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TEA Talk: Terms used to describe fluid of tea

  • Autumnal - A seasonal term applied to teas grown during the autumn.
  • Baked - Unpleasant taste caused by excessive temperatures during the firing process resulting in a loss of moisture.
  • Body – A liquor possessing fullness/richness and strength.
  • Brisk - A live taste in the liquor vs. flat or soft.
  • Burnt - An undesirable note in teas that have been exposed to excessive heat during the processing.
  • Character - An intangible quality in a tea that identifies its origin of growth.
  • Color - A measure of the depth of the tea's physical color. Based on season, growth, & grade factors.
  • Cream - The "cloudiness" one notices upon the cooling down of brewed tea. A bright color denotes quality.
  • Dry – Baked or high fired. Once again, a quality that denotes an over-processed tea.
  • Flat - Usually a symptom of old or improperly stored tea. The briskness of the brew is lacking.
  • Full - A term used to describe a full-bodied tea with color and strength.

DRY LEAF TERMS

  • Attractive - Quality made with uniform color and size leaf.
  • Bold - Pieces of leaf that are too big for the grade it's in.
  • Chunky - A tea that possesses large sized tips.
  • Cut - A method of leaf production that utilizes a "breaker" as opposed to a "roller".
  • Even - A grade of tea that is comprised of equal sized pieces of leaf.
  • Flaky - A flat, open leaf which has been improperly withered and rolled.
  • Golden Tip - A quality to look for in a tea. This denotes proper withering and rolling.
  • Grainy -Well made hard leaf.
  • Large - Pertaining to leaf grade/size. Applies to a leaf that is too large for its grade.
  • Make - To have "make" is a desirable quality to have if you're a tea. This means you have been properly processed.
  • Milled - This applies to tea that is cut and ground with a cutter machine. (Oh, the agony of the leaf!!)
  • Mixed - Teas that have other grades of teas added to them.
  • Neat - A desirable quality: a well made tea that has an attractive quality.
  • Ragged - Rough an un-even leaf.
  • Shotty - Well-made and rolled ......... usually applies to Orthodox teas.
  • Small - A grade of tea that has a smaller size leaf than it normally has.
  • Stalky - A by-product of sloppy plucking-excessive amount of tea plant stalk is visible.
  • Stylish - Neat with premium quality leaf apparent.
  • Twist - When referring to whole leaf teas, the leaf has a "rolled" appearance denoting careful processing.
  • Well-Made - All is well here!! Beautiful color of the leaf, even texture and size...

Terms used to describe the infusion:

  • Mould - This denotes an old improperly stored tea or one that has been exposed to moisture/water.
  • Musty - Also pertaining to mould
  • Old - Flavor/palette lost to age.
  • Pungent - Very brisk- this is GOOD
  • Strength - A "presence" of body in the mouth.
  • Thin - Teas lacking in body that have been over withered and/or inadequate fermentation.
  • Wild - An undesirable quality usually found in end-of- season teas. A harshness/thinness is apparent.
  • Bright - A cup with "liveliness"- as opposed to dull and lifeless.
  • Coppery - This term describes the color of the infused leaf- denotes quality.
  • Green - Typical of first flush- lacks depth. Generally an undesirable quality.
  • Dull - Lacking in sheen/lifeless. Something you don’t want
Even -This term applies to a bright, coppery tea that has no unevenness in color.

Four Beans Coffeehouse TEA
NUMI - SPA TEA
SPA TEAS from NUMI
NUMI - BREATHE
BREATHE: Releasing a bold licorice nectar with hints of mint, this blend instantly clears the chest for easy breathing.
NUMI - GLOW
GLOW: The zing of orange and lemon peels explodes with a bright aroma and awakens this gentle white tea. Lovely chamomile and tangy schizandra berries impart a refreshing and lingering flavor.
NUMI - SENSUALITEA
SENSUALITEA: A romantic liaison of herbs, flowers and bark create this luscious and provocative ambrosia. Featuring wild Catuba bark wood, a touted aphrodisiac and libido enhancer, this sensual delight has a savory taste with fruity whispers.
NUMI - SOOTHER
SOOTHER: A soothing blend of peppermint and flowers come together in this aromatic minty herbal tea. Orange peel and blackberry leaves create fruity undertones, while safflower and mallow flowers complete this blend's digestive properties.
NUMI - VITALITEA

VITALITEA: Uplifting Ginseng - the root of life, ginger and lemon create a bright and earthy taste, rounded off by a citrus sweetness. Notes of lavender and jasmine bring a floral freshness and create a rejuvenating balance.

-GO TO FOUR BEANS TEA STORE-

 

TASTE THE NUMI DIFFERENCE

Numi's difference is steeped in every cup.

SOURCE

Numi sources its teas and herbs directly from the gardens of origin. From the mountains of China to the valleys of India; from the fields of the African Sahara to the rainforests of the Americas, we ensure the freshest ingredients of the season's latest pickings. Our teas and herbs are certified Organic, Kosher and Halal and we are committed to work with fair-traded farmers.

