The Perfect Pause Tea Company, LLC.

Tibetan Lavender White

Our very best white tea mixed with just the right amount of organic Tibetan Wild Lavender. A luminescent golden cup with a fresh subtle lavender aroma and a smooth velvety flavor. This tea will whisk you away to a world of calm.

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This is the highest grade of white tea available before one enters the stratosphere in pricing for white teas such as Peony White Needle Tea. Pai Mu Tan leaves are plucked from a special varietal tea bush called Narcissus or chaicha bushes. Secondly the leaves are not steamed or pan-fired (the process used in green teas). The leaves are naturally withered and dried in the sun. If mechanical drying is required it is a baking process at temperatures less that 40’C. Thirdly only special ‘two leaves and a bud’ are selected. These leaves must show a very light green almost gray white color and be covered with velvet peach fuzz down. White teas that are withered in conditions that are too hot with become reddish and in conditions that are too cold they will become blackish. You will see on this Pai Mu Tan that the tea maker struck the perfect balance between solar and indoor withering resulting in a perfect white tea. The western cosmetic industry has recently discovered the benefits of white tea. In addition to its anticancer properties, tea has a calming and detoxifying effect on the skin. White tea is especially potent in that it is has three times as many antioxidant polyphenols as green or black tea and has been shown to be 100% more effective in mopping up free radicals that cause skin to sag. Some of the world’s top cosmetic companies are becoming very interested in white tea for skin creams and the result is that high grade white tea is becoming even more rare than before. Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute in Oregon tested white teas on selected rates to test for the ability of white teas to inhibit natural mutations in bacteria and to protect the rates from colon cancer. Interestingly, white teas were found to be more effective than green tea in inhibiting the early stages of cancer but researchers were quick to point out that their study was on rats and the effects should not be extrapolated to humans. The researchers also discovered that white tea contains higher levels of caffeine compared to green tea brewed under the same conditions. They suggested that this could occur because white tea oxidizes during withering whereas in green tea the oxidation process is stopped early in the tea making process by steaming or panfiring.

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly (à la chinoise) - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place 1-2 teaspoons of leaves in your cup and let the tea steep for 3 minutes. Then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on - until the tea flavor is exhausted. Milk or sugar will mask the delicate characters of this tea and are not recommended. Look at the pattern of the leaves - they foretell life.

Iced tea brewing method: It is not customary to make iced tea from white tea, nevertheless if you wish to do so we would recommend the following method: Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water

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Tibetan Wild Lavender (Organic)

Milder and more rare than French lavender. Tibetan Wild Lavender is aromatic and sweet with a satisfying cup. The only limit to this tea is your imagination! Make your own custom blend by mixing with another teas, lending an added layer of depth and delicate floral notes or use for aromatherapy. Particularly good when combined with our Earl Grey.
Note: A little of this Tibetan lavender goes a long way!

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Lavender, (Latin: Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the world's most ancient, and commonly used herbs. The first recorded use of the sweet smelling herb appeared in ancient Phoenecian inscriptions dating back to 1000 BC. The ancient Romans were also very fond of the herb and used it as a fragrant bath scent in their public bath houses. In fact, it is believed that the genus name Lavendula stems from the Latin word lavare meaning "to wash."

Modern botanical science indicates that there are at least 28 known species of Lavender - some of these are wild and some are commercially cultivated - the plant grows everywhere from parts of Africa to China. The version that we offer here is a wonderfully fresh smelling organic variety that comes from Eastern Tibet - no chemicals or pesticides were used in its cultivation. No one is certain exactly how long the people of Tibet have harvested Lavender.

Archaeology indicates that at least as far back as a thousand years Tibetans were using the plant for its physically restorative, and spiritually uplifting qualities. Ancient scrolls indicate that Buddhist monks believed Lavender had a strong "grandmother energy;" they believed its scent contained elements of comfort, compassion, and the wisdom of a long lifetime of experience. The monks also believed that Lavender had the ability to promote a sense of personal peace and stability, and freedom from mental and emotional stress. The herb still plays a large part in the meditative ceremonies of certain temples and shrines in Tibet - the Dalai Lama himself counts Lavender as one of his favorite herbs. For the Tibetans, Lavender has many other uses as well. The flowers are often prepared as a tea or distilled into an oil and used to treat ailments ranging from headaches and muscle cramps to dizzy spells. It goes without saying that the scent of fresh Lavender is intoxicating. Open a packet and you'll see what we mean. Close your eyes, inhale the delicate aromas and enjoy the meditative qualities of this herb today. (Incidentally, Lavender makes an excellent ingredient to your own custom tea blends, lending an added layer of depth and delicate floral notes.)

