green teas

Green teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant, grown primarily in China and Japan. Green teas are gently air or steam dried to preserve flavour and beneficial compounds.

Green teas taste delicate, sweet, grassy and palate cleansing. They are a perfect accompaniment to meals and aid in digestion.

Green teas have many health benefits and have been used as medicine in China for 4,000 years. Green teas contain a powerful anti-oxidant called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Modern scientific research indicates that green teas are helpful in treating cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, infection and impaired immune function.

Green teas contain caffeine, but only one fifth the amount found in coffee.

We stock a number of green teas, flavoured green teas, and blends of green and black tea.

green teas | flavoured green teas | flavoured black/green teas

	bancha ("late harvest") A Japanese green tea served with meals as a digestive; mild; refreshing. Use: under boiling water - 3 tsp / 1½ cups water / 100°C (212°F) / steep 30 seconds.
	chinese red tea This green tea turns into a beautiful red tea. Earthy; sweet; low aroma; medium flavour. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 100°C (212°F) / steep 5 minutes.
	fresh spring green tea A rare Chinese green tea that is picked in early spring; very refreshing taste. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 1-3 minutes.
	gen mai cha A blend of sencha and genmai (husked grains of roasted brown rice). Frugal Japanese housewives added rice and corn to "stretch" the tea. Slightly salty, grainy taste Use: under boiling water - 1¾ tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 1 minute.
	golden pu'erh This is a 5-year-old medicinal tea from Yunnan province; musty, earthy character. Like wine, the older the pu'er is, the more valuable it becomes. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	green clouds and mist One of the favourites in China; sweet and refreshing fragrance. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 1-3 minutes.
	green tea with ginseng The healing powers of ginseng coupled with the health benefits of green tea. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 1-3 minutes.
	gunpowder Pellet shaped green tea that unfurls in water; careful - over brewing makes this tea extremely bitter. Has a long shelf life (because it is tightly rolled); high in fluoride. Strong, dark green brew; memorable fragrance; slightly bitter but not unpleasant flavour; long lasting aftertaste. Makes a great iced tea flavoured with lemon. In Morocco, gunpowder is mixed with mint and sugar. Use: under boiling water - 1-2 tsp / pot of water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 3-4 minutes.
	houji cha Lightly roasted bancha with a toasty aroma and a smooth nutty taste. It's gentle on the stomach and low in caffeine. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 1-3 minutes.
	huangshan mao feng Grown in the Huang Mountain area of Anhuai province. Plucked very young (one bud and a single unfolding leaf) & hand rolled into fine strips. This tea has the aroma of magnolias and it gives an apricot-coloured liquor even though none grow nearby. Sweet clean flavour; slight wild peach fragrance. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 5-7 minutes.
	jasmine During the manufacturing process jasmine flowers are layered between green tea; thus infusing the jasmine flavour. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep for 1-3 minutes.
	ku tin A green tea from China; bitter but has a sweet aftertaste. Used for total body cleansing, headache relief, toothache relief; and as a cooling (body temperature) tea in China. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 1-3 minutes.
	lung ching a.k.a. dragonwell From Hangzhou, this "cooling" tea is often served in hot weather. Clear yellow-green brew; slightly sweet; fresh flavour; slightly sweet aftertaste. Use: under boiling water - 2 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 1-3 minutes.
	matcha ($15.00/50grams) This is a nutritious ceremonial tea that was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks in 600 A.D. Consists of steamed, dried and ground tea leaves. Preparation: it is best to use a matcha bowl- add hot water to the powder (1/2 tsp for a thin consistency or 1 tsp for a thick consistency) / water-100°C (212°F) and whisk briskly with a matcha whisk until a green foam appears. Milk and/or honey can be added. Cloudy jade green colour; pungent-sweet flavour. Matcha is also good for cooking- add to cake and muffin mixes, ice cream, etc.. For iced tea, follow the basic matcha recipe. Let cool, add ice, and serve with sugar syrup.
	natural ku tin An extremely rare "wild" green tea from Hainan. The tea trees grow 30 feet high and are 300 years old. Only 800 kg are produced annually. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 1-3 minutes.
	oolong The "black dragon" is primarily grown in Fujian province, China and Taiwan. Also referred to as "monkey tea" because in ancient times only trained monkeys picked the leaves. The tea tree can grow up to 90 feet. Subtle, flowery fragrance; smoky flavour. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176-185°F) / steep 2-3 minutes.
	ginseng oolong ($10.99/50grams) The "champagne" of tea! One of our best sellers, this energizing blend of ginseng and oolong tea is an excellent all-around health booster, stimulating the body's systems. It has a pleasant aftertaste of gingseng, and is a great hangover remedy. (oolong tea, gingseng, natural flavouring) Use: 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 100°C (212°F) / steep 2-3 minutes.
	pu'erh mini toucha Valued as it ages, pu' erh is famous for its medicinal qualities; reputed to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and acts digestive aid. A toucha is pu' erh tea compressed into a bowl shape. Dark; full bodied earthy taste; flavour endures several infusions. Pu'erh mixed with chrysanthemums is good for cooling internal heat. Use: Cut or shave off desired amount / 1 cup water / 100°C (212°F) / steep 5 minutes.
	sencha An everyday Japanese tea rich in vitamin C. Delicate, fresh taste. Use: 4 tsp / 4 ¾ cups water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 30 seconds.
	tie guan yin "Iron Goddess"; the leaves are dark like iron yet the taste is light and ethereal. Bold fruity flavourse with a sweet, lingering finish. Use: under boiling water - 2 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 1-3 minutes.

