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Modern organic farming is only about 20 years old but is coming along rapidly. It is based on using organic manures, and plant-based fertilizers and pest repellents, as well as intensive hand-work. The yield of tea per acre is 20 – 40% less than conventional farming.
Although western markets have driven the demand for organic tea, most tea farmers themselves prefer organic practices, understanding that these practices are better for the land, as well as their health and the health of their families. Despite this, organically-grown tea remains a tiny, but growing, percentage of the world market for tea.
To be certified organic requires five years of chemical-free farming, buffer zones between the organic farm and neighboring property, laboratory testing of the soil and the plant, and inspections of the tea processing factory. This typically costs around $10,000. There are several third-party businesses which certify organic growing—each with a slightly different set of standards. A tea grower is faced with getting organically certified in whichever countries they export to, meaning that a farmer could end up having to pay for multiple certifications.
Natural farming is what Strand Tea calls tea growing by farmers who use organic practices, but cannot afford the official certification[s] of organic. These are often small family farms without investors or corporate resources.
Rational farming. We first came across this in the pristine foothills of Darjeeling. While embracing the practices and ideas of organic farming as a whole, occasionally a farmer will decide to isolate a small section of a tea garden which has become infested or nitrogen-poor, and use chemically-based methods to control the specific situation. The goal is to prevent the pest invasion from overtaking the entire tea garden. The harvest from the isolated section is destroyed while the plants are rehabilitated.
Conventional farming. The important thing to distinguish here is commercial grown teas versus premium grown teas. Commercial grown teas are by far the major part of teas sold on the world market. They typically are grown at lower elevations, on flatter land in a homogeneous planting environment. They are treated with routine applications of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides, and are machine-picked. The purpose is to increase crop yields. Does this mean that these teas are unsafe? Most importing countries have strict regulations regarding the amount of chemical residue and other contaminants in tea. In the US the US Dept of Agriculture is charged with inspecting and ensuring the safety of tea. We consider commercially grown teas to be generally safe.
Since 1997, Strand Tea has offered green and black teas from on Organic and Bio-dynamic tea estate—Makaibari Estate in Darjeeling, India. A pioneer in Organic, Bio-dynamic, Natural and Fair Trade tea, Makaibari has won numerous acclamations for its tea growing and social responsibility.
We are now investing in two more Bio-dynamic estate teas—Burnside and Poabs Estates—because of their quality and taste, and to show our support for tea growers who heal the land as they grow tea.
Three things you should know about Organic, Bio-Dynamic, Natural and Fair Trade Teas:
1. Typically, our Fair Trade teas come from large tea estates in India, Sri Lanka and Africa. Smaller, family farms don’t participate in Fair Trade per se, because the money goes directly to the farmers.
2. Bio-dynamic practices go beyond organic farming by paying attention to the compatibility of plants and animals on the land, and by recognizing the role of healing energies in all aspects of cultivation and production.
3. Lower elevations and homogeneous crop plantings are much more susceptible to pests and soil depletion. Premium teas are grown at higher elevations (generally above 4.000 feet), in smaller patches within tea gardens, under purer air, soil and water conditions, and are hand-harvested. Most tea gardens producing premium teas practice inter-cropping, use indigenous, natural pest-repellent plants, and contain a variety of tea hybrids (cultivars). This reduces the risk of crop destruction while increasing the variety of natural tastes in the final tea leaf.