Hot Brewing Method: Use 1 heaping teaspoon of Tibetan Lavender per one cup of water and place this into your teapot (many successfully use a tea infuser when making herb tea). Pour boiling water into pot and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain as you pour into your cup and savor one of nature’s best offerings!

Cold Brewing Method: Do Not Pour Hot Liquid directly into a Glass Pitcher
FOR ONE PITCHER - Put 6 teaspoons Tibetan Lavender into a 5-6 cup tea pot. Pour boiling water into the pot and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain and pour gently into your pitcher. If you wish, you can add ice into the pitcher or pour over ice into a tall glass. For a terrific taste add some honey, cinnamon and fresh raspberries.

In the bath: (2 variations) 1. Put a 1/2 cup of Tibetan Lavender and 2 cups of water into a microwave safe measuring cup. Microwave on high for 1 minute and then let sit for 5 - 10 minutes. Strain, and add to a freshly drawn bath. 2. If you don't have a microwave, simply fill a large tea infuser with Tibetan Lavender and add to your tub as you draw your bath. It's as simple as that!

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$Golden Pu-erh \"Rare\"$

Golden Pu-erh "Rare"

This 5 yr old – Rare Tea is a lovely introduction to this ancient Chinese tea: smooth, very earthy, with a complex flavor and aroma. This tea is very rare and has been aged for at least 5 years. For many, this tea is an acquired taste. For those who find the taste a bit too “earthy” we suggest a little soy creamer and the sweetener of your choice.

$Golden Pu-erh \"Rare\"$ More Details
Golden Pur-erh has been aged for five years in a dark cave in Yunnan Province. This aging process in a relatively high humidity environment has mellowed the elemental character of the tea when compared to young Pu-erh (aged about 1 year). As with wine, young pu-erh is considered the least valuable whereas pu-erh 5 years or older is more highly prized. Interestingly the taste of pu-erh becomes more mellow with age and perhaps more acceptable to the western palate. Some consumers have recommended that pu-erh be blended with chrysanthemum florets to make the taste more acceptable. In fact this blend can be ordered in tea houses in southern China and Hong Kong. For Kambootcha lovers - Pu-erh is the main ingredient. This tea is famed for its medicinal properties. The leaves come from the Yunnan Dayeh variety of tea tree - which is purported to be closely related to the original tea tree of pre-glacial times. During the 1200’s the troops of Kubla Khan are said to have introduced Pu-erh to the rest of China for its medicinal value. Pu-erh is often taken for relief of indigestion and dysentery but has also been reported very useful in the reduction of cholesterol. Kunming Medical College claims that pu-erh can lower cholesterol by 17 percent and triglycerides by 22 percent. They may have been slightly over zealous about the properties of pu-erh as a University in Berlin and another in France found that the claim was perhaps overstated. A study in Japan indicated that all tea lowered cholesterol and that pu-erh was more effective than green tea. Other followers of ‘Chinese tea for health’ report that pu-erh can; “cut the grease, help digestion, promote body fluid secretion, quench the thirst, invigorate the spleen and dispel alcoholic toxins” Whether pu-erh is effective or not for the various claims that researchers and tea drinkers make, has not been firmly established; but what is certain is that pu-erh is rather unusual and has properties many other teas do not share. The method of production is: The tea leaves are picked, rolled, withered in the hot sun, after which they are steamed and pressed into cakes. (This p’uerh is broken up out of the cakes to make it easier to deal with). The steaming process generates some moisture and when compressed (without drying) into the cakes, in the course of time the tea takes on a musty and earthy character. Pu-erh that gets somewhat moldy before it naturally dries is considered the best. Pu-erh is then stored for years. As with wine, young pu-erh is considered the least valuable whereas pu-erh 5 years or older is more highly prized.

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour water into teapot to cover the leaves - pour the water of - in effect you are ‘rinsing’ the tea. Next pour the boiling water into the teapot over the ‘rinsed’ leaves. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). You may add milk and sugar to taste though this is generally not done.

Iced tea brewing method: not recommended - however if you do: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.

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Black Dragon Oolong

Not nearly as imposing as the name suggests, when infused, the tea is complex - smoother than black tea, less grassy than green teas, and displays a certain balance and harmony in the cup that is orchid-like. Black Dragon, like all Oolongs should be drunk straight without milk or sugar in order to appreciate its subtle complexities. This is an exceptional oolong tea that we promise you'll never forget.