FULL LEAF DIFFERENCE

Numi uses only full-leaf tea in their teabags, ensuring a loose-leaf quality tea in every cup. The taste of each tea offers a clean, crisp and long lasting experience. Most tea bags utilize leftover tea dust or fannings that can only be steeped for 30 seconds, otherwise resulting in a bitter taste.

Gunpowder Green Tea is full-leaf hand-rolled green tea pearls that burst open in hot water. (Steep a bag and watch the pearls expand and fill up the pouch.) Morning Rise-Breakfast Blend of Black Teas is four premium full-leaf black teas - Ceylon, Assam, Keemun, and Darjeeling - that compose this hearty, complex cup. Jasmine Green Tea is full-leaf green tea scented with fresh jasmine flowers.

NO OILS OR FLAVORINGS/REAL INGREDIENTS

Numi uses real ingredients in its teabags. We do not add any oils or "natural" flavorings. Other flavored teas in the market spray poor grade tea dust or fannings with an oil or essence. The flavor is usually overpowering and perfumey and masks the true taste of tea.

Berry Black is Darjeeling Black Tea blended with freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries. Other berry teas utilize oils or flavors. This tea is unprecedented in the market. Moonlight Spice-Orange Spice White Tea is Pai Mu Tan White Tea blended with an abundance of citrus- Orange Peel, Schizandra Berries, Lemongrass, and Dry Desert Lime- and spices. 99% of companies use an orange flavoring, but we go the extra mile to find an authentic tasting blend. Aged Earl Grey: Numi has created a one of-a-kind Earl Grey by naturally scenting Assam Black Tea with Bergamot Orange. A Numi innovation, we ship the tea from India, age it with the fruit for one month and then sift out the fruit. The taste is pleasant with subtle citrus notes. Numi is the only company in the U.S. that offers this type of Earl Grey.

FRESH PURE HERBS

For Numi's Herbal Teasans, we source fresh pure herbs from all over the world. The herbs are cut to bring out their full flavor. We place more ingredients in each teabag (an average of 2.2 grams vs. the 1.8 grams in standard/conventional teabags).

PACKAGING

Numi's teabags are made of natural filter paper, not the trendy, "silky" (see-through nylon or petroleum-based) tea bags. Their double chamber allows the water to flow through and release all the subtle flavors each tea and herb has to offer. The over-wraps consist of four layers to preserve flavor and freshness.

From the farmer's tea garden to the packaging process to the final soothing cup of tea in your home, every step is guided by our devotion to bringing our customers the finest tastes! Rip open various tea and teasan bags and smell the fresh aromatic scents of our premium ingredients. Steep the flavor of choice and Taste the Numi Difference - a clean, natural tasting cup that tastes like a loose leaf pot of tea or a freshly steeped herb picked from your garden.
 
 
 
NUMI TEAPOTS
 
NUMI'S GLASS TEAPOT - TEA HOUSE
GLASS TEAPOT – TEAHOUSE - Our durable glass teapot is the best way to watch a flowering tea bloom. They serve up to 14 oz. (420 ml.) of tea.
 
NUMI'S GLASS TEAPOT - URBAN
GLASS TEAPOT – URBAN - Our durable glass teapot is the best way to watch a flowering tea bloom. They serve up to 16 oz. (480 ml.) of tea
   
 

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Sources:

We purchase our teas from 2 different sources currently. Our whole leaf tea (23 varieties) mainly comes from The Coffee and Tea Exchange in Chicago . From Numi Tea we get our Flowering Tea (10 varieties) and Spa Teas(5 varieties). Whole leaf tea is served in a French press with a porcelain cup and saucer. All Numi teas are served in clear glass pots again with a tea cup and saucer. Flowering tea is a thrill to watch as the bud slowly opens inside the pot and the brew is excellent. Spa Teas are outstanding and therapeutic.

Types:

We have a variety of teas to include: black, oolong, green, white, red, herbal, flowering, and spa and here we go………………….

Assam TGFOP *: Black tea with golden tips which produce a pleasant aroma and sweet smooth taste.

Darjeeling TGFOP *: Medium-lengthed brownish-green leaves with gold tips. Our tea of choice for plain black iced tea.

Earl Grey* (Decaffe Earl Grey available using Ethyl acetate process): Reg and Decaffe Earl Grey infused with all-natural bergamot oil. Freshest Earl you can get (in more ways than one.)

English Breakfast : A traditional breakfast blend that makes an excellent substitute for coffee. A golden brown color and smooth taste.

Keemun : Famous for its superb flavor and aroma, a fine and twisted leaf with a complex flavor and distinctive aroma.

Mango Indica Black : Black tea combined with the essence of mango fruit pieces and cornflowers. Makes great iced tea!!!

San Francisco Spice Black : Black tea fused with spicy cinnamon and orange peels.

Yunnan FOP : A brisk, large-leaf tea with full aroma and taste.

Sechung (Mainland) Oolong : Our house oolong, this uniformly dark green fired tea brings forth a unique nutty character.

Imperial Gold Oolong : This tea creates a jade color while delivering a sweet yet toasty cup made for any Emperor or Emperess.

Celebration Green : Green tea with apple bits, pear bits and rose petals.

