Although all true tea comes from one plant, Camellia Sinensis, there are thousands of varieties of that plant. White tea, green tea, oolong tea, black tea and puerh tea may come from different varieties of camellia sinensis, but it is simply how the leaf is processed that makes them different. Different levels of oxidation, that is exposing the crushed leaf to air, determine the type of tea. Tea flavor profiles and quality vary from growing season to growing season, just like wine. And like wine, the terrior (soil, weather, location and other elements of nature) of the tea plant will have an impact on the final taste of the processed leaf. Herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint (see our blend Tranquil), are truly tisanes – infusions made from other ingredients that are not derived from the camellia sinensis plant.

Admari Lifestyle Teas utilize many different types of tea, herbs,
spices and other ingredients to create our unique benefit blends.

White Tea

White tea is simple and pure, just fresh plucked tealeaves that are skillfully air-dried. This produces a delicate infusion of subtle flavor and pale color. Full of healthy antioxidants, white tea makes an exceptional choice for everyday sipping.

Green Tea

Green tea is the un-oxidized leaf of the camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are harvested, allowed to dry slightly, then heated to cease oxidation. Traditionally green teas from China have a smoky or toasty flavor and green teas from Japan have a grassy or herbal taste.

Oolong Tea

Oolong teas are arguably the most demanding teas to manufacture. Oolongs are semi-oxidized and are produced mainly in Taiwan and China. They can be fragrant, rich, complex and sometimes fruity. Many oolongs have similar taste profiles to green tea and some are similar to black tea.

Black Tea

Black tea is the fully oxidized leaf of the camellia sinensis plant. It comes in a wide variety of types and flavors from many countries. They can range from light to full body, sweet to bold, floral to malty. In China, black tea is referred to as red tea due to the color of the liquor.

Puerh Tea

Puerh tea is known for its characteristic earthy, woodsy aroma and flavor. The flavor can range from complex, intense body to unique “old wood” character. The color too may be golden green to coffee black. Pu-erh is also touted for its many health benefits.

Herbal Tea

Herbals or tisanes are not considered true tea. They are teas derived from a variety of plants, herbs and spices. There is a wide variety flavors possible with herbals. This is a popular category to blend in flavoring and spices to create a truly unique experience. Many herbals are naturally caffeine free.

In the manufacturing of tea the process of oxidation is what creates the different categories of tea. Oxidation is very simple. Imagine you have sliced an apple and the exposure of the flesh of the apple starts to turn brown. If you put that apple in the oven to heat it, it ceases to turn brown. Oxidation!

Good water is vital to good tea

For best results, use artesian water. Do not use distilled water, as this produces a flat and lifeless brew.
Fill an empty kettle with fresh cold water. We do not recommend microwaving your water.

Heat Water

As soon as the water comes to the proper temperature, remove it from the heat.
Overheating the water reduces its oxygen content and causes the tea to taste flat.

Measure your Tea

Use 1 biodegradable pyramid per 8 oz of water.

Steep your Tea

Pour water into your drinking vessel of choice. We like to use glass. How long to steep depends on how strong you like your tea and the type of tea you’re using.
Do not judge by color because some teas brew light while others brew dark. Small leaves brew more quickly. Many teas will taste bitter if you steep to long or the water is too hot.
Because we use high quality whole leaf tea, herbs and spices for our blends – Many of our Teas can be steeped more than once.

Reuse your pyramid!