Description

Bamboo Leaves Loose Herbal Tea Blend

CUP CHARACTERISTICS: Now we know why Pandas make such a fuss. Smooth and full bodied with baked herbaceous notes.

INGREDIENTS: Bamboo leaves.

INGREDIENTS FROM: China

REGION(S): Yunnan

GROWING ALTITUDES: 1500 - 4900 feet above sea level

GRADE(S): 1st Grade New Crop

MANUFACTURE TYPE(S): Traditional process, Small batch crafted, Air and sun dried

ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: Low

CAFFEINE LEVEL: None - Caffeine Free Herb

KOSHER: Yes

VEGETARIAN: Yes

VEGAN: Yes

ARTISANAL NOTES: Small batch blended and packed in Canada.

INFUSION: Tending clear

INFORMATION:
How important is bamboo in Asia? Well, in some Asian cultures, ancient belief maintains that the human race emerged from a bamboo stem. (We'd say that's pretty important.) One of the most prominent of these ancient tales comes from Philippine mythology. The Philippine myth recounts how the first man, Malakás, and first woman, Maganda sprung form a single split bamboo stem growing on an island that was formed after the battle between the Sky and the Ocean.

If you've ever been to Asia, it isn't difficult to understand why bamboo would be held in such high regard - the tree is found everywhere, being used for just about everything from construction scaffolding to tableware to transportation. Luckily, in addition to its utility and strength, bamboo also grows incredibly quickly. (This fact is what makes it such a great addition to the world of herbal teas.) So, why would it's speed of growth make it a good tea? The answer lies in the fact that bamboo contains an incredibly high amount of vegetal silica. According to natural health practitioners, including Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine, Vegetal silica acts as a natural stimulant, tonic, antispasmodic and more. Bamboo derived silica is also believed to help prevent premature aging, maintain heart health, promote the growth of thick, healthy hair and give skin a healthy glow. In short, depending on whom you ask, it can do just about anything!

As a tea, bamboo offers a distinctive herbaceous fragrance and flavor and a pale liquor that resembles green tea. Again like green teas, bamboo may also be brewed more than once before getting bitter. We invite you to sit back, pour yourself a cup and enjoy one of nature's most versatile offerings!

STEEPING TIME
TEA CUP 8oz (237ml)
AMOUNT 1 heaping teaspoon of "The Perfect Measure Spoon"
MILD 3-5 min
MEDIUM 4-5 min
STRONG 6-7 min
We recommend 3-5 min

TEA POT 18oz (532ml)
AMOUNT 2 heaping teaspoons of "The Perfect Measure Spoon"
MILD 3-5 min
MEDIUM 4-5 min
STRONG 6-7 min
We recommend 3-5 min

SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS:
NO MILK, NO SUGAR, NO LEMON, NO MINT

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

HOT BREWING METHOD:
Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea).

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart): Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml into the pot. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.)

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):
Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving into the pot. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the leaves. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Sweeten and/or add lemon to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the use of our '1 Cup of Perfect Tea' measuring spoon for best results. Please contact us to place an order.

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.