Although our tea selection is large, our most extensive collection is found in our educational portal. Browse upwards of 100 different articles all put together firsthand by our education team.
narrow your search.
True teas–like black, green, and oolong–come from the Camellia sinensis plant, while herbal teas are crafted from a variety of other botanicals.
The history of tea's journey has taken it from one culture to the next, impacting each one and leaving behind traditions of flavor and comfort.
Tea is everywhere in society, from the teahouse to the small-farm producer. Read our stories about the culture and resonate with others that enjoy tea like you do.
From brew guides to recipes, we love making tea and sharing our expertise with the world. Let us share with you our favorite tea preparation techniques
For centuries tea has been used for medicinal purposes and today it is one of the most accepted tools around the world to improve your every day health.
Tea processing is a fascinating art. The more you dive into understanding it, the more you want to learn, so let's learn together.
tea type 101s
- by Cameron Dodd
Black Tea 101 | History, Processing, and Health Benefits
Hot. Iced. Sweetened. Unsweetened. You may think you know it. You may have been drinking it your whole life.
But there are intricacies about black tea that are fairly unknown and truly staggering. It has started wars, been used as currency, and is the most popular type of tea in the world. But there’s more to this tea than banknotes and bloodshed and bottom lines. There’s history and processing and health benefits and more!
- 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...
- by Zoë Maiden
Green Tea 101 | History, Processing, and Health Benefits
History of Green Tea Green tea originated in China, tracing back to 2737 BC. The discovery occurred accidentally when the Chinese Emperor Shennong mistakenly drank water with a dead tea leaf boiled inside. He found the flavor refreshing; thus, a...
- by Cameron Dodd
Honeybush Tea 101 | History and Processing
History of Honeybush Tea In the world of tea, Honeybush stands out. Not just for the unique, honey-like aroma that emanates from its yellow flowers (where it gets its name), but also for the plant it comes from. Unlike black,...
- by Cameron Dodd
Oolong Tea 101 | History, Processing & Health Benefits
Somewhere between black tea and green tea you’ll find the wonder that is oolong tea. Oolong is a tea in the truest, most traditional sense since it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. But due to its unique processing method, it sits...
- by Cameron Dodd
Pu-erh Tea 101 | The History, Uniqueness, and Health Benefits
Pu-erh, like all true teas, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant — but it’s far from your average black tea. Unlike traditional black teas, which are simply oxidized and dried, Pu-erh undergoes a fascinating process of microbial fermentation — unlocking...
tea origins
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- by Cameron Dodd
Japan | A Historical Tea Origin
Though tea didn’t originate in Japan, it has become an enduring part of Japanese culture. While it may not produce the same volume as other countries, Japan’s treatment of tea is unmatched in terms of quality and cultural significance. Japanese...
- by Zoë Maiden
South Africa | An Underdog Region Making an Impact with Their Indigenous Teas
When one thinks about the origins of tea, countries like China and India will often come to mind. During our journey of tea origins, we have discovered many other less known countries that have established delicious tea and created successful...
- by Cameron Dodd
South America | Tea & the Unique Origin of Yerba Maté
South America has a wide range of climates, from tropical rainforests to freezing mountaintops. Of these diverse climates, there are actually many areas that can support growing the Camellia sinensis plant–the plant that gives us tea! However, South America is...
explore our tea library
- by Cameron Dodd
The Soul of Oolong | The Legend, Craft, and Flavor of Ti Kuan Yin Tea
Not every tea has an intriguing nickname like Iron Goddess of Mercy. But Ti Kuan Yin tea isn’t like every other tea. Perhaps the most well-known of all the oolong teas, Ti Kuan Yin offers more than a delicious brewed...
- by Kourtney Cooley
Using Tea to Build Good Habits
Tea is an excellent tool to help set goals and build healthy habits. The art of brewing tea is a great habit to include in your daily routine because it is a way to practice mindfulness in a fast-paced world....
- by Cameron Dodd
Darjeeling Tea Explained: History, Flushes, and Flavor
In the misty foothills of the Himalayas unfolds a story of intrigue, espionage, smuggling…and tea. Darjeeling tea has been called the “Champagne” of tea. But why is that? What makes Darjeeling tea so special? History Back in the 1800s, the...
- by Matt Kellso
Tea, at its finest, is an expression of place and craft, shaped by elevation, soil, climate, and the hands that guide each leaf from plant to cup. Pure Teas are single-origin selections sourced directly from artisan producers, teas that showcase what's possible when skilled growers apply generations of knowledge to exceptional raw material.
- by Zoë Maiden
Tasty Teas For Your Thanksgiving Day!
When we think of Thanksgiving, we often think of family and traditions. From filling our bellies with secret family recipes to tossing a football in the front yard, each tradition is unique and holds a special place in our hearts....
- by Zoë Maiden
Brewing Tea for the Colder Season
Here at Hackberry, we love it when the seasons change. As the weather gets cooler we tend to reach towards warmer drinks. A good cup of hot tea releases the full flavor of your tea of choice and allows you to...