Tea Processing Articles

tea processing

by Karla Walker

I’ve Learned So Matcha Since my background is mostly coffee, there was much for me to learn about matcha. I have enjoyed tea, but to be honest, for most of my life, I couldn't tell you the difference between premium...

by Karla Walker

Seasons of Tea | Tea Flushing

The method of growing, harvesting, and processing tea can be quite meticulous, and one of the biggest contributors to differences in flavor and quality is tea flushing. Tea flushes are the different seasons determined for prime tea leaf picking. Tea leaves are harvested...

by Karla Walker

The Difference Between Tea Oxidation & Fermentation

Tea processing is very particular to the type of tea. But even with processing being specific to tea types, there are only two main ways to process tea. The most common is oxidation which is the exposing of tea leaves...

by Karla Walker

To Toast or Not to Toast | Hojicha and Other Toasted Japanese Teas

I have to be honest; when I joined Hackberry Tea, I was first a coffee drinker who happened to enjoy tea once in a while. If you don't know about Hackberry Tea, we are the tea side of Sagebrush Coffee....

tea profiles

by Cameron Dodd

Bi Tan Piao Xue | A Tea That Blooms Before Your Eyes

Imagine a cup of tea where delicate white blossoms drift across a pool of jade-green tea, almost like snow falling on water. Bi Tan Piao Xue (translated “Snow Flakes Falling Upon a Jade Pond”) does just that, as one of...

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...

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...

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...

by Cameron Dodd

Meng Ding Huang Ya | The Yellow Tea That Nearly Disappeared

We’re all familiar with black tea and green tea and white tea, but have you tasted the deliciously creamy liquor of a Chinese yellow tea? Allow us to introduce you to Meng Ding Huang Ya tea. Hailing from Mengding Mountain...

by Karla Walker

The Battle of Traditional Black Teas | Yunnan Noir vs. Golden Monkey

We've often wondered what separates black teas. Are they all that different? Does one taste better than the other? We thought it was time to put these questions (and more) to the test. We compared our Golden Monkey black tea with our...

by Jonathan Kellso

The Costs & Benefits of Pearl Tea

Loose leaf tea comes in many different shapes, sizes, and variants, but none are as unique as rolled pearls. Pearl tea is a loose-leaf tea that is made by the hand rolling of Jasmine tea leaves (there are black tea...

by Karla Walker

The Difference Between Earl Grey & Blue Lady

Earl Grey and Blue Lady are very similar in both recipe and history, yet they offer unique drinking experiences. There are times when you feel like having a bold and aromatic tea, and there are times when you prefer a...

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 Matt Kellso

Why Is Golden Monkey So Pricey?

Golden Monkey is widely considered one of the finest teas you can access in the US. Its near-sweet taste and smooth finish make for a delicious light cup of black tea fit to perk you up during a drowsy early...

by Karla Walker

Why We Love Matcha & Why We Think You Will Too!

To coincide with our recent Matcha launch on the site, we published a blog discussing its unique history, processing, and much more. You can read all about that here. As the second part of this matcha series, we wanted to go...

ingredient spotlights

yellow background with berries ingredient spotlight text

by Karla Walker

Berries: Teas With This Ingredient are "Berry" Full of Flavor

Fruit-forward teas have always been a favorite here at Hackberry. They are delicious brewed hot and incredibly refreshing iced. One of our favorite fruits to include in a tea blend are berries. These can be strawberries, raspberries, and even blackberries....

by Kourtney Cooley

Beyond Aesthetics | Blue Cornflowers & Tea

Background: Centaurea cyanus, sometimes referred to as bachelor’s button but most commonly known as blue cornflower, is a flowering member of the Asteraceae family that is native to Europe. There is some debate about whether this plant is considered a...

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 Zoë Maiden

Chamomile | The Simple Base to Many of Your Favorite Teas

In our conversation about the ingredients present in many of our teas, let's talk about chamomile. When we think of chamomile, words like rest, calm, healing, and a good night's sleep come to mind. These are all positive things! Therefore,...

by Kourtney Cooley

Chocolate & Cocoa | Delicious Ingredients With Surprising Nutrients

Background of Chocolate in Tea When you think of tea ingredients, chocolate probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. That being said, chocolate and cocoa are found in a handful of decedent tea blends. Rich flavor and surprising health...

by Zoë Maiden

Ginger | One of Tea’s Most Versatile Ingredients

Ginger, well-known and beloved for its numerous benefits, is widely used in everyday life and in tea. We will delve into its origin, flavor profile, and why it has become such a popular ingredient. Ginger has been used for many...

by Zoë Maiden

Hibiscus | A Tasty, Healthy Addition To Many Tea Offerings

Today, we are diving into the origins and benefits of one of our favorite tea ingredients, Hibiscus. Hibiscus is a beautiful and fascinating flower that contributes to the taste and look of tea while also offering numerous health benefits....

by Kourtney Cooley

Jasmine Flowers | Sip into Serenity

Background of Jasmine Flowers The jasmine, or Jasminum, plant is a flowering shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. It is part of the Oleaceae family, making it a close cousin of the olive...

by Kourtney Cooley

Marigold Flowers | Your Garden's Secret Tea Ingredient

Background of Marigolds in Tea Floral components in tea have been a favorite for centuries and marigolds are no exception. The Calendula variation of the marigold is an edible member of the daisy family, also known as the Asteraceae family,...

by Kourtney Cooley

Mint | The World's Most Popular Herb

Background of Mint Mint is an herb with a rich history, bold flavor, and various health benefits. Because of its delicious flavor and various uses, mint has become one of the most common ingredients found in tea. There are 25 known...

by Matt Kellso

How We Keep Our Teas Pure & Full of Natural Flavor

In a world where it is increasingly important to understand what products make up the food and beverages we are putting in our bodies, there are times when we come across an unfamiliar ingredient that makes us reevaluate. "Natural flavors"...

Image highlighting the facts about peppermint tea

by Matt Kellso

Seven Interesting Peppermint Facts You Probably Didn't Know

When I started writing about peppermint, I wasn't all that interested in the topic. But as I discovered more and more about it, I got more and more interested. So much so that now I want to grow mint in...

by Kourtney Cooley

Rose | A Tea Ingredient Love Story

Background Roses have been used for a variety of purposes throughout the last few thousand years. From ingredients in fragrances and desserts to symbols of beauty and peace in the arts, these flowers have become a worldwide favorite. Roses are used for...

by Zoë Maiden

Rose Hips | The Sweet Floral Addition to Your Favorite Blend

We are continuing our journey of different tea ingredients, and today we are going to talk about Rose Hips. It is no surprise that Rose Hips are an ingredient that you will commonly find in many teas, especially with its...

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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