The Tea Detective
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
The Tea in Special-ty
Specialty and gourmet teas possess unique qualities that set them apart from regular teas for a
variety of reasons.

For some it's a special step in processing, a unique flavor, or the locale in which they're grown
that separates them from the pack.
One of these is Lapsang Souchong tea (also
known as Russian Caravan).  Deep in the Wuyi
mountain forests in China's northwest Fujian
Province, lie smoking sheds where the finished
black tea is taken to receive one final step in
processing.

Laid out in thin layers in the sheds, the tea will
receive a long, hard smoke, infusing it with a
strong, smoky flavor that's loved by millions
worldwide.

Another special tea is chai tea (also called
masala chai).  If you love your tea sweet and
spicy, then this is the one for you.

The original recipe for this Indian black tea is
made with pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and sugar, although every tea shop has their
own rendition of what it should taste like.

During China's last four dynasties (the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing), the emperor received a
special tea as a tax payment to the throne.  Known as Imperial Tribute Teas, these teas were of
the highest quality and made exclusively at each emperor's request.

Although the days of Imperial China ended in 1912, the Tribute Teas lived on.  Today they're
known as China's "Famous Teas", and are still of the very highest quality and proudly produced
by the region in which they're grown.

Some are named after the mountains in which they're grown, such as Huang Shan Mao Feng
(Anhui Province), Lu Shan Yun Wu, also called Lu Shan Clouds and Mist (Jiangxi Province), and
Tianmu Shan Clouds and Mist (Zhejiang Province).

Others bear more ethereal, poetic names, such as Mengding
Mountain Snow Buds (Sichuan Province).  Still others are tied
to myths or legends such as one of China's most famous green
teas, Longjing or Dragonwell tea (Zhejiang Province), or Da
Hong Pao, grown in the loose rocky soil on the Wuyi Cliffs in
Fujian Province, also known in legend as Royal Red Robe.

Also from the Fujian Province and one of the "Famous Teas" is
Tieguanyin.  This oolong tea also goes by the name Iron
Goddess of Mercy, and is tied to local legend.  This is one of the
most famous and popular oolong teas available.

These Fujian oolongs are also known as Min-Nan Oolong (grown south of the Min River), or
Min-Bei oolong (grown north of the Min River).  This popular style of oolongs also include Wuyi
and rock oolongs.  A similar style of Tieguanyin oolong is also grown and made in Taiwan.

Among the "famous teas" you'll also find traditional budset white teas - Bai Hao Yin Zhen
(Flowery White Pekoe or Silver Needle), also grown in the Fujian Province.  These special teas
require more than 10,000 handpicked buds to make just 2.2 lbs. of tea, making it one of the
most expensive white teas (yet still only pennies a cup), but worth every cent.

Another gourmet tea is the Japanese ceremonial tea, Matcha.  This green tea is steamed during
processing (rather than the basket or oven dried teas of China), and is ground into a very fine
powder.

The ceremonial grade of Matcha is very expensive, but the regular, or culinary grade Matcha
costs much less and is great for cooking, added to salad dressings or marinades.

Lastly, one of my favorites are blooming teas.  These teas go by
many different names, including artisan, presentation teas, display
teas, and treasure teas.  The bundles of supple, high quality teas
are wrapped with silk threads and transform into beautiful, fascin-
ating shapes while steeping, such as bird's nests, baskets, and
flowers.

They make wonderful gifts or centerpieces at anniversary, dinner,
or birthday parties, or wedding and baby showers.  Your guests will not only be fascinated
watching as the forms take shape before their eyes, but the tea is also delicious.

Tea is definitely a versatile beverage with many sides and characteristics.  Because
of the vast array of teas available, it can be a little confusing at times, but I hope
our information helps you along the way.

I love the variety and it's fun knowing you can try a different tea every day of the
week, and not run out of choices for literally years.  Enjoy.  
For more information or to learn more about tea, visit our other pages:

Learn the story behind the creation of this smoke infused, black tea.
Learn how a frightened village under siege, deep in the Wuyi Shan Mountains of China, accidentally
created a new tea that's now enjoyed by millions worldwide.

Blooming Teas - a delightful feast for the senses.
Watch as these special hand-wrapped teas transform into beautiful shapes right before your eyes, and
then enjoy drinking the freshly brewed tea.

Lapsang Souchong tea - a closely guarded secret.
For over 300 years the Chinese government kept the production method and location in China's
northern Fujian Province, deep in the Wuyi Shan mountain forests, a closely guarded secret.

How is black tea made?
Many people enjoy the full, robust flavor of black tea.  We'll walk you through the manufacturing process
step-by-step to show you what it takes to bring this quality tea to your table.

How is green tea made?
Learn about the unique manufacturing process for green tea, keeping it in its near natural state, and
preserving the flavor, vitamins, minerals, and important antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest of
teas.

What makes yellow tea so unique?
Find out what extra step is taken during processing to set yellow tea apart and make it unique, while still
sharing many attributes of both white and green teas.

A quick lesson on how teas are named and graded.
Are you confused by all the different names, letters, and symbols surrounding tea?  We'll take the
mystery out by giving you a quick lesson on what it all means, giving you one more tool to use in
learning all about this mystical plant.

How is white tea made?
White tea receives the least amount of processing, leaving it in its near natural state.  Learn how this
healthy tea is made, and why it's only available in limited quantities.

What secret ingredient is added when making puerh tea?
Puerh tea is considered to be a medicinal tea in China, and the secret to producing this healthy tea may
surprise you.

Oolong tea - nature and a careful manufacturing process make the difference.
Nature provides the perfect growing conditions, while a long, careful manufacturing process gives oolong
teas a wide spectrum of flavors, some light and sweet, and others robust and hearty.  Find your favorite!
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