Once the sole - and strongly protected - domain of China, tea now covers the globe.  Journey with us through the Spice Merchants world of tea: Green, Black, and White teas from Asia and India; Mates from South America; Red Rooibos teas from South Africa; and Herbal teas from everywhere.  Hot tea.  Iced tea.  Cooking with tea.  Whatever your preference, yesterday's favorite beverage is quickly making a comeback.

Please use the following brewing guidelines for preparing your teas:

-In order to avoid scorching the tea, pre-warm teapot & cup with hot water. 

-Use fresh spring water for best tea tasting results.

-Tea leaves release their taste, color, then tannin when steeped in hot water; when released tannin will make tea taste bitter or astringent, therefore it is important not to over-brew teas.  Green teas release tannin after 2-4 minutes steeping time; 5-7 minutes for white teas; 3-5 minutes for black or oolong teas.  Herbal teas contain no tannin and may remain in hot water without bitterness. 

-Once the tea leaves have brewed for the appropriate time the tea should be decanted into teacups so that leaves do not affect the wonderful taste of the tea.