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
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...
- 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 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...
- 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...
- by Zoë Maiden
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...
- 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...
- 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...
- by Karla Walker
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...