What is tea? Tea is more than just a beverage, it is an experience. Tea is an invitation to step away from the world, to be reflective and to take in the bigger picture. All this from a humble evergreen plant. Black, Green and White teas come from the dried leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis Most teas are grown in Asia – China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka, which many may know as Ceylon. Green teas stay green from their plucking, fired and dried to prevent oxidation and retain their green tea characteristics. Black teas are freshly plucked leaves whose natural components are allowed to oxidize. This oxidation will turn the tea leaf colors from coppery red to almost black, each with its own flavor and aroma characteristics. Teas from China tend to be more aromatic while teas from India and Sri Lanka tend to take more of their characteristics to the taste of the tea. Herbal teas or Tisanes are not true teas but herbal infusions. Rooibos (pronounced ‘roy-boss’) is an African shrub that has the fullness of body in the cup, very similar to the body of a black tea – while having no caffeine.

We have selected gourmet teas to match our Coffee Cakes and we hope you will enjoy our teas – wonderful by themselves and delightful with our coffee cakes. Select two wonderful teas to enjoy or share with friends, or peruse our Tea Pairings – teas with selected Coffee Cakes. Read about How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea in a Teapot.

Ceylon – Black Tea
Beautiful long tea leaves from small tea plantations, which border the tropical Sinharaja rain forest in the South Western Mountains of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. This tea has a distinct earthy character and lingering flavor. Makes a lovely afternoon tea. Four-ounce box of loose-leaf tea.

Ceylon – Green Tea - Temporarily out of this item.
A unique tea, the same tea that is often fermented into black tea was prepared as a green tea. It has the full body of a classic black Ceylon in a mellow green tea. Delightful with honey and also makes a refreshing iced tea. Four-ounce box of loose-leaf tea.

City Harvest – Vanilla Orchid Black Tea
Black teas from China and Vietnam scented and flavored with bits of sweet French vanilla and flower stamens from Chinese Orchids. Excellent as an iced tea. Four- ounce box of loose-leaf tea.

Cha Cha Chai Tea
A warm, rich and generous chai made from black tea and the spices of India – Cinnamon, Cloves and Cardamom. Excellent with milk and sugar – or black if you prefer. Four-ounce box of loose-leaf tea.

Mandela Masala Chai Tea
Named to honor Nelson Mandela of Africa – using Rooibos tea from Africa as a base and Masala or Spices from India – Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom and Ginger, it is a warm and spicy caffeine free tea. Excellent by itself or with milk.