Food Pairings: Great with seafood, Asian cuisine and subtle desserts

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This fabulous example of a Formosa Oolong is actually named after Mount Dung Ding, located in central Formosa, otherwise known these days as Taiwan. The fertile slopes of Mount Dung Ding are home to the world's finest Oolong tea plantations. Tea production first began in Taiwan in the 1850's when tea planters from the Chinese province of Fujian, home to some of the world's finest and most complex teas, emigrated to the small island nation. They recognized that the mountain climate and high elevations were optimal for Oolong production. The literal English translation of Oolong is Black Dragon. The name was given to the tea because it was thought that the intensely complex character of Oolong teas was similar to the spirit of the mythical creature. Interestingly Oolongs follow almost the same production as black tea. The major difference between the two is in its shorter fermentation period – Oolongs are often referred to as semi-fermented teas - Formosa Oolongs undergo a 60% shorter fermentation period. The result is a deeply complex tea that has characteristics of both black and green teas. Many centuries ago, a noted Chinese philosopher noted that the leaves of Oolong teas, "should have creases like the leather boot of a Tatar horseman, curl like the dewlap of a mighty bullock, and unfold like a mist rising out of a ravine." This Dung Ti Oolong certainly fits that bill. The tea is entirely hand made and has a stunning leaf. When infused, the tea is complex - smoother than black tea, less grassy than green teas, and displays a certain balance and harmony in the cup that is almost orchid like. Black Dragon, like all Oolongs should be drunk straight without milk or sugar in order to appreciate its subtle complexities. This is one tea you'll never forget. Raise a cup and salute the black dragon!

Hot tea brewing method: Oolongs teas are best enjoyed when the leaves are briefly infused with hot water, which is
then poured off. The tea is then reinfused and tea is poured to the lucky guests after about 1 minute. The leaves may be reinfused several times, with each resulting infusion yielding different liquor from the proceeding cup.

Iced tea-brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste

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Pai Mu Tan

Clear slightly pale cup with a fresh aroma and a smooth velvety flavor. Delicate jammy notes reminiscent of Keemun or a mild Bordeaux. This is a wonderful everyday white tea.

Food Pairings: A wonderful accompaniment to seafood, pasta dishes (white sauces) and desserts.

More Details
This is the highest grade of white tea available before one enters the stratosphere in pricing for white teas such as Peony White Needle Tea. Pai Mu Tan leaves are plucked from a special varietal tea bush called Narcissus or chaicha bushes. Secondly the leaves are not steamed or pan-fired (the process used in green teas). The leaves are naturally withered and dried in the sun. If mechanical drying is required it is a baking process at temperatures less that 40’C. Thirdly only special ‘two leaves and a bud’ are selected. These leaves must show a very light green almost gray white color and be covered with velvet peach fuzz down. White teas that are withered in conditions that are too hot with become reddish and in conditions that are too cold they will become blackish. You will see on this Pai Mu Tan that the tea maker struck the perfect balance between solar and indoor withering resulting in a perfect white tea. The western cosmetic industry has recently discovered the benefits of white tea. In addition to its anticancer properties, tea has a calming and detoxifying effect on the skin. White tea is especially potent in that it is has three times as many antioxidant polyphenols as green or black tea and has been shown to be 100% more effective in mopping up free radicals that cause skin to sag. Some of the world’s top cosmetic companies are becoming very interested in white tea for skin creams and the result is that high grade white tea is becoming even more rare than before. Researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute in Oregon tested white teas on selected rates to test for the ability of white teas to inhibit natural mutations in bacteria and to protect the rates from colon cancer. Interestingly, white teas were found to be more effective than green tea in inhibiting the early stages of cancer but researchers were quick to point out that their study was on rats and the effects should not be extrapolated to humans. The researchers also discovered that white tea contains higher levels of caffeine compared to green tea brewed under the same conditions. They suggested that this could occur because white tea oxidizes during withering whereas in green tea the oxidation process is stopped early in the tea making process by steaming or panfiring.

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly (à la chinoise) - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place 1-2 teaspoons of leaves in your cup and let the tea steep for 3 minutes. Then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on - until the tea flavor is exhausted. Milk or sugar will mask the delicate characters of this tea and are not recommended. Look at the pattern of the leaves - they foretell life.