Dragonwell (Lung Ching ): A Chinese green tea, it delivers a delicate golden brew with a lingering slightly sweet taste.

Earl Grey Green : Japanese Sencha green tea infused with bergamot oil

Mutan White Tea : This Chinese tea is processed by hand and consists of a sweet and mild flavor produced from silvery white leaves.

Chamomile : This native of the daisy family provides a honey sweetness and and a relaxing aroma.

Magic of Roses : (combines: roses, rosehips, lemon peels, orange peels, cornflowers and dried fruit bits) Truly the nectar of the Gods. This tea combines several fruits to make a colorful and naturally sweet cup of tea.

Mixed Berry Herbal : (combines: blueberries, elder berries, hibiscus, raspberries, and rose petals) This tea combines three berries which creates a naturally sweet beverage hot or cold. Definately worth trying!!!

Rooibos : This African red bush tree has a medium brown brew and a taste of toasted honey.

Yerba Mate : Another natural stimulant from the regions of Argentina . Has a unique taste and holds well with cream and honey.

From NUMI we have:

EXOTIC BOUQUET - Five unique and exquisite handsewn Flowering Teas are featured, with flavors from sweet and subtle to luxuriant and distinct. Each exotic tea blossoms into a captivating display to tantalize your senses and satiate the palate. NUMI - EXOTIC BOUQUET
JASMINE LOVERS - WHITE TEA - Handsewn leaves part to reveal an exotic bright orange lily and a string of billowy jasmine flowers. Honey nectar fills the palate as jasmine perfumes this lovely white tea elixir. NUMI - JASMINE LOVERS
GOLDEN JASMINE - BLACK TEA - Rare golden-tipped black tea is scented with delicate jasmine petals. When steeped, a ring of light flowers are released imparting a smooth depth with divine floral perfume and hints of chocolate. NUMI - GOLDEN JASMINE
LAVENDER DREAM - WHITE TEA - Rare handsewn tea buds unfurl to reveal majestic red hibiscus petals and crisp aromatic lavender flowers. White tea touched by tangy hibiscus soothes as it enriches. NUMI - LAVENDER DREAM
SHOOTING STAR - GREEN TEA - A cluster of handsewn leaves unfolds as two exotic pink amaranth bulbs ascend and float while osmanthus petals swirl and fall. A buttery fragrance, full and delectable, accented by fruity notes. NUMI - SHOOTING STAR
SUNSET OOLONG - OOLONG TEA - Long handsewn leaves entwine with streaks of exotic orange lily and a ruby amaranth flower. The colorful bundle opens to reflect a scarlet radiance and boasts a nutty richness highlighted by peach. NUMI - SUNSET OOLONG
DRAGON LILY - OSMANTHUS LILY WHITE TEA - Dragon Lily bursts open into an arrangement of superb white tea and stunning flowers. When steeped, sprinkles of osmanthus petals surface and an orange lily blossoms, a mesmerizing display. This translucent liquor imparts a velvety sweet apricot flavor. NUMI'S DROGON LILY OSMANTHUS LILY TEA
FLOWER JEWEL - WHITE TEA - Flower Jewel's tender hand picked white tea is crowned by a delicate and bright pink amaranth flower. The dancing petals blissfully open as sweet jasmine scents this captivating elixir. Flower Jewel tantalizes the palate with its vibrant freshness and clarity. Surrender into this ever-lasting ambrosia. NUMI'S FLOWER JEWEL - WHITE TEA
STARLIGHT ROSE - WHITE TEA - Starlight Rose's delicate silver needle white tea leaves are handsewn around a tender rosebud. The spring buds, infused in water, expand into a round blossom. The soft, lucent, liquor and subtle aroma of roses yields a smooth, mellow flavor; illuminated by the calming benefits of white tea. NUMI'S STARLIGHT ROSE - WHITE TEA
NUMI'S BOUQUET - Numi's Bouquet contains one each of the nine exquisite hand-sewn Flowering Tea varietals that we offer. Be nourished by a myriad of flavors from sweet and subtle to rich and bold. This is the ideal choice to experience the splendid beauty of all our Flowering Teas as they blossom. Dazzle your senses with the sublime majesty of Flowering Tea. NUMI'S BOUQUET
DANCING LEAVES TEAPOT - Numi's Dancing Leaves Teapot provides the finest handsewn Flowering Tea leaves and flowers offered together in a glass teapot for a unique and distinguished gift. NUMI'S DANCING LEAVES TEAPOT
FLOWERING TEA GIFT SET - Packaged in an exotic hand-made dark mahogany bamboo case, this Flowering Gift Set holds a bin of Numi's Bouquet Flowering Tea that is filled with bouquets of tea leaves and Numi's Urban glass teapot through which to observe the blooming tea petals. A simple luxury that heightens the tea experience and makes for a singular conversation piece, this reusable case will have a long-lasting impression on a friend or loved one. NUMI'S FLOWERING TEA GIFT SET
VELVET FLOWERING TEA CHEST - Our newest way to display and serve flowering teas, the Velvet Flowering Tea Chest is an elegant gift and an exquisite showcase of our Flowering Tea collection. NUMI'S VELVET FLOWERING TEA CHEST

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