Anise, scientifically known as Pimpinella anisum, is an annual plant from the Apiaceae family, primarily cultivated for its aromatic seeds. These seeds are known for their sweet, licorice-like flav...
Bourbon Vanilla is celebrated as one of the world's most renowned vanilla varieties. Harvested from the Vanilla planifolia orchid, this precious spice serves as an indispensable natural sweetener a...
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herb from the basil family (Ocimum) within the Labiatae family, which also includes mint, oregano, and thyme. There are over 200 species of this plant worldwide. Basi...
Bancha (Jap. 番茶, ban (common) and cha (tea)) is a type of green tea harvested during the later summer seasons of the year. Bancha is considered an everyday green tea and is the second most popular ...
Blue tea, commonly known as "Butterfly Pea Tea," is made from flowers of the Butterfly Pea plant (Clitoria ternatea). It can be enjoyed pure or as part in a blend. The tea gets its name from its st...
Cocoa is far more than just the base for chocolate. This aromatic powder, derived from the seeds of the cacao tree, has found its way into a wide range of uses – from indulgent skincare to holistic...
CTC is an industrial process for processing mostly black tea in which the leaves are mechanically processed in three steps - crushing, tearing and rolling. The result is a strong tea with an intens...
Ceylon tea typically refers to black teas grown in Sri Lanka, though it occasionally includes green teas. Black tea from Sri Lanka is known for its medium-bodied, slightly malty flavor and signatur...
The Chasen is more than just a whisk—it’s a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship, an essential tool for preparing matcha the traditional way. Rooted in tea culture, it brings together enjoyment, t...
Da Hong Pao is an exclusive Oolong tea from the Wuyi Mountains in China's Fujian Province. The rocky landscape of the Wuyi Mountains, where these renowned tea plants grow, gives it the name of Wuyi...
Elder (Sambucus) is a genus of plants consisting of about 20 species that belong to the family Adoxaceae. These plants thrive in temperate to subtropical regions and can also be found in higher alt...
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold pressing. They contain the characteristic aromas and fragrances of the respective plant and are used in a...
The European organic seal is a mandatory label for all organic products packaged in the EU, including tea. This label is designed to help consumers easily recognize whether a food product has been ...
Fermentation refers to the microbial and enzymatic conversion of organic substances into gases, acids, or alcohol. In the tea world, "fermentation" is often used interchangeably with "oxidation," w...
The FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council, is a certification label that ensures wood and paper products are sourced sustainably. The organization is an international non-profit that sets standards fo...
Fennel is a plant known for its naturally caffeine-free seeds, which offer mild and refreshing flavors. These seeds are characterized by a distinctive sweetness and notes reminiscent of anise. This...
Gunpowder is a traditional Chinese green tea, named for its distinctive shape: The tea leaves are tightly rolled into small, firm pellets—a technique that not only preserves the tea’s aroma but als...
Honey is a natural sweetener produced by hard-working honeybees from either the nectar of flowers or honeydew. In modern beekeeping, beekeepers harvest and produce honey for culinary purposes. It p...
The honeybush plant (Cyclopia) is a South African plant valued for its naturally sweet aroma and flavor. It primarily grows in the mountainous regions of southern Africa and is known for its bright...
Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea made from the calyces of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant, native to tropical climates in Africa. The dried calyces produce a naturally caffeine-free, vibrant red infusio...
Juniper berries are the dried fruits of the juniper plant (Juniperus communis). Known for their intense, spicy-sweet aroma, they are a popular spice. In the Middle Ages, they were highly valued in ...
Kombucha is a fizzy fermented drink made from tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), also known as a kombucha mushroom or tea fungus. You can find kombucha in various fl...
A Kyusu is a traditional Japanese teapot specifically designed for brewing green tea. Characterized by its side handle, it allows for comfortable and precise pouring.
What is the Liquorice Root? Liquorice root is the root of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra and belongs to the legume family. For centuries, liquorice root has been appreciated for its aromatic and swee...
Lavender, also known as “true lavender”, is a fragrant plant native to the Mediterranean region. Its floral scent makes it a popular ingredient in tea blends, natural medicine, and perfumes. In tea...
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical grass predominantly used as a spice in dishes and beverages throughout Asian cuisine. It has a distinctive fresh, lemony scent and exotic flavor. It i...
Lapsang Souchong is a Chinese black tea famous for its unique smoky flavor. Grown primarily in the Zhen Shan region of the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province, it gets its distinctive taste through a...
Marigold, or Calendula officinalis, belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes the cornflower. Likely originating from the Mediterranean region, the plant can now be cultivated and grow ...
Mizudashi (水出し) is a Japanese method for making an infusion or broth (dashi) using cold water (mizu) to extract flavors. Internationally, this technique is known as "cold brew" and is especial...
The humble nettle, part of the Urticaceae family, encompasses a variety of species, with the common nettle (Urtica dioica) being the most widespread. Its Latin name originates from "urere," meaning...
The orange is the fruit of the evergreen orange tree (botanical name: Citrus × sinensis) and is part of the rue family. It is the most widely cultivated citrus fruit in the world. Culinarily, it is...
Oxidation refers to the chemical reaction in which a substance interacts with oxygen. During this process, an ion or atom loses one or more electrons, which leads to a change in its oxidation state...
Peppermint is often used as a synonym for mint, but it is one of the 30 mint varieties. Botanically known as Mentha x piperita, peppermint is a hybrid mint that originates from a cross between wate...
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with a mild, sweet flavor. It is crafted from the leaves and branches of the Aspalathus linearis plant, which grows in South Africa's Cederberg regio...
Sage (Salvia) is a genus comprising about 900 species and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The plant is native to tropical to temperate regions across all continents, except Antarctica and A...
The samovar is a traditional device for making tea that originated in Russia. It holds cultural significance in countries like Belarus, Ukraine, Turkey, Iran, and regions across Central Asia. Desig...
Tie Guan Yin refers to both a specific variety of the Camellia sinensis tea plant and the Chinese Oolong tea made from it. Originally, this tea variety comes from the Anxi region in the renowned te...
Yuzu, or Citrus junos, is a rare and aromatic citrus fruit originally from East Asia. It is primarily grown and cherished in Japan, China, and Korea. Resembling a small, irregularly shaped lemon, Y...
Yerba Mate tea is a naturally caffeinated infusion made from the leaves of the mate tree, Ilex paraguariensis, which belongs to the holly family. It is a central part of South American culture and ...