China
The teahouse in China may date as far back as the Tang Dynasty. Historians regard the Tang Dynasty as the golden age of Chinese Civilization. It's considered the golden age of culture, which explains why teahouses as places to gather socially would emerge. In some regions, people would gather at teahouses to hear storytelling and sometimes even some comedy. In the Sichuan region, teahouses were often a place for the settlement of disputes. Disagreements would be discussed and resolved while drinking tea.
Chinese teahouses have been around for centuries and are still popular today. Today they are places where people gather socially and sometimes even show off prized birds like singing finches.
Japan
Tea houses are generally reserved for a Tea Ceremony. The Japanese Tea Ceremony dates back to the 9th century. Zen monks would drink tea to stay awake during long hours of meditation. There is a specific way to prepare and serve tea for Tea Ceremony, which is still practiced today. Today it is more of a hobby, but the purpose is still the same: representing harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
Other Parts of Asia
Teahouses are found throughout Asia. Myanmar teahouses are a staple of modern tradition and were introduced during the British colonial period. They would serve tea much like the British did, adding milk to prevent cups from breaking. Places like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan also have a long history and tradition of tea. Tea is a global-wide drink enjoyed by many around the world.
Popular Hackberry Teas Sourced From Asia
China:
Jasmine Love Pearls: a delicious and popular tea rolled into 'pearls". Watch them unfurl when you brew. This tea is also perfect for resteeping.
Golden Monkey: meticulously plucked from tea bushes in the Fujian province of China. This tea is rich and incredibly smooth with a clean finish and has the essence of cocoa, apples, and spice notes.
Silver Needle Single Origin Organic: a Chinese white tea and is among the most sought-after teas in the world and is only harvested for a few days each year in the northern district of Fujian.
Taiwan:
Most of our Oolong teas are sourced from Taiwan. Oolong has the fragrance of green tea but the smoothness of black tea because it's oxidized between green and black. We have a variety of Oolong offerings with flavors ranging from creamy vanilla to citrus to berries.