Iced tea brewing method: It is not customary to make iced tea from white tea, nevertheless if you wish to do so we would recommend the following method: Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water

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Price: $15.87
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Icewine White Tea

Although we’re not usually fans of flavored white teas, this tea stands out as the best and most uniquely flavored we’ve ever tasted. This tea is often described as jammy, with sweet and subtle notes of the natural icewine flavor that must be tasted to be believed. Considering that a bottle of icewine (the major flavoring component) can cost in the range of one hundred dollars, this is a great value.

Food Pairings: Makes a nice after-dinner tea and pairs well with desserts like rice pudding and flan.

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Have you ever tried Ontario ice wine? This amazing sub-genre of Canada’s commercial wine industry has won many awards over the years, most notably Le Grand Prix d’Honneur at the 1991 Vinexpo in Bordeaux France. This award is given out once a year by a panel of international judges who sip and taste wines from literally every corner of the winemaking world. The prize was quite an honor to bestow on a variety of wine that had only begun commercial production in Ontario in 1982. The complex method for making Ontario ice wine is modeled after the centuries old techniques for making German Eiswein. (The first ice wines were produced in Germany about 700 years ago.) According to Canadian law, in order to be considered true ice wine, all grapes must be harvested after the first hard freeze at a minimum of –8°, brrr. Freezing temperature is key. If it doesn’t come quickly enough in the season the grapes can rot. If it is too severe, the grapes will become to hard and no juice can be extracted. In order to retain their sweet flavor, the harvested grapes need to be pressed immediately while still frozen. The pressed juice is thick and sugary, much like the wine produced after fermentation! This thick sweet grapey character of ice wine makes it a natural after dinner desert wine. It also makes it a natural partner to our white tea, a Pai mu tan from Fujian. This tea is often described as jammy, with sweet notes – perfect for layering with the sweet icy wine. Brew a pot today and savor the award-winning flavor of Ontario. Note sweet velvety tones highlighted by hints of grape. (We shouldn’t have to tell you that this one makes a fantastic iced tea!)

Hot tea brewing method: This tea can be used repeatedly (à la chinoise) - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place 1 tsp of leaves per cup in your teapot and steep for 3 minutes. Then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the pot. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on - until the tea flavor is exhausted. Alternatively for 1 time use, add boiling water and steep for 3-5 minutes according to taste. Milk or sugar will mask the delicate characters of this tea and are not recommended. Look at the pattern of the leaves - they foretell life.

Iced tea brewing method: Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

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Price: $19.25
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Keemun Panda

Awash with complex and subtle flavors, our favorite and most versatile black tea. Aromatic and penetrating without being lush or floral. Great in the morning as a substitute for coffee. The flavor is best brought out with the use of milk or a little soy creamer.

Food Pairings: This tea traditionally was taken with breakfast so it goes well with pastries and other breakfast foods. Keemun Panda also compliments foods such as grilled swordfish, veal, rib-roast, polenta, and bison or beef tenderloin.

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Of all the China black teas available Keemun Panda #1 is probably one of the best known. Keemun is one of the congou-type teas; meaning it requires a great deal of gongfu, (disciplined skill) to make into fine taut strips without breaking the leaves. Interestingly the characters in the written Chinese script for time and labor are the same as those used for ‘gongfu’. It is often said that a properly produced Keemun such as Panda #1 is on of the finest teas in the world with a complex aromatic and penetrating character often compared to burgundy wines. Traditionally keemuns were used in English Breakfast tea.

In the early 1800’s tea was such the rage in England there was a danger that the British treasury would be drained because all the silver was being used to pay the Chinese for tea. The Chinese did not need textiles, one of Britain’s main exports- so what to do??? India and Burma produced significant quantities of opium and in due course China became a major market. The economic circle that evolved was as follows: : Opium from India was sent to the British merchants stationed in Canton, China. The Chinese paid for this in silver and the merchants received credits against debts in England. This silver was then used to pay the Chinese for their tea. This practice lead to wars between England and China - called The Opium Wars. The last war was won by the British in 1860 which led to opium being a legal commodity in China until 1908 when it was finally outlawed.

Keemun black tea was only produced after 1875 - against the grain of the Chinese practice of producing green teas. But, the English palate was finely attuned to fine black tea and with virtually unrestricted trade with opium and tea. Keemun rapidly became an English staple, notwithstanding that keemuns were particularly flavorful and full bodied. Perhaps this interest in keemun also came about as some have described the taste and aroma of keemun’s as reminiscent of toast hot from the oven - another British tradition. Keemun is one the best-keeping black teas. Fine specimens will keep for years if stored properly and take on a mellow winey character.