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flavoured green teas

	apricot peach oolong A delicate and mild combination of a scented aroma with the gentle elegance of an Oolong tea. (Tea, pieces of peach, orange and safflower petals, aroma) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	geisha treasures Our best seller! A blend of Japanese green teas combined with an intoxicating aroma of strawberries. (sencha, bancha, gen mai cha, kukicha, gyokuro, strawberry bits, red currants) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	golden phoenix Gives a citrusy expotic cup. (green tea, citrus peel, cinnamon bark, calendula flowers, tangerine, grapefruit and cinnamon essences) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	green earl grey An old favourite with less caffeine. (green tea, bergamot, cornflower petals) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	green tea with ginseng An energizing blend of green tea and ginseng. Ginseng acts as a tonic, stimulant, regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and stimulates the immune system. (green tea, ginseng, natural flavouring) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	gunpowder mint A fine gunpowder blended with refreshing spearmint and lemongrass. (gunpowder, spearmint, lemongrass) Use: under boiling water - 1tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	new evening jazz Enriched with Egyptian chamomile and sweet orange peels. A soothing and popular tea. (green tea, chamomile flowers, raspberry leaves, lavender, rose petals, lemongrass) Use: under boiling water - 1tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	jasmine with petals Green tea infused with the sweet aroma of jasmine blossoms. Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	kyoto lime Kyoto lime makes an exceptional iced tea. (sencha, lemon peel, daisy blossoms, natural flavouring) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	last emperor's treasures A classic ancient Chinese recipe. (sencha, gunpowder, mini toucha, chun mee, bai mu dan, lung ching, pi lo chun, pineapple pieces, strawberry pieces, sunflower blossoms) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	lemon zinger Green tea with a zing of fresh flavour. Makes a lovely iced green tea. (green tea, lemongrass, flavour) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	morning dew A fascinating composition with large leaf sencha. Delicate fruity aromas and flower petals make for an unforgettable experience. (tea, aroma, sunflower, cornflower and rose petals) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	moroccan mint In Morocco, mint tea is offered to guests as a sign of hospitality, friendship and tradition. Because this drink is so popular, it is served all day long, after every meal and with every conversation. (green tea, peppermint, flavour) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 1 minute.
	okanogan peach A fine sencha blended with peaches and swathed in a gentle peach aroma. (sencha, peach bits, sunflower petals, natural flavouring) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	peach blossom The juicy flavour of peaches with the delicate crispness of green tea. (green tea, peach pieces, apricot pieces, rose petals) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	sencha earl grey Oil of bergamot gives Earl Grey tea its distinctive flavour. When combined sencha, it creates a surprising, refreshing twist that remains familiar nevertheless. (sencha, oil of bergamot) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	sublime Sublime citrus! This is a perfect treat on a hot summer day. (green tea, lemongrass, citrus and lime extracts) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	tokyo rose A remarkable blend of fruit and spices. (bancha, gen mai cha, ginger bits, cardamom, pineapple, papaya and mango bits, coconut, rose buds & blossoms, bamboo shoots, natural flavouring) Use: under boiling water - 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 80-85°C (176- 185°F) / steep 3 minutes.
	zen This tea has a clean delicate aroma. Use: 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 100°C (212°F) / steep 3 minutes. (green tea, mango bits, strawberry bits, lemon, red currants, orange, natural flavouring)

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flavoured black/green teas

	energy blast A fantastic combination of energy boosting tea and herbs, accented by the delicious sweetness of red currants and the tart addition of vitamin C. (black tea, green tea, manna guarana, stinging nettle, maté, sunflower blossoms, red currants, and vitamin C) Use: 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 100°C (212°F) / steep 4-5 minutes.
	iced cherry The tempting flavour of sweet ripe cherries together with black and green tea is a tasty treat. (black tea, hibiscus blossoms, apple pieces, green tea, orange peels, magnesium carbonate, safflowers, cherry pieces, aroma) Use: 1 tsp / 1 cup water / 100°C (212°F) / steep 5 minutes.

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