Tea Preparation Articles

tea preparation

Loose-leaf vs. Tea Bags
  • by Matt Kellso

Loose-leaf vs. Tea Bags

Have you ever wondered about the difference between loose-leaf tea and tea that comes in tea bags? Is it that different? Is one better than the other, or is it just a gimmick? Where did tea bags come from, and...

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Sun Tea | Summer's Controversial Beverage
  • by Zoë Maiden

Sun Tea | Summer's Controversial Beverage

What is Sun Tea? The technique of brewing iced tea has only existed for a little over a century, yet it has gained immense popularity, especially in the United States. According to the Tea Association of the USA, around 85%...

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Tea Storage and Shelf Life
  • by Matt Kellso

Tea Storage and Shelf Life

One of the many things we love about tea is that it has a long shelf life, so we can enjoy it for longer periods of time. That being said, different storage methods exist for different types of teas and...

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The Benefits of Re-Steeping Tea
  • by Karla Walker

The Benefits of Re-Steeping Tea

I've heard re-steeping tea is a bad idea. But, I've come to find out it's not always a bad thing. Re-steeping helps you get the most out of your tea without sacrificing flavor. Just be aware, it may not be...

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The Best Way to Brew Tea While Camping
  • by Karla Walker

The Best Way to Brew Tea While Camping

Breaking away from my normal day-to-day activity and taking time outside is something I try to prioritize. Whether it be a stroll around the neighborhood, hiking, or even camping over the weekend, being outdoors is something I always look forward...

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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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brew guides

Tea Brewing 101 | Black Tea
  • by Zoë Maiden

Tea Brewing 101 | Black Tea

What is Black Tea? Black tea is part of the Camellia sinensis plant and was first discovered in China in the mid-17th century. Previously, green and oolong were the only teas consumed. It is the most oxidized tea type (hence...

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Tea Brewing 101 | Chai Tea
  • by Zoë Maiden

Tea Brewing 101 | Chai Tea

What is Chai? Chai, which is the Hindi word for tea, originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It is made using a blend of spices, also known as "masala," and when steeped, it becomes a comforting, aromatic beverage....

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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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Tea Brewing 101 | Oolong
  • by Cameron Dodd

Tea Brewing 101 | Oolong

What is Oolong Tea? Somewhere between black tea and green tea you’ll find the wonder that is oolong tea. Oolong is a tea in the most traditional sense since it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. But due to its unique processing...

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Tea Brewing 101 | Pu-erh Tea
  • by Karla Walker

Tea Brewing 101 | Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh is the most oxidized and fermented tea available. Which means there is a lot of flavor packed into its leaves. So what's the best way to get all the deliciousness that Pu-erh tea offers? The answer is in how...

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Tea Brewing 101 | Tisane & Herbal Blends
  • by Karla Walker

Tea Brewing 101 | Tisane & Herbal Blends

What are Tisanes? Not all teas come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Teas that do not come from tea leaves are known as Tisanes (also known as herbal teas) and can come from fruit, flowers, spices, or herbs. Since...

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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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Tools, Tips, & Temperatures in pink text on a cream background
  • by Karla Walker

Tools, Tips, Time, & Temperatures: A General Brewing Guide

Tools Let’s talk about the tools you can use to brew the perfect cup of tea. You can use an infuser, filter bag, or French press.  The Infuser Infusers are used with loose-leaf tea and are placed for steeping or...

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tea recipes

Cold Foam Iced Tea
  • by Karla Walker

Cold Foam Iced Tea

It’s now time to try cold foam! Did you know that foam is not just for hot drinks? You’re probably familiar with the London Fog,  which is Earl Grey tea with steamed milk topped with foam. Now you can enjoy the...

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Featured Recipe | Jam Teas
  • by Shelby Peiser

Featured Recipe | Jam Teas

  This month, we decided to feature a perfect and simple way to sweeten your favorite tea - jam! Adding jam to tea creates a more complex sweetness and a satisfying texture you don't get from just sugar or honey. We...

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Iced Tea | Summer's Favorite Drink
  • by Karla Walker

Iced Tea | Summer's Favorite Drink

Have you ever stopped to think of iced tea as a creative innovation? It's such a common drink that it didn't occur to me that icing tea was at one point impossible. Tea is one of the oldest drinks on...

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graphic saying "the secrets of cold brew tea" with an image of a cup with cold brew tea
  • by Zoë Maiden

Keep it Chill With Cold Brew Tea

What is Cold Brew Tea? When you make iced tea, you hot brew a tea or blend it and then add ice to cool it down. Although delicious, this method can be a hit or miss depending on how long...

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Our Guide to Making Cold Brew Chai Concentrate
  • by Karla Walker

Our Guide to Making Cold Brew Chai Concentrate

Cold brew has gained popularity in recent years. If you look online or on Pinterest for a cold brew recipe, you will find many options, which can be overwhelming! At Hackberry Tea, we enjoy experimenting with trending and creative drinks...

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Tasty Teas For Your Thanksgiving Day!
  • 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....

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keep learning.

True teas–like black, green, and oolong–come from the Camellia sinensis plant, while herbal teas are crafted from a variety of other botanicals.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Tea processing is a fascinating art. The more you dive into understanding it, the more you want to learn, so let's learn together.

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