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Milk and a dash of sugar help capture the complex nature of this tea, but it is also perfectly acceptable to consume this tea ‘straight-up’.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water]. Please note that this tea may tend to go cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice; a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!

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Earl Grey

Incredibly aromatic and delicious. This tea classic, infused with oil of bergamont, makes for a slightly floral and very satisfying cup of tea. Great with cream and the sweetener of your choice.

Food Pairings: Pairs good with many desserts and sweet pastries.

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Traditionally Earl Grey was a blend of Chinese and Indian teas scented with the oil from the citrus bergamot fruit - a sort of orange. The stories of Earl Grey are numerous. One such tale tells how a British diplomat on a mission to China saved the life of a Mandarin and as a gift of gratitude was given the recipe for this flavored tea. This diplomat upon his return to Britain presented the tea to the Prime Minister of the day, Earl Grey. Another story says it was the Prime Minister himself who saved the Mandarin. In an event it was the Prime Minister of England (1830-1834) Earl Grey who made this tea fashionable. What type of tea do we use, how do we flavor the tea and why do we use natural flavors? Firstly... we only use high grown teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka - Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva. These three high-grown districts produce flavorful teas that have classic ‘Ceylon’ tea character which is noted by floral bouquet and flavor notes, touches of mild astringency, bright coppery color and, most importantly - perfect for use as the base tea of our flavored teas. (We have tested teas from various other origins around the world as base stock for our flavored teas, but none of these teas made the grade.) Dimbula and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb, whereas Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in July/Aug. This ‘dual peak period’ allows us to buy the best for our flavored tea blends several times during the year, ensuring top quality and freshness. Secondly..we use flavoring oils not crystals to give the tea drinker an olfactory holiday before indulging in a liquid tea treat. Thirdly, we specify natural flavors. High quality tea tastes good and natural flavors do not mask the natural taste of the high grown Ceylon tea. (The norm for many making flavored tea is to use overpowering artificial flavors which can be used to hide lower quality tea). Natural flavors do not leave an aftertaste giving the tea a clean and true character. It should be noted that natural flavors tend to be somewhat ‘soft ‘ and the flavors slightly muted, but for many this is a refreshing change and one of the desired attributes of our naturally flavored teas.

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Even though milk and a dash of sugar help enhance the flavor character on this tea, it is perfectly acceptable to consume this tea ‘straight-up’

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water]. Please note that this tea may tend to go cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice; a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!

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Lapsong Souchong

A bold tea experience with distinct smoky flavor reminiscent of a warm campfire. The flavor of this tea may seem a bit intense at first impression but is quickly appreciated. We find this great with cream and honey or agave sweetener.

Food Pairings: Similar to that of a shiraz, pairs nicely with dishes that complement its bold qualities. It is often a nice match for spicy Mexican, Cajun and barbeque dishes, salmon or any grilled meat. Works wonderfully as an ingredient in sauces or marinades.

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This special smoked tea has a distinctive flavor sometimes referred to as tarry, and is a special tea from Fujian province. The Fukienese word ‘souchong’ means subvariety - that is a subvariety of other black teas from the Wuyi mountains of Fujian. When Lapsang Souchong was first exported to western European countries and became famous on the international markets - it was no doubt due to the distinct aroma and flavor. Interestingly the best Lapsang is produced in the nature preserve located in the Wuyi mountains where the high mountains with thick pine forests and heavy mist provide the ideal environment for growing top quality tea. Legend claims that the smoking process was discovered by accident. During the Qing dynasty, an army unit passing through Xingcun (Star Village) camped in a tea factory filled with fresh leaves awaiting processing. When the soldiers left and the workers could get back into the premises, they realized that to arrive at market in time, it was too late to dry the leaves in the usual way. So they lit open fires of pine wood to hasten the drying. Not only did the tea reach the market in time, but the smoked pine flavor created a sensation! The method of production is as follows: The leaves are first withered over fires of pine or cypress wood. After pan-frying and rolling, they are presses into wooden barrels and covered with cloth to ferment until they give off a pleasant fragrance. The leaves are fired again and rolled into taut strips. Then they are placed in bamboo baskets and hung on wooden racks over smoking pine fires to dry and absorb the smoke flavor. When finished they are thick, glossy black strips, and produce a dark red beverage with a unique aroma and taste. It is generally consumed with sugar or milk. Depending upon one’s palate the taste can be light and intriguing or it can be heavy and overpowering. Lapsang Souchong is best described as an acquired taste.

