was a Real Person and is a Great Tea

Earl Grey tea is a popular flavored black tea named after an historic figure in 19th century England. Earl Grey's existence and historic accomplishments are well documented but his influence on the tea that bears his name is less clear.

Charles Grey was the 2nd Earl Grey, (13 March 1764 - 17 July 1845), and was a British Whig statesman and Prime Minister. His father, Charles Grey, the 1st Earl Grey, was a notable British general in the American Revolution who commanded victories in several battles, notably against the American forces under General Anthony Wayne and at the Battle of Germantown (1777-78).

Descended from a long-established Northumbrian family, Grey was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, and was elected to Parliament at the age of 22 in 1786. He became a part of the Whig movement, and soon became one of the major leaders of the Whig party which befitted his high standing in British society. Grey was noted for advocating strong Parliamentary reform and Catholic emancipation.

The Whig party slowly evolved during the 18th century. In general terms, the Whig tendency supported the great aristocratic families and non-Anglicans, while the opposing Tories supported the Anglican Church and the gentry. Later on, the Whigs drew support from the emerging industrial interests and wealthy merchants, while the Tories drew support from the landed interests and the British Crown.

By the first half of the 19th century, however, the Whig political program came to encompass not only the supremacy of parliament over the monarch and support for free trade, but the abolition of slavery, and, significantly, expansion of the franchise. Eventually the Whigs would evolve into the Liberal Party while the Tories became the Conservative Party.

In 1830, the Whigs finally returned to power, with Grey as Prime Minister. His Ministry was a notable one, seeing passage of the Reform Act 1832, which finally saw the reform of the House of Commons, and the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire in 1833.

Grey eventually became more conservative however, and he avoided more far-reaching reforms. In 1834 Grey retired from public life.

Earl Grey tea is named after Grey who reputedly received a gift, probably a diplomatic present, of tea flavored with bergamot oil. The legend reportedly involved a grateful Chinese mandarin whose son was rescued from drowning by one of Lord Grey's men, although this blend of tea was first made from fermented black Indian and "Ceylonese" (Sri Lankan) teas not found in China.

Since green tea is much more popular in China than black tea, it is improbable that they would have had a recipe for what we now call Earl Grey to bestow on visitors, though over the years many other varieties of tea have been used. In addition, Lord Grey never visited China.

A second version of the legend has the son of an Indian raja being rescued from a tiger by one of Grey's servants and expressed his gratitude through the gift of the newly flavored black tea.

The tea became a commercial favorite as many merchants realized the value and popularity of the flavored tea and began to market Earl Grey intensively. This marketing effort was aided by the tax reductions implemented by the British Government at the end of the prior century.

Irish Breakfast Tea - Special Reserve- A Great Way to Start a Cold Day

As Fall approaches, the days are getting shorter and the nights and mornings are getting colder.

Sometimes it is hard to get started on a cold, dark morning so a steaming hot mug of high quality tea adds that little extra incentive to start the day.

Black tea is a great way to start the day whether it is taken straight or with a little milk and sugar. Black tea is strong, flavorable and robust and has become the mainstay of morning tea drinkers.

An excellent morning tea is Irish Breakfast Tea - Special Reserve.

This robust yet balanced tea is great to start the day with combining the best black tea with a special reserve blend of the best flavoring

The robust flavor is equally elegant and complex. Rich and malty character, with subtle notes of ripe cherries, dark prunes, and hints of hazelnuts and honey create an unforgettable tea drinking experience.

One of the secrets to our Irish Breakfast - Special Reserve tea is the quality of the leaf. The leaves of this Irish Breakfast - Special Reserve tea are a large, well crafted fom the finest tea gardens and are robust and firm.

Start the Fall right!

A Tea Party for a Good Cause

Yesterday I attended a tea party for a good cause. It was part of an event to raise awareness for a battered women and children shelter in our city. The event was held at a five star restaurant (McCormick & Schmick's Sea Food)

It seemed to me that a tea party was a great way to host an event because the participants enjoyed the tea, small sandwiches, cookies and pasteries and it put everyone in a good mood for the event.

After the first 1/2 hour of socializing over cups of quality loose leaf tea (my favorite was Sugar Caramel Oolong) presentations were made that included members of the shelter who were helped by the services of the shelter and a doctor who provided medical care.

The whole event was a lot of fun and raised awareness in my mind that battered women and children still need help.

China and Tea

Many historians believe that tea was first introduced and cultivated in Yunnan Province (located in southwestern China and bordering on present day Burma, Laos, Vietnam and Thailand) in a rich, lush area of jungle that was favorable to the growth of the tea bush.

