Matcha tea powder and pu-erh I’m gettin’
Bright copper kettles to warm tea from Britain
PG Tips flowing while flower tea springs…
These teas are a few of my favorite things!
I love tea so much I just made a rhyme. And if you’ve had the life-changing experience like I have of sipping some of the most delicious tea in the Western world, you might feel so inclined to pop out a rhyme or two yourself!
Here at Coffee Wholesale USA, we sell top notch tea brands like Tazo (which you may have spotted at Starbucks), Mighty Leaf, Tropical Tea, and Pickwick — amongst others. I have travelled far and wide in search of tea that will blow your mind. Some are creative and delicious. And stronger varieties of green tea, contain L-Theanine: a feel-good compound that increases the effectiveness of GABA receptors in the brain. Low GABA levels are associated with panic disorder and other anxiety-related disorders. The result of these green tea varieties is a relaxed state of alertness; I feel happy and almost like I’m floating… similar to the visceral feeling I get laying in meditation after a grueling 90 minute hot yoga class. All-natural ecstasy. If you’ve never consumed a cup of tea that has left you feeling a little bit like this, you have been drinking the wrong kind of tea. That being said, it’s definitely not all about the unexpected body high. It’s about the taste. The aroma. The simple and beautiful aesthetics you can find in some artisanal varieties of the world’s oldest brewed beverage. At Coffee Wholesale, we are looking to bring to you the best of the best in tea and coffee.
I’ve worked hard to compile a master list of my favorite teas in the whole world. I have a background as a barista and tea blender/quality control manager. If you are an every morning English breakfast-er with dry toast, you might turn your nose up at this rather unconventional list of teas. Hopefully my list won’t incite the second Boston Tea Party.
1. Matcha: Have you ever heard of the Japanese tea ceremony or ‘chanoyu’? Read through the traditionally lengthy ritual and you may be thinking, “why is this tea so important?” Matcha is one of the most expensive teas available — a very finely ground tea leaf ranging in price from medium grade to high grade. And the taste is phenomenal. Chefs and baristas use low to medium grade matcha (and just a pinch is necessary) to create green tea smoothies, green tea lattes, green tea cookies — pretty much anything that defines itself as “green tea (fill in the blank)”, you are getting the color and flavor from matcha.
2. Rooibos is a beautiful and unique tea because, when mixed and hand picked correctly, has a fruity yet earthy taste — with a subtle hint of floral. Rooibos is made from the South African red bush plant. The color of Scarlet Citrus Rooibos is a stunning red with tiny pieces of orange peel, hibiscus, lemon myrtle, lemon verbena, rosemary and other dried fruits, as well as hints of vanilla. Coffee Wholesale sells Tazo Scarlet Citris Rooibos in individually-wrapped bags which is 100% natural and caffeine free. Did we mention no artificial colors or preservatives? MEM Tea also produces powdered rooibos varieties for rooibos lattes and milkshakes!
3. Bloomin’ Tea. This is also known as flower tea and as a complete sucker for packaging, I am head over heels in love with this variety. MEM Tea Importers sells three varieties of Flower Tea and Teavana carries a few varieties as well. Basically, you buy the tea in a ball. Then, you invest in a glass teapot, plop in the tea ball, followed by very hot water (not boiling), and watch the magic literally unfurl before your eyes!
4. Mighty Leaf’s Vanilla Bean: Black tea with vanilla reminds me of tea time at the Ritz Carlton. It takes milk and honey amazingly well and is a smooth and luxurious brew… prepare to be amazed at the Madagascar vanilla and the 100% biodegradable handmade silken pyramid tea bags! Pro tip: eat with crumpets, scones, and tiny cucumber sandwiches without crusts.
5. Organic Pu-Erh. Another mind blower: have you ever tried fermented tea? This one is a must-try. Aged for years, this dark, red amber tea hails from the Yunnan province in China. The aroma is pungent, with hints of aged cheese, mushroom, and cocoa. It is a good idea to rinse the tea before brewing.
Runners Up:
• Genmai Cha: A green tea blended with puffed rice and actual popcorn, imparting a toasty and wheaty flavor.
• Thai Iced Tea: The must-have beverage to accompany any thai feast. Now, recreate the magic in your own abode.
• PG Tips: Britain’s favorite and most-beloved breakfast tea just hit the states in recent years. If you want a truly authentic taste of British tea, you must get your hands on PG Tips.
