learn the fundamentals of tea

Tea 101 | A Brief Overview of the Tea Plant
  • by Cameron Dodd

Tea 101 | A Brief Overview of the Tea Plant

It’s started wars, been used as currency, and–aside from water–it is the number one most consumed beverage in the world. What is it?  Tea, of course!  Tea may seem simple at first. It is, after all, just steeping leaves in...

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Black Tea 101 | History, Processing, and Health Benefits
  • by Cameron Dodd

Black Tea 101 | History, Processing, and Health Benefits

History of Black Tea Black tea was discovered in China in the mid-17th century. For many years, only green and oolong teas were consumed. The story of how black tea came to be is that an army from Jianxi entered...

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China | Tea's Birthplace and Top Producer
  • by Cameron Dodd

China | Tea's Birthplace and Top Producer

Of all the tea origin stories, the history and evolution of tea in China is the most influential. Tea cultivation and consumption began here, making tea a deeply embedded part of Chinese culture since before the third century. Originally, monks...

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Egypt | Historical and Cultural Impact of Tea
  • by Zoë Maiden

Egypt | Historical and Cultural Impact of Tea

  The art of drinking tea has significantly influenced many different regions and cultures for centuries. We have learned about the first discovery of tea in China and its migration through Europe and India. Now, this beloved beverage is consumed...

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Fruit Tea 101: History & Benefits
  • by Cameron Dodd

Fruit Tea 101: History & Benefits

Fruit tea, served hot or cold, is naturally sweet and deliciously refreshing. But what exactly are we drinking when we drink fruit tea? Well, for starters, it may surprise you to hear that fruit tea is not technically ‘tea’. Tea...

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India | A Top Producer of Our Favorite Teas
  • by Zoë Maiden

India | A Top Producer of Our Favorite Teas

The History of Tea in India: How They Became a Top Producer of Our Favorite Teas India and China are the two countries that contend for the title of “World’s Largest Tea Producer,” but their competition is a relatively recent...

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Why Temperature and Time is so Crucial in Tea Brewing
  • by Jonathan Kellso

Why Temperature and Time is so Crucial in Tea Brewing

This blog post marks the beginning of a new series that we here at Hackberry are introducing: “Tea Brewing Tips and Tricks.” This series will revolve around the “dos and don’ts” of tea brewing, breaking down specific nuances and recipes...

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blog graphic for Hackberry education: reads "english - irish - breakfast a breakdown of the breakfast teas""
  • by Cameron Dodd

English, Irish, and Scottish Breakfast Tea

Drinking hot tea has been a longstanding tradition in Europe, specifically in the United Kingdom. English, Irish, and Scottish breakfast teas have been a staple for many households for their bold flavors and tannin levels. Breakfast teas were produced to...

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Tea Brewing 101 | White Tea
  • by Zoë Maiden

Tea Brewing 101 | White Tea

What is White Tea? Like all tea, white tea originated from the Camellia sinensis plant found in China. This particular tea was discovered around the 11th century and was considered the finest and most delicate of teas. The main difference...

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Butterfly Pea Flower | Add Some Color to Your Tea
  • by Karla Walker

Butterfly Pea Flower | Add Some Color to Your Tea

Here at Hackberry Tea, some of our teas have vibrant and bright colors. How do they get that way? For example, our Hibiscus Purple Papaya is a bright and beautiful purple, and our Calm Mango Beach is a deep and vibrant...

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brown graphic with title chai tea: it's origin and evolution in dark brown text
  • by Cameron Dodd

Chai Tea 101 | Origin & Evolution

Chai is one of the most popular tea drinks globally. But did you know it’s not actually a tea type like black or green tea? Instead, it’s a spiced blend—often with black tea as its base—mixed with aromatic ingredients like...

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Tea Brewing 101 | Green Tea
  • by Karla Walker

Tea Brewing 101 | Green Tea

Whether you’re talking about green, black, or white tea, it all comes from the same leaf. The difference in flavor and color lies with the oxidation level. With different oxidation levels come different brewing recommendations. Green tea is slightly oxidized...

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