The selections listed here are among the most sought after by customers. They provide a great starting place if you are just beginning to offer loose leaf teas to your customers. If you have some specific flavors, or themes for your shop, we can make some other great recommendations.
Most shops should order a pound of each type of tea to get started. If your shop is smaller, you may want 8 ounces of each until you see which types move quickly.
Choose 3 green teas.
1st Grade China Jasmine Green Tea
A classic cup, this Chinese green has been naturally scented by jasmine blooms. The combination brings a sense of serenity and is perfect iced or hot. The liquor has body and a mild astringency, while the aroma is smooth and soothing.
Teas can be flavored a number of ways, through the inclusion of ingredients - such as flowers, nuts, or berries, the addition of oils or extracts - such as citrus or vanilla, or by using artificial flavors. After being added to a base tea, these ingredients are blended together in a number of ways, either in large batches in a blending machine or in small batches by hand. Some teas are flavored through their processes, such as Lapsang Souchong, which is smoked over pine fires during drying.
At The Tea Smith, we pride ourselves in blending many of our teas by hand, carefully calculating our blends, and selecting only the best teas and the best ingredients to be used in our collection.
Sencha green tea combined with sweet flavor of pomegranate makes this tea a great experience hot or as a flavored iced tea.
Teas can be flavored a number of ways, through the inclusion of ingredients - such as flowers, nuts, or berries, the addition of oils or extracts - such as citrus or vanilla, or by using artificial flavors. After being added to a base tea, these ingredients are blended together in a number of ways, either in large batches in a blending machine or in small batches by hand. Some teas are flavored through their processes, such as Lapsang Souchong, which is smoked over pine fires during drying.
At The Tea Smith, we pride ourselves in blending many of our teas by hand, carefully calculating our blends, and selecting only the best teas and the best ingredients to be used in our collection.
Gunpowder Chinese Green Tea - Organic
Gunpowder is a distinctive Chinese green, identifiable by its leaves that have been rolled into tiny, shiny pellets. The flavor is stronger than most green teas, is great for multiple infusions and makes a great everyday drinker.
Green teas are unoxidized and process by withering or wilting, followed by pan-firing or steaming, then a shaping process. During the shaping processes, further drying takes place, giving each green tea a distinct shape, character, and flavor. Often shaped by hand in places like China or Vietnam, the skill to craft these teas is passed down from generation to generation. In Japan, most of the tea processing is done mechanically, using machines and conveyor belts to steam, shape, and cool the teas.
Moroccan Mint - Organic Green Tea
The flavor of true hospitality comes alive in our combination of aromatic mint and tea. In North Africa, tea is used to greet guests and it is served with flair. The preferred tea is a blend of China greens and fresh mint, sweetened with a strong dose of sugar. The bubbly tea is often served with savory snacks and lively conversation. The essence of an everyday ritual is what makes Moroccan Mint so very special.
Green teas are unoxidized and process by withering or wilting, followed by pan-firing or steaming, then a shaping process. During the shaping processes, further drying takes place, giving each green tea a distinct shape, character, and flavor. Often shaped by hand in places like China or Vietnam, the skill to craft these teas is passed down from generation to generation. In Japan, most of the tea processing is done mechanically, using machines and conveyor belts to steam, shape, and cool the teas.
Choose 3 black teas.
A traditional blend for those who appreciate traditional teas. As refreshing to the mind as to the body, English Breakfast should be in everyone's pantry. Our English Breakfast is a blend that includes teas from China and Sri Lanka which combine to create a smooth, strong cup that is easily enhanced by a touch of milk.
Breakfast Tea blends are combinations of black teas from China, India, Sri Lanka, and even Kenya. While English and Irish Breakfast Teas are the most well-known, every producer blends their teas differently, so no two blends are the same! What is consistent, though, is a strong brew, often malty, sometimes sweet, and great with a dash of milk and sugar, perfect for pairing with your favorite breakfast nosh. Check out our Himalayan Sunrise for a real treat a blend of Assam and Darjeeling!
The key to our special Earl is freshness! The bergamot aroma and flavor are crisp, pronounced and the perfect compliment to the premium tea base.
Teas can be flavored a number of ways, through the inclusion of ingredients - such as flowers, nuts, or berries, the addition of oils or extracts - such as citrus or vanilla, or by using artificial flavors. After being added to a base tea, these ingredients are blended together in a number of ways, either in large batches in a blending machine or in small batches by hand. Some teas are flavored through their processes, such as Lapsang Souchong, which is smoked over pine fires during drying.
At The Tea Smith, we pride ourselves in blending many of our teas by hand, carefully calculating our blends, and selecting only the best teas and the best ingredients to be used in our collection.
Early Grey is one of the most well-known tea blends in the world. It's signature flavor is owed to the addition of bergamot, a small citrus that is something between an orange and a lemon. Every Earl Grey blend is unique to the maker; you'll find ours has a touch of jasmine in it! Try all the varieties of Earl Grey and discover a new favorite.
The sweetness of peaches, the smooth strength of a fine black tea make this a great summer iced favorite, or sweet hot tea.
Teas can be flavored a number of ways, through the inclusion of ingredients - such as flowers, nuts, or berries, the addition of oils or extracts - such as citrus or vanilla, or by using artificial flavors. After being added to a base tea, these ingredients are blended together in a number of ways, either in large batches in a blending machine or in small batches by hand. Some teas are flavored through their processes, such as Lapsang Souchong, which is smoked over pine fires during drying.
At The Tea Smith, we pride ourselves in blending many of our teas by hand, carefully calculating our blends, and selecting only the best teas and the best ingredients to be used in our collection.
Refreshing Raspberry Black Tea
Raspberry fruit and leaves impart a smooth sweet taste to the blend of fine black teas. This is a customer favorite iced, but is warming and sweet served hot, too!
Teas can be flavored a number of ways, through the inclusion of ingredients - such as flowers, nuts, or berries, the addition of oils or extracts - such as citrus or vanilla, or by using artificial flavors. After being added to a base tea, these ingredients are blended together in a number of ways, either in large batches in a blending machine or in small batches by hand. Some teas are flavored through their processes, such as Lapsang Souchong, which is smoked over pine fires during drying.
At The Tea Smith, we pride ourselves in blending many of our teas by hand, carefully calculating our blends, and selecting only the best teas and the best ingredients to be used in our collection.
Bolder than its English counterpart, Irish Breakfast stands up well to the addition of milk and sugar
Breakfast Tea blends are combinations of black teas from China, India, Sri Lanka, and even Kenya. While English and Irish Breakfast Teas are the most well-known, every producer blends their teas differently, so no two blends are the same! What is consistent, though, is a strong brew, often malty, sometimes sweet, and great with a dash of milk and sugar, perfect for pairing with your favorite breakfast nosh. Check out our Himalayan Sunrise for a real treat a blend of Assam and Darjeeling!
Choose 3 herbal infusions.
Just can't do without dessert? Try this shockingly accurate recreation of your favorite Italian indulgence. Features chocolate, caramel bits and (gasp!) whole coffee beans.
Rooibos, or 'red bush tea', is made from the Aspalathus linearis bush, native to South Africa. The needle-like leaves are smooth and shiny, yielding a distinctive flavor with notes of earthy vanilla and tobacco. The health benefits of rooibos are believed to rival or surpass those found in green tea. Rooibos is high in antioxidants and polyphenols, making