Hot tea brewing Method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Pour into your cup (though not recommended add milk and sugar to taste.)

Cold tea brewing Method: This is generally not a tea that is consumed cold

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Price: $8.02
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Matcha

This is the powered green tea used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It begins as life as Gyokuro (the highest grade of Japanese tea) and is delicately ground to a fine powder. With matcha, whole tea leaves are consumed, not just the liquor off the leaves, thus you gain the maximum benefit from the antioxidants. High-grade matcha is highly prized and is made in limited amounts in Japan, harvested only once a year in the Spring. The taste is slightly astringent, silky and otherworldly. Please visit our, “Tea Recipes” page, on the left sidebar, for recipes using this tea.

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Matcha is cultivated by covering tea plants with bamboo mats several weeks prior to harvest, which boosts the chlorophyll content. The harvested leaves are dried and ground into matcha powder. Thin and thick matcha are made from the highest quality leaves, which are de-spined and stone-ground.

Hot tea brewing method: For strong (thick) tea use one level teaspoon for 4 to 6 ounces of 120 to 150 degree water. For medium (thin) tea use half or one quarter that amount. Spoon the powdered tea in the cup. Then pour hot water over the leaves and whip into a creamy froth.

Iced tea brewing method: (not recommended)

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Sencha Kyoto Cherry Rose

Sencha Kyoto Cherry Rose Green Tea is a blend of high quality green tea with sweet cherry and morning rose flavor. A simply stunning tea, must be tasted to be believed!

Food Pairings: Great when paired with light desserts or salads.

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Hunan Province produces some excellent Japanese style green teas. Early in the new season the tea is a bright emerald green and has the best flavor noted by a spring fresh character with pungency and body. [In Hunan the tea starts growing about March 15th, and between then and the end of April the quality is very good. Once you pass April, the quality plummets on account of the volume of leaf taken in and the bushes growing too quickly. Our policy is that we only buy our China tea requirements from tea grown between March 15 and April 15 - you will taste our quality and dedication to better tea when you compare our tea with similarly graded teas]. Sencha is commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies marking events of personal importance. In this type of ceremony it is the ritual that is of paramount importance as the individual is being acknowledged. Flavored tea is a relatively new phenomena and combining flavors with roses and Japanese style green tea is almost considered ‘avant garde’ by our Japanese friends. Kyoto is the cultural centre of Japan. Several centuries ago Kyoto was the religious capital of Japan. The relics of this past are evident throughout the city. Beside the multitude of temples that dot the city, and the wonderful parks where religious scholars once walked, the city has more the 1000 Torjii - those typical gate/arch structures that one associates with Japan. The Torjii are large with the top shaped like a curved samurai sword (respect) and the two pillars are solid and stately (well being). During the spring time this area of Japan is ablaze with the new season cherry blossoms and the air is filled with sweet aroma. (The rose petals in this blend are intended to simulate these delicate cherry blossoms and the flavor is reminiscent of the beautiful smells waft on the springtime breezes.) It is little wonder that this ancient city has a very high ratio of tea rooms and this tea was created to honor (very important in Japan) this wonderful time of the year.

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place 1 teaspoon in your cup, let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves, they foretell your fortune . Alternatively as with all top quality teas, scoop 2-4 teaspoons of tea into the teapot, pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn (previously boiled water has lost most of its oxygen and therefore tends to be flat tasting), steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), stir (virtually all the leaves will sink), pour into your cup but do not add milk or sugar since green tea is enjoyed ‘straight-up’.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart) : Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

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Chamomile Mint

Simply one of the best evening teas we’ve found. Full flavored and refreshing with superb Washington mint highlights. A delightful lingering finish to any day.

Food Pairings: Although this tea is mainly meant to be enjoyed by itself, we’ve found it’s great with the cookie of your choice!

