With the huge array of tea brands and varieties available these days, it might at first appear that finding exactly what you want would be quite easy. The truth of the matter is this: there are so many brands to choose from that the decision can become overwhelming!

Here are a few criteria that I focus on when seeking a great tea: freshness, flavor, packaging. I find that freshness is the… read more...

Popularity: 56% [?]

It’s not hard to see that the restaurants of our choice are a little easier to get into these days. This bodes well when we want to dine out but can be a little scary if we’re selling into the Food Service Industry.The good news is that grocery stores seem to still fill to the brim and many websites are doing a brisk business is teas.

If you’re struggling within your… read more...

Popularity: 78% [?]

These are difficult times for many of us and although we’re lucky to be in a business that’s a bit more recession proof than many others, it can still be tough.

Times like these require that we take extra steps to assure that our tea offerings have real value, perceived value and most of all, value that is easily recognized by our customers. Recognizable value is often even more important than… read more...

Popularity: 88% [?]

Defending straight, unflavored, teas in today’s market comes naturally to me. I hold these unadulterated leaves close to my heart and find them filled with endless variations on what seems to be a growing portfolio themes. Straight teas are the base for all tea products and I hold that a working knowledge of these is very helpful when judging flavored teas.

That said, let’s take the positive note on… read more...

Popularity: 100% [?]

I’m often asked to explain the best way to steep a particular type of tea. Water temperatures, steep time, tea and water quantities are usually the subject of these inquiries.The answer I give is often simplistic, leaves much to be desired and looks something like this:black teas, 5-6 minutes in near boiling water (210ºF)oolong teas, 4-5 minutes in water near 185ºFgreen teas, 2-3 minutes in water near 185ºFwhite teas… read more...

Popularity: 93% [?]