Ancient Beauty JasmineCERTIFIED ORGANIC & FAIR TRADE. A fabulous Amber Oolong from tea trees found in Bulang wild forest in a pristine region of Yunnan, South China. This tea is hand harvested by the Dai Hill Peo… $6.50 |
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Bai Lin GongfuSpecial Grade – An amazing tea and a great find. When you’ve learned all the rules about Black Tea, here is an exception. It is brewed at a lower temperature (like Green Tea) for longer … $3.95 |
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Berry-Licious™Fruit Tea. 100% Pure Naturally Dried Fruit and Hibiscus Flowers. This delicious blend of dried elderberries, cranberries, currant, cherries, and hibiscus flowers makes a nice hot or iced beverage. $2.95 |
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Ceylon - Blackwood Estate OrganicThis lot of Blackwood OP1 is the best Organic Ceylon of the season and is a Strand Tea staff pick for a refreshing afternoon tea. Well made leaves with their soft, faintly fruity aroma whe… $4.50 |
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Ceylon – Koslanda EstateOrange Pekoe, First Quality (OP1). This is the tea Americans think of when thinking of “tea.” Koslanda teas have carefully made leaves which yield full flavor and nice fruity middle tas… $3.95 |
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Ceylon – New NandanaOrange Pekoe First Grade (OP1) – We first tasted this tea in 2007 and really liked its character. It has a very well-made wiry leaf with a smooth beginning, lush, almost fruity middle notes, an… $3.95 |
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Chai Spices - Caffeine FreeSpice Blend. Our All Natural Blend of dried spice pieces comes ready to simmer into a delicious Herbal Chai. The aroma and taste are magnificent. Ingredients: Ginger Root, Cinnamon Bark, Green Car… $3.95 |
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Citrus Ginger MintHerbal Blend. Refreshing blend of Peppermint, Lemongrass, Ginger, Fennel, Lemon Peel, and Orange Peel. Good hot or iced. $3.50 |
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Cloud Mist - Yunwu Green TeaORGANIC. One of the famous teas of China, Yunwu means “Cloud-mist” because these teas are grown in high mountain areas where the weather produces more developed fragrances and tastes in th… $3.50 |
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Corrine’s Organic Lemon RooibosOrganic Red Rooibos is blended with Organic Australian Lemon Myrtle. A wonderful hint of lemon and the superb health benefits make this a top seller. $3.50 |
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Darjeeling - Makaibari EstateORGANIC , BIO-DYNAMIC, & FAIR TRADE. Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (TGFOP). Superior grade First, Second, and Autumn Flushes made in the classic style. Makaibari has a bright copper liquor … $4.50 |
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Darjeeling - Makaibari Estate. Vintage MuscatelORGANIC, BIO-DYNAMIC, & FAIR TRADE. Special Fancy Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (SFTGFOP1). In our opinion this is one of the best Darjeelings made. From the moment you smell the infused l… $6.50 |
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Dong Yang Dong Bei - Special GradeThis is a truly excellent tea, prized in China. Dong Yang Dong Bei has dark green leaves with tight budsets, slightly flattened with curled edges, and has a slight fruity aroma. It brews a… $6.50 |
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Dragon Well – Lung Ching Super GradeThis is one of the best Dragon Well Teas outside of China. A smooth, sweet cup full of flavor. It is one of our staff’s favorite teas.… $7.95 |
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Earl Grey Organic & Fair TradeThe newest addition to our Earl Grey selections. Certified Organic and Fair Trade Earl Grey Black Tea from the Korakundah Estate in South India. Korakundah Estate is thought to be the highest te… $3.95 |
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Earl Grey Rooibos Teabags - OrganicClassic flavor for Earl Grey fans! Organic Red Rooibos blended with Organic Oil of Bergamot. Box of 20 teabags. $3.50 |
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English Breakfast – Traditional Imperial BlendNOW ORGANIC! Fit for the imperial court, premium BOP leaves brew a strong cup but with taste just right to go with hearty foods. $3.50 |