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The best peppermint comes from the northwestern United States. The pure, moist mountain air of the spring and early summer growing season gives this peppermint some of the highest volatile oil counts of any member of the mint family. Generally (dependent upon weather patterns) the second cut (takes place during mid/end August) is the most flavorful, coolest and most pungent, (literally takes your breath away and makes your eyes water). Peppermint is an herb and contains no caffeine. Quite often peppermint is consumed after meals as the oils stimulate the flow of bile to the stomach and helps relieve gas pains. Additionally, it has been reported and written that peppermint sweetens the breath and calms the digestive system, plus it helps heartburn, stomach ache and nausea. There are several varieties and countries of origin of Chamomila - sometimes referred to as bachelor buttons because of the shape of the flower heads - but the best quality comes from Egypt. The sandy loam and nutrients from the Nile create perfect growing conditions. Chamomile flowers have a yellow center and white petals - they almost look like a daisy. Essential oils in the flowers produce a soothing pleasant aroma and a fruity character. In some parts of Europe, particularly southern France, Chamomile plants have been strewn on floors or pathways to give the area a good scent. Chamomile can be made into a pleasant aromatic tea which is slightly bitter but with a fruity flavor. It is often sipped for relief of health problems ranging from toothache to nervousness. Chamomile has also been noted as beneficial for soothing headaches and is a natural relaxing herb known to assist the restless and those suffering from insomnia. In many circles Chamomile is called nighty night tea or sleepy tea on account of its natural properties which promote restfulness and drowsiness. Combining these two wonderful and extensively used herbs has produced a wonderful, caffeine free, cup of herbal tea. Note: If you are pregnant, unsure whether you should drink this herbal tea or simply concerned; we recommend you consult your physician fro consumption advice.

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1/2 to 1 teaspoons of Chamomile + mint for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the flavor). Pour into your cup. Milk or sugar is not generally added to the cup.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced peppermint is to double the strength of the hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

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Sencha

A great tea for everyday use, this pan-fired Sencha green tea is from Shizuoka prefecture. This popular Japanese green tea is light in color but amazingly rich and full in cup.

Food Pairings: Highly universal adaptable to a multitude of dishes. Provides great balance to sweet and sour dishes.

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Japan undoubtedly produces some of the best green teas in the world. The primary producing area in Japan is the Shizuoka prefecture which is west south west of Tokyo. The famous bullet train zooms through the tea growing area about 25 minutes after leaving Shinjuku station on its way to Osaka. The efficiency of Japan’s tea production is amongst the highest in the world reaching yields of 1500 pounds per acre. Despite the fact that mechanical plucking is used, the tea made is generally considered the best green tea in the world. Interestingly, due to it’s northern latitude all the tea fields have large fans covering the whole acreage. The fans are turned on during cold snaps to circulate the air and protect the tea bush from freezing.
Japan only exports about 1-2 percent of its total production and recently has become a leading importer of the finest teas in the world. Over half of the yearly production of Japanese tea comes from Shizuoka. The production of green tea entails the steaming of the green leaf and hand or machine rubbing. The teas are then pan fried or basket fired which gives them a distinctive appearance and glossy look and feel. These methods give a taste that is light in colour but rich and full in the cup.
Sencha is commonly used in Japanese tea ceremonies marking events of personal importance. In this type of ceremony it is the ritual that is of paramount importance as the individual is being acknowledged. For ceremonies marking ‘life altering events’, matcha is used. Matcha is a sencha that has been turned into a powder through a painstaking but important ritual.

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place 1 teaspoon in your cup, let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves in the brew, not only do they foretell your fortune but you can see the bud and shoots presenting themselves, looking like they are about to be plucked.

Alternatively as with all top quality teas, scoop 2-4 teaspoons of tea into the teapot, pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn (previously boiled water has lost most of its oxygen and therefore tends to be flat tasting), steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), stir (virtually all the leaves will sink), pour into your cup but do not add milk or sugar since green tea is enjoyed ‘straight-up’.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart) : Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

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Genmai-cha (Organic)

This is a specialty Japanese green tea that is blended with fire-toasted rice. A good grade Japan sencha is blended with the toasted rice. The fresh vegetative character of the green tea is imparted on the cup but it is tempered with a slightly toasted character of the rice. There is a natural sweetness and almost chewy character to the finish of this tea. During the firing of the rice, it is not uncommon for rice to ‘pop’ not unlike popcorn, hence the nickname ‘popcorn-tea’.

Food Pairings: Great with Japanese cuisine. Pairs good with very sweet desserts as well.

