So you’ve decided to enter the wonderful world of tea (yay!) but aren’t sure how to get started. No problem! We’ve put together a list of all the things you need to get steeping and sipping!

Tea Leaves

Okay, so you may have seen this one coming. But the tea world can be overwhelming to newcomers since there are so many choices.  Here are the different types (in a nutshell).

Black tea:

…these tea leaves go through the most processing but are popular in Canada. Examples are Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast.

Green tea:

…these tea leaves don’t go through the oxidation process that black teas do. They also contain HGCG – an antioxidant that can’t be found anywhere else!

Matcha:

…gaining popularity, this green tea is finely milled into a powder. It’s a health-nut favourite because it has more antioxidants packed into it than your traditional green tea. Plus it makes a delicious smoothie!

Oolong tea:

…these leaves go through the same oxidation as black tea leaves though, but it’s a shorter process.

White tea:

…these leaves are the least processed and are loaded with antioxidants.

Yerba Mate:

…derived from a small plant, yerba is a great source of energy and can aid in digestion.

Pu-Erh:

…you don’t need to be in a rush to drink pu-erh tea, because it actually gets better with age!

Roobois tea:

…while all the above tea leaves come from the same plant, roobois comes from a red bush plant in South Africa. It has great antixodiant properties, can help with allergies and is anti-inflammatory.  Caffeine-free

Herbal:

…does not contain tea leaves but are actually a blend of herbs and spices. Herbal teas have many therapeutic benefits. (Just ask our Digestive Helper and Hangover Helper). Caffeine-free

Fruit tisane:

…does not contain leaves but is filled with delicious fruits. Caffeine-free

If you’re not sure how to properly steep your tea, be sure to check out our post here on specific instructions for each tea.

Steeping Tools

So many to choose from! Here are the best tools, all of which you can come find in store.

Tea Balls:

Fill with tea, let it steep, empty the ball and voila! Delicious tea in your cup!

Tea Filters:

Know how you get tea bags in a box from the grocery store? These are tea bags that you fill up with your favourite leaves! You can either let it hang over your tea cup or tie a knot and plunk it right in.

Mug Infusers:

These guys rest right in your mug – no opening/closing required like with the tea ball. You can also buy mugs with an infuser! (PS: Not sure what “infuser” means? It’s just a tool that helps steep your tea!)

Teapot:

One of our favorite things about tea? Sharing with a friend or family member! Many teapots now come with infusers as well, so it’s easy to make more than one cup for you and that friend. You could also drink a whole pot to yourself, but remember…sharing is caring.

Water

Alright, so this one probably doesn’t come as a surprise either. But just as important as water is something to boil it in. In a pinch a pot on the stove will do, but really you want to invest in a kettle. You can grab an electric one (plugs into the wall) or you can grab one like grandma had, which you use on the stove.

Adventurous Spirit!

Play around with different types – we offer sample sizes of teas so you can try 3-4 cups before committing to a full bag. Not only is the variety fun, but it will help narrow down what your favourite tea is! The more you try the closer you get to that perfect cup!

Now….

GET TO STEEPING AND INFUSING!

And let us know how it goes!