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Kenyan Kambaa

Kambaa is one of the premiere factories under umbrella of the KTDA (Kenya Tea Development Authority -a state run corporation). Each factory in the KTDA relies on the "small holder" (small individual family farming unit) to provide the green leaf for the making of black tea. Within the KTDA there are 150,000 small holders supplying green leaf to 39 factories scattered throughout the tea growing districts of Kenya. Despite such a diverse supply of green leaf to the various factories there is very rigid quality control mechanisms in place which ensure that farmers tender top quality produce. Kambaa is consistently within the top 4 quality tea estates of the KTDA and indeed Kenya. A rich full bodied tea with superb flavor. The cup has thickness and lively character. Excellent self drinker.

Only $7.95 / ¼lb bag

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Earl Grey

Traditionally Earl Grey was a blend of Chinese and Indian teas scented with the oil from the citrus bergamot fruit - a sort of orange. The stories of Earl Grey are numerous. One such tale tells how a British diplomat on a mission to China saved the life of a Mandarin and as a gift of gratitude was given the recipe for this flavored tea. This diplomat upon his return to Britain presented the tea to the Prime Minister of the day, Earl Grey. Another story says it was the Prime Minister himself who saved the Mandarin. In an event it was the Prime Minister of England (1830-1834) Earl Grey who made this tea fashionable.

Only $6.95 / ¼lb bag

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Lapsang Souchong

This special smoked tea has a distinctive flavor and a smooth crisp character with the remarkable and heady aroma of a pine and oak wood fire. Legend claims that the smoking process was discovered by accident. During the Qing dynasty, an army unit passing through Xingcun (Star Village) camped in a tea factory filled with fresh leaves awaiting processing. When the soldiers left and the workers could get back into the premises, they realized that to arrive at market in time, it was too late to dry the leaves in the usual way. So they lit open fires of pine wood to hasten the drying. Not only did the tea reach the market in time, but the smoked pine flavor created a sensation!

Only $7.95 / ¼lb bag

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Maple

The north eastern part on North America was once covered with the mighty sugar maple. Native people discovered that the sap is quite sweet and makes a fantastic tasting and very sweet syrup. The natives even showed the early settlers how to make maple syrup which was a great dietary assistance in the early days. Today Canada and New England are world renown for this "wonder from the woods". This orange pekoe tea is naturally flavored with real maple for a sweetly satisfying good brew, reminiscent of days gone by.

Only $6.95 / ¼lb bag

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Genmaicha

This is a specialty Japanese green tea that is blended with fire-toasted rice. A good grade Japan sencha is blended with the toasted rice. The fresh vegetative character of the green tea is imparted on the cup but it is tempered with the bakey-like character of the rice. There is a natural sweetness and almost chewy character to the finish of this tea. During the firing of the rice, it is not uncommon for rice to "pop" not unlike popcorn, hence the pet name "popcorn-tea".

Only $8.95 / ¼lb bag

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Jasmine Scented with Flowers

Jasmine tea is one of the most pleasant tasting green teas available on the market. On the nose the dry tea has a floral bouquet which literally causes your senses to come alive with pleasant thoughts. The flavor is enhanced with the addition of jasmine blossoms which give the tea a visual appeal few other teas are capable of copying. Produced in both China and Taiwan, jasmine tea yields a cup with all the concentrated heady bouquet of a garden in bloom.

Only $8.95 / ¼lb bag

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Lung Ching Dragonwell

Lung Ching Tea, also known and Dragon Well, is produced by hand through a 10 part process. Dragon Well is distinguished by its beautiful shape, emerald color, scented smell and tending sweet floral character. Legend has it that in 250 AD a Taoist monk affirmed that there must be a dragon lurking in a certain spring not far from Hangchow. The monk implored the well dragon to come to the rescue of the poor farmers suffering a crippling drought. Instantly the clouds came rushing in from every side and poured forth a timely rain. One account of this, an old temple adjoining the spring is know as Dragon's Well Monastery, and the tea derives its name from the same legend.

Only $10.95 / ¼lb bag

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Sencha

The production of green tea in Japan entails the steaming of the green leaf and hand or machine rubbing. The teas are then pan fried or basket fired which gives them a distinctive appearance and glossy look and feel. These methods give a taste that is light in color but rich and full in the cup. Sencha is commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies marking events of personal importance. In this type of ceremony it is the ritual that is of paramount importance as the individual is being acknowledged. The flavor is grassy and smooth with reasonable depth and body.

Only $6.95 / ¼lb bag

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Rose Hips

Rose hip tea with honey was recommended in Bancke's Herbal of 1525 for the feeble, sick and choleric person. Even though the reason for the health benefit of the beverage was not discovered until recently, it is now known that one ounce of concentrated rose hip contains about as much Vitamin C as a dozen or two oranges. During World War II, rose hip jelly was an important substitute for citrus fruits while international shipping lanes were disrupted. It has also been determined that rose hips provide B-complex vitamins A, D, and E, are high in organic iron and calcium, and contain measurable amounts of potassium, sulphur, silica, and zinc, as well as fructose and tannins. The remedy for what ails you, curl up on the couch with a good book and a quilt and you'll be ready for winter.

Only $9.95 / ¼lb bag

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Borengajuli Assam

Darjeeling 2nd Flush Mim Estate

Kenyan Kambaa

Lover's Leap Ceylon

Panda Keemun

Black Currant

Decaf Earl Grey

Earl Grey

English Breakfast

Ginger Tea

Irish Breakfast

Lapsang Souchong

Maple

Masala Chai

Monk's Blend

Moroccan Madness

Green

Earl Green

Genmaicha

Jasmine Scented with Flowers

Lung Ching Dragonwell

Sencha

Sencha Cherry Rose

Oolong

Jade Oolong

Ti Kuan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy)

Herbal

Canopy

Chamomile

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Rose Hips

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