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Legend has it that during the 1400’s an important samurai warlord in Hakone on the Izu Peninsula of Honshu Island (the Izu Peninsula is near the Shizuoka area) was having tea in the morning discussing a battle strategy with his patrol leaders. A servant by the name of Genamai was serving hot tea to the group. Leaning over to give tea to the warlord, rice that he had surreptitiously taken for a morning snack fell out of his pocket into the steaming hot tea. Some popped upon hitting the hot tea. The warlord was incensed, jumped up brandishing his samurai sword he promptly cut of Genamai’s head in one fell swoop. He then sat down to continue the meeting. Despite the fact that the tea had been tarnished he drank it anyway. The flavor was very unique and he enjoyed it tremendously. In honor of poor Genamai he pronounced that this rice and tea be served every morning and be called ‘Genmaicha’ (cha being the name of ‘tea’ in Japanese)

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180’F or 80’C. Place 1 teaspoon in your cup, let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves in the brew, not only do they foretell your fortune but you can see the tea leaves, popped rice and toasted kernels. As you contemplate your life - think of poor Genamai. Alternatively as with all top quality teas, scoop 2-4 teaspoons of tea into the teapot, pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn (previously boiled water has lost most of its oxygen and therefore tends to be flat tasting), steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), stir (virtually all the leaves will sink), pour into your cup but do not add milk or sugar since green tea is enjoyed ‘straight-up’.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart) : Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

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Monk’s Blend

Certainly a ‘mysterious’ blend despite being a delicious mixture of grenadine and vanilla. Perhaps first created by Tibetan monks – infused with universal life energy, this tea is a perfect all day treat; sweet and toasty with a touch of dryness and a subtle bouquet. Originally, it is believed that this blend was developed by monks to support their life’s desires, especially the work that they did all by hand. Tea is an item that these monks considered good for the soul. Franciscan monks used to drink this tea to keep them awake during long periods of meditation. It is fair to say that this is an ancient and harmonious blend, as it is also used by Buddhist and Taoist monks.

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We only use high grown teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka - Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva. These three high-grown districts produce flavorful teas that have classic ‘Ceylon’ tea character which is noted by floral bouquet and flavor notes, touches of mild astringency, bright coppery color and, most importantly - perfect for use as the base tea of our flavored teas. (We have tested teas from various other origins around the world as base stock for our flavored teas, but none of these teas made the grade.) Dimbula and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb, whereas Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in July/Aug. This ‘dual peak period’ allow us to buy the best for our flavored tea blends several times during the year, ensuring top quality and freshness. Secondly... we use flavoring oils not crystals to give the tea drinker an olfactory holiday before indulging in a liquid tea treat. Thirdly, we specify natural flavors.

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Gyokuro

The very pinnacle of all Japanese loose-leaf teas with higher than average antioxidant content. The taste is very fresh, silky and somewhat vegetative. A great tea for any special occasion. Please allow an extra week for delivery of this rare and exotic treat. Believe us when we say that it’s worth the wait.

Food Pairings – Sushi, ginger ice-cream and virtually any Japanese entrée

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This is Japan’s best green tea (made from single buds that are picked only in April/May. In an effort to develop increased chlorophyll (making them dark green) and reduced the tannin (giving a sweeter flavor with no bitterness), the tea is covered with black curtains or bamboo and straw shades for 3 weeks in early spring. The leaves are small - about 3/4’s on an inch long and extremely fragrant and tender. Immediately after plucking the leaves are taken to the factory and steamed for about 30 minutes to seal in the flavor and arrest fermentation. Next they are fluffed with hot air and pressed and dried to 30% moisture content. Repeated rolling takes place until the tea develops long thin dark green needles at which time it is finally dried to a 4-6% moisture content. Gyokuro has been referred to as “history, philosophy and art in a single cup.”

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Blue Mango

The sweet flavor of mango layered with candied pineapple, blue mallow flowers and mixed with a top quality sencha green tea. The result is a tea that must be tasted to be believed! Blue mango is incredible iced.

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Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Even though milk and a dash of sugar help enhance the flavor character on this tea, it is perfectly acceptable to consume this tea ‘straight-up’

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water]. Please note that this tea may tend to go cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice; a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!

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The Perfect Pause Tea Company, LLC.

Our Teas

Tibetan Lavender White

Tibetan Wild Lavender (Organic)

Tea Basket Infuser

Golden Pu-erh "Rare"

Black Dragon Oolong

Pai Mu Tan

Icewine White Tea

Keemun Panda

Earl Grey

Lapsong Souchong

Matcha

Sencha Kyoto Cherry Rose

T-Sacs

Tea Stick

Chamomile Mint

Sencha

Genmai-cha (Organic)

Monk’s Blend

Gyokuro

Blue Mango

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