Home Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the list of frequently asked questions below. If you do not find the information you need, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you. 

Product Information:

Do You Really Know Exactly Who Made Every Tea?

Yes, we really do know nearly every artisan tea farmer and producer for the teas we carry in our store. We have made it our mission to curate only the best single origin teas direct from family farms in China, Japan, and Taiwan, meaning we know who crafts each and every tea leaf in our collection. For teas from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, we either buy directly from the tea garden or from a representative who represents the tea garden. Our herbal teas are purchased from reliable producers that we have worked with for years. To read more about our artisanal growers and our commitment to quality, please click here.

What's the Difference Between The Package Sizes?

We received great feedback from quite a few customers requesting more flexibility in the sizing of our packages. In order to give you the best experience possible, we now sell all teas in resealable kraft bags by the ounce. Most teas are packed in 1 oz, 2 oz and 4 oz bags. Most teas are also discounted 10% for a 4 oz purchase and 20% for a 8 oz purchase.  The packaging is light and moisture proof as well as resealable, to keep the tea as fresh as possible even after opening. 

Why Don't You Sell Much Scented Tea?

Scented teas were a product of necessity in the 1600s to 1700s when teas were often spoiled from long periods required to transport them from China to Europe. These spoiled teas often required scent added (such as Bergamot oil in Earl Grey), or blending with other teas for it to be consumable. Today, our teas are shipped fresh and farm direct, often by airfrieght so that teas harvested one week can reach us by the next, eliminating such unnatural and diluting additives needed. 

What Is Blending, and Why Don't You Blend Your Teas?

Blending is a mix of different teas and flavors together. As teas are enormously complex and nuanced, blending was more of a commercial and marketing need to create consistency rather than ideal for the true appreciation of premium teas. We carry only single origin, unblended teas, to allow the nuanced flavors from each harvest to shine. Please see the "Our Growers" page for more information on the growers of our single origin teas. 

Why Don't You Carry Silken or Pyramid Teabags?

These 'silken' teabags are not made of silk but of a plastic called polypropylene. Although many like the convenience and presentation of a see through, pyramid teabag, steeping plastic in hotwater has questionable health impacts. In addition, polypropylene is not biodegradeable, and even the new versions made of corn PLA are biodegradeable in something like 1000 years according to research.  We prefer the most natural method for drinking tea possible: whole, loose leaf, without additives, chemicals, or artificial ingredients such as polypropylene. See our teaware section for convenient to use equipment.

What about the sachets you use for cold brew tea?

These sachets are made of abacá pulp, cellulose and sealing fibre. Abacá is a species of banana native to the Philippines. The plant, also known as Manila hemp, is harvested for its fiber. The sachets are biodegradable, unbleached, and use no glue. 
 

Sales and Discounts:

Where Can I Find Out About Promotions and Discounts?

The best way to find out about promotions and discounts is to subscribe to our mailing list - just enter your email address to subscribe at the bottom of this page.  We also frequently post promotions and discounts exclusively for our social media friends, so please be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for more deals and information!  

I Missed the Sale This Weekend, Can You Honor The Discount on My Order? 

Sorry, we do not offer rain checks, exceptions, or alterations to sale policies. If you missed a recent sale, please be on the look out for future promotions and be sure to order within the advertised time frame! 

Tea Storage and Steeping:

How Should I Store My Tea Once I Receive It? 

Tea is an agricultural product, and should be enjoyed as close to harvest time as possible. If you plan to store your tea, please keep it in a light and water tight container, preferably made of ceramic or metal. Please do not store your tea in clear plastic or glass containers! We have storage canisters available in our teaware section for purchase.  

How Long Does Your Tea Last?

The shelf life of a given tea depends entirely on it's varietal and processing method. As a general rule, White and Green Teas, as well as lightly oxidized Oolongs, should be enjoyed within 6 months of purchasing, if stored correctly. Dark Roasted Oolongs, Red or Black Teas, and Herbal Infusions may be enjoyed for between 1 and 5 years, if stored correctly. Pu-Erh teas, because they are fermented, can be aged and enjoyed for as long as you prefer, if stored correctly. 

Why Do You Give Such Specific Steeping Instructions? Does It Really Matter?

The way you brew your tea can significantly affect the taste of the product as well as your drinking experience. Please follow the water temperature and steeping times as closely as possible for your particular tea to avoid bitter or unpleasant flavors. For more information on steeping, please see our steeping guide.