What China added to the world of tea, however was an advanced society with an efficient bureaucracy that supported the spread of tea consumption in a methodical and rapid way. And, equally important, tea transition from a basic food to a valuable medicine under Chinese management.

By the third century AD in China the story of tea and its benefits were well known, but it was not until the Tang Dynasty (618 CE - 906 CE) that tea officially became China's national drink. During this time the word ch'a was used to describe tea.

A Great Way to Find the Best Tea

There are a great number of specialty tea products on the market today and the loose leaf tea drinker is faced with many choices.

Often this can be time consuming, expensive and difficult.

Now however there is a tea sampler product that is cost effective, convenient and makes a unique gift for all occasions. Golden Moon Tea has created a sampler set that offers all of their 31 delicious teas in an attractive sampler package.

Each tea sampler makes one (1) cup of perfectly delicious tea.

It is an ideal way to enjoy the world of premium teas. It makes a perfect and unusual gift by itself or compliment it with beautiful teapots, Whole Leaf Brew-in-Mugs or other tea ware.

As we approach the holiday season, this set is an ideal gift set for the Holidays and special occasions .

For more details go to click here

How did Monkeys Influence the Spread of Tea?

For thousands of years monkeys have had a symbiotic relationship with the Camellia Sinensis (Tea) plant. It is a fact that over 40% of the tea plant is comprised of phenolics in the leaf.

Phenolics are ranked among the most powerful anti bacteria substances known to man and it is a fact that monkeys have the ability to consume plants that they perceive to be beneficial to their health.

When the tea leaves were consumed by monkeys, the phenolics cleansed their mouths and digestive tracts as well as wounds and sores on their skin. And tea had an evolutionary effect on monkeys as the healthier ones who fed on the tea plant thrived and travelled throughout Southeast Asia.

Many scientists have concluded that the existence of healthy, well travelled monkeys spread the existence of the tea plant into southern China and merchants and farmers soon noticed the beneficial effects of the tea plant.

More Profit for Independant Coffee Shops

Make no doubt about it - the country is in a recession and consumer spending is being cut back, High priced coffee is affected and even Starbucks is suffering and cutting back.Independent coffee shops are affected as well. High quality specialty loose leaf tea is a way to bolster sales and dramatically increase profits for the independent coffee shop.

The big players (Starbucks and other chains) will survive because they are huge and can withstand the storm but independents need to take action quickly and adjust their business models to take advantage of new opportunities.

You can survive - and thrive - in this bad economy by serving high quality specialty loose leaf tea. Some suppliers are offering packages that guarantee you'll clear at least $1,500.00 from the first shipment. Loose leaf tea offers recession relief when you need it most!Your customers will love loose leaf tea. If you purchase from a high quality loose leaf tea vendor you can often purchase at wholesale prices for their best selling tea.

Tea is America's fast-growing beverage and specialty loose leaf tea is the fastest growing tea segment..

Because green tea has anti-oxidant health benefits, consumer demand is booming - particularly for superior grade loose leaf tea.Loose leaf tea gives you a big competitive advantage over Starbucks and other chains. They sell the inferior mass-produced tea bag product for $1.50 a cup. For the same price, you serve great-tasting, award-winning gourmet tea preferred by upscale consumers.

Tea Trends

Trends in the Wholesale and Retail Loose Leaf Tea Industry

The tea industry in the United Sates is a growth industry and the role of retailers or value added resellers has played an important part in the overall expansion. Value added resellers and retailers add significant value to the tea industry as they bundle tea offerings with quality dining and other services but they must be supported by comprehensive wholesale programs that are reliable , consistent and profitable.

What trends are driving the market?

In most countries in the world, tea is the second most popular beverage after water. The one exception is tea drinking in the United States. But the market for quality loose leaf tea has unlimited upside potential for tea drinkers in this country.

The market for high quality loose leaf tea is experiencing strong growth and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The growth of revenue and profits in the value added retail sector of the market is also very strong particularly when tea is prepared and presented as a part of a total offering in tea rooms, fine dining establishments and hotels.

There are a number of factors influencing this growth in loose leaf tea demand:

• The incredible good taste of tea and blends.
• The health benefits of tea.
• The wide variety of tea flavors and blends.
• A growing awareness about the enjoyment benefits of loose leaf tea .
• An expansion of the value added reseller network for quality loose tea.
• Many consumers are looking for an alternative to coffee as a hot or iced drink of choice.
• Consumers are tired of the "tea bag mentality" where the taste and quality of tea is sacrificed for the convenience of the tea bag.

The market for loose leaf tea is large and expanding. Try a quality tea and you will surely like it.