Loose leaf teas are the freshest and best tasting teas around. Tea bags are typically made from crushed up and pulverized tea leaves like the ones left over from the packaging of loose leaf teas. There is no way of knowing how fresh that tea really is. Our goal at Coastal Serenity is that you will always get the freshest possible tea.
All teas are loaded with beneficial antioxidants, which are proven cancer fighters. Drinking warm tea has the added benefit of increasing your metabolism.
White Teas - The tea leaves are harvested just before the buds have fully opened and do not go through as much processing as the other teas. It's name comes from the silver fuzz that still covers the bud when it's picked. It contains the least amount of caffeine of all teas. White tea has a light color and delicate flavor. Because it is closest to its natural state it contains more antioxidants than green tea.
Green Teas - The tea leaves are harvested and processed less than black tea. The leaves are allowed to whither only slightly after harvest and are then rolled and dried before they can oxidize. Green tea has less caffeine than black tea and typically tastes sweet with earthy or grassy notes.
Oolong Teas -The tea leaves are harvested and processed either by rolling into long curly leaves or pressed into a ball like form similar to gunpowder tea. Depending on how long the tea leaves are fermented oolong tea can be more like a green tea or can have a darker richer flavor. Oolong tea typically contains more caffeine than green tea.
Black Teas - Black teas go through the most processing and contain the most caffeine (still less than coffee). The tea leaves are harvested and then fully oxidized to allow the natural and robust flavors to emerge. Once they are fully oxidized they are fired to stop the oxidization process.
Pu'erh - Is in a class of tea all its own. The tea leaves are harvested and processed like green teas, except that it also goes through an aging process or ripening. It is sometimes called a post fermented tea. It is the only tea that is better with age.
Herbal Teas - Do not contain tea leaves so they are not really tea but a tisane. Herbal teas contain everything from herbs to fruits. Herbs have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes with the added benefit of tasting good. Naturally caffeine free.
Rooibos - Commonly referred to as "red tea" is not really tea either. Rooibos is grown and harvested in South Africa. It has a sweet taste and has a great red color when brewed. Rooibos tea makes a great iced tea.