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Fennel SeedFennel seed, which has a mild licorice-like taste, is great for making a nicely flavored digestive tea, blending, or cooking. Our Fennel seed is top quality and always fresh. $3.50 |
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Ginger Rooibos - OrganicOrganic Red Rooibos blended with naturally dried sulfite free ginger root. $3.50 |
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Ginger RootNaturally Dried (Non-Sulphited) – Real pieces of ginger root for real ginger lovers. This is your Grandma’s Ginger! Make a tea, blend, even use it in cooking. $2.75 |
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Green DragonThis is a fabulous high mountain China Jade Oolong made in the Tung Ting style. It is one of our all time personal favorites at Strand Tea and highly acclaimed by tea professionals. New leaf and budse… $7.50 |
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Green Rooibos Tea Bags - OrganicTop Grade available in the US. Certified Organic, Fair Trade and Kosher. Green Rooibos is carefully picked by hand to avoid bruising the leaves, then shade dried, yielding two to 20 times more antio… $3.50 |
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Gunpowder - Organic PinheadORGANIC. High grown in South China this gunpowder green tea has less tightly rolled and curled leaves, with a little milder taste than the Temple of Heaven. A very satisfying cup and excellent … $3.95 |
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Gunpowder - Temple of Heaven, Special GradeFamous in China as gunpowder or pearl tea, Temple of Heaven is one of the best gunpowder grades. Fresh leaves are rolled into little round pellets and dried according to ancient traditions producing … $3.50 |
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Honeybush Loose Leaf - OrganicTop Grade available in the US. Certified Organic, Fair Trade and Kosher. A unique honey-scented red herbal tea with rich flavors. Good alone, or try blending it with Red Rooibos. $3.95 |
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Honeybush Tea Bags - OrganicTop Grade available in the US. Certified Organic, Fair Trade and Kosher. A unique honey-scented red herbal tea with rich flavors. Good alone, or try blending it with Red Rooibos. 20 2-cup teabags pe… $3.50 |
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Immune Booster - OrganicThis is our most sought after herbal blend, both for its great taste and immune boosting properties. Customer response to this tea has been overwhelmingly positive. It is blended in small batches t… $4.95 |
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Indian Spices - Caffeine FreeAnother Natural Herbal Spice Blend - a delicious non-caffeine treat. We have offered this tea for 10 years to great acclaim. Blend includes: Cinnamon chunks, Fennel Seeds, Ginger Root Pieces,… $3.50 |
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Jasmine Gold Dragon - Extra Fine GradeORGANIC. Gold Dragon is a Chinese Steamed Green Tea perfectly scented with Jasmine blossoms picked only at their best during the month of May. Gold Dragon makes a full, sweet cup. Steep 2-3 times.&nbs… $3.95 |
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Lemon Myrtle Loose Leaf - OrganicLemon Myrtle has the refreshing flavor and aroma of a blend of lemongrass, lime and lemon. It has a clean lingering taste. It's healthy! Classified as a "medicinal tree" in Australia, it… $3.50 |
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Lemon Myrtle Tea Bags - OrganicLemon Myrtle has the refreshing flavor and aroma of a blend of lemongrass, lime and lemon. It has a clean lingering taste. It's healthy! Classified as a "medicinal tree" in Australia, it… $3.95 |
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Leopard Snow BudsChina Wuyi Mountain Green Tea is made from only the bud and first leaf of new shoots picked from selected tea plants. The delicate top leaves are pale green on top with silver downy hairs on the botto… $6.50 |
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Licorice RootThe pure thing—cut and sliced from the root! This naturally sweet herb is often used to settle the stomach or soothe the throat, but makes a nice tasting beverage on its own accord. $2.95 |
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Luscious LicoriceNatural – Our best selling licorice based tea.
This is a great blend of Licorice with Cinnamon, Anise, Fennel, Chamomile, Cloves, and touch of Orange Peel. Very refreshing and naturally sweet. $3.95 |
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Macadamia Rooibos Loose Leaf - OrganicOrganic Red Rooibos herbal tea flavored with toasted Organic Macadamia. Rich and satisfying taste much like toasted almond. $3.95 |
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Macadamia Rooibos Tea Bags - OrganicOrganic Red Rooibos tea flavored and toasted with macadamia. Rich and satisfying taste. (20 2-cup teabags) $3.50 |
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Mandarin Orange RooibosOrganic Red Rooibos with natural orange flavor. Great hot or iced. $3.50 |
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Nilgiri - Kora Kundah Estate Black Tea- TinORGANIC & FAIR TRADE Flowery Orange Pekoe, (FOP). Our best selling Nilgiri Tea. Factory sealed 100 gram (3.6 oz) attractive package. Great for home or gift. $6.95 |
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Nilgiri – Kora Kundah Estate Black TeaORGANIC & FAIR TRADE - Flowery Orange Pekoe, (FOP). Our best selling Nilgiri Tea. Korrakundah Estate is thought to be the highest tea estate in the world at almost 8,000 feet above sea level. T… $3.95 |
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Nilgiri – Kora Kundah Estate, IndiaORGANIC & FAIR TRADE. Kora Kundah Estate is thought to be the highest tea estate in the world at nearly 8000 feet above sea level. The mountain air, mists, and cool weather produce int… $3.95 |
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Nilgiri – Poabs Estate Black Tea - Factory Sealed 250 gram BoxFlowery Orange Pekoe (FOP) ORGANIC & BIO-DYNAMIC. The family that makes this tea holds seminars on Organic Production, does extensive inter-cropping, and is committed to bio-dynamic practices on… $9.95 |
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Nilgiri – Poabs Estate Green Tea - Factory Sealed 250 gram BoxORGANIC & BIO-DYNAMIC. Poabs Estate is a self-sustaining eco-system of flora and fauna surrounded by mountain ranges and virgin forests in the Nilgiri mountains of south India. It is one of … $9.95 |
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Nine Dragons White TeaRare Silver Buds make an exquisite tea. This is the best white tea we’ve come across in years – a gold standard. Most expensive, but oh what a tea! This tea can be infused seve… $6.95 |
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OatstrawHigh quality green tops harvested before the plant comes to seed. Oatstraw has a nice amount of trace minerals good for the skin, hair and nails and so its often referred to as a “body tonic.” I… $2.95 |
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Organic Breakfast BlendORGANIC. Classic Indian black tea blend strong enough to please the English and the Irish. Good with milk or sweetening and breakfast foods.… $3.50 |
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Organic CatnipCatnip is usually reserved for our fine feline friends. We keep it fresh and pack it fresh for kitty’s enjoyment. Mildly minty catnip has been used by some people as an interesting ingredient … $2.50 |
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Organic Chai Rooibos - Caffeine FreeWe blend Organic Red Rooibos with top-quality Natural dried ginger root, green cardamom pods, cinnamon bark, cloves, fennel seed, and vanilla pod pieces. The result is a great tasting Herbal Cha… $3.50 |
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Organic India Wedding ChaiIn our opinion this is the best Black Tea (Masala) Chai in the US. India Wedding Chai is made from Premium finely cut organic Assam Black Tea Base with an authentic (Masala) Organic Spice Blend of … $4.50 |
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Organic PeppermintPeppermint so fresh and pungent that you will first smell it, then taste it, and later notice the aroma in your empty cup. This is one of our best selling herbal teas. $2.95 |
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Organic Yerba Mate- GreenA unique beverage with a slight amount of caffeine, matine (a cousin of caffeine but much more easily metabolized by the body), and lots of nutrients. Mate Yerba Tea has long been popular in South Am… $3.75 |
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Pai Mu Tan Organic White TeaORGANIC. “White peony.” From Fujian, China region. Traditional long leaves with silver undersides brew a light amber cup with sweet delicate tastes. This tea is the least expensive o… $4.95 |
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Panyang Congou - Golden CrabSpecial Limited production. Golden Crab is a very smooth Golden Tip Tea from Fujiian with an excellent rich flavor. Similar in leaf style and appearance to the more expensive Yunnans, but has its o… $4.95 |
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Pau D'ArcoNaturally Grown and Harvested Premium Inner Bark. Called the “divine bark” in South America, Pau D Arco is most known for helping boost the immune system. It is packed with nutrients including ir… $2.95 |
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Peach Rooibos Teabags - OrganicOrganic Red Rooibos delicately flavored with Organic Peach. Yum! Box of 20 teabags. $3.50 |
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Raspberry Leaf - Naturally GrownPremium grade leaves from the raspberry plant are harvested at their peak, then cut and sifted for tea. This refreshing herb, which has its own mild slightly woody taste is soft and downy in appearanc… $2.95 |
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Raspberry Leaf - OrganicPremium Grade leaves from the raspberry plant are harvested at their peak, then cut and sifted for tea. This refreshing herb, which has its own mild slightly woody taste is soft and downy in appearanc… $3.95 |
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Red Clover Blossoms - Organic - Back in stock February 2009Temporarily out of stock until February 2009.
100% large Red Clover Blossoms are one of the most beautiful herbal teas, have a delicate floral aroma, and lovely mild taste. Good alone or use for b… $5.50 |
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Red Rooibos Loose Leaf - OrganicTop Grade available in the US. Certified Organic and Kosher. After picking, leaves are rolled to bruise the leaf slightly, bringing natural flavanoids to the surface. Red Rooibos sits for about one… $2.95 |
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Red Rooibos Tea Bags - Organic(20 2-cup teabags) Top Grade available in the US. Certified Organic and Kosher. After picking, leaves are rolled to bruise the leaf slightly, bringing natural flavanoids to the surface. Red Rooibos… $3.50 |
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Relaxing Herbal Blend - OrganicA blend of four premium calming herbs: Chamomile Flowers, Raspberry Leaf, Peppermint Leaf and Green Oatstraw Tops. Sit back and relax with this good tasting, soothing Tea. It’s hard to find… $3.50 |
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Rene's Essiac Tea - OrganicOrganic Medicinal Tea. This is NOT a beverage tea – it should not be used without advice from a qualified health practitioner.
Our customers have asked us for this anti-cancer tea first for… $11.95 |
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Roo-Berry™A blend of naturally dehydrated berries, a little hibiscus, and the Organic Red Rooibos. Customers rate this a top choice. Great hot or iced. $3.50 |
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Rooibos Chai - OrganicWe blend Organic Red Rooibos with top-quality dried ginger root, green cardamom pods, cinnamon bark, cloves, fennel seed, and vanilla. The result is a great tasting herbal chai. One of our top seller… $3.50 |
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Sencha - OrganicORGANIC. We added this tea to our offerings in 2002 and it has remained popular ever since. It brews a pale green liquor with a pleasant herbal taste, a little lighter than the standard Se… $4.95 |
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Seven Buddhas Jade OolongA lightly oxidized, hand crafted tea from Anxi County, South China made by a small family farmer. It is a little lighter than the Ti Kwan Yins or the Green Dragon, more in the Pouchong St… $4.50 |
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Sikkim - Temi EstateFinest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, (FTGFOP). This is an exceptionally high quality tea from the Eastern Himalayas of Northern India. Sikkim is a “Kingdom” much like its next door … $4.95 |
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Silver Cloud – Jade Oolong, High Mountain Grown in South ChinaA medium oxidized leaf, Silver Cloud is a velvety Oolong, with layered tastes and a light fragrance. This is the kind of tea you can make an afternoon of! Brew multiple times.&… $4.50 |
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Tai Mu San – High Mountain Naturally Grown TeaThis excellent tea is grown by a local farmer in the Wuyi Mountain region. Sales of this tea directly support his family farm. Our customers rate this as one of the best overall Green Teas… $4.50 |
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Ti Kuan Yin Super FancyJade Oolong from Anxi County, South china. This is a lightly oxidized, true Tie Guan Yin with layers and layers of complexity and flavor. It has a nice balance of floral aromas and melon l… $7.50 |
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Tibetan Organic Black Tea - TeabagsORGANIC. Grown on the shores of Lake Yigong in Linzhi Perfecture at an altitude of 7000’ under high mountain peaks with crystal clear water, Tibet Black Tea is a medium bodied dark brew with a… $5.50 |
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Vanilla Rooibos Loose Leaf - OrganicOrganic Red Rooibos blended with naturally grown Madagascar Vanilla. Excellent taste treat! $3.95 |
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Vanilla Rooibos Tea Bags - OrganicOrganic Red Rooibos blended with naturally grown Madagascar Vanilla. Excellent taste treat! (20 2-cup teabags) $3.50 |
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Wuyi Mountain ShuixianORGANIC. Amber Oolong from Wu Yi mountain area of South China. Many of this areas teas are also knows as Rou Gui or “Rock Teas” because the tea plants are scattered in little wild pa… $4.95 |
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Yunnan - OrganicFlowery Orange Pekoe (FOP). Large leaves with some gold tips brew a full-bodied tea without bitterness. Makes a great breakfast tea. $3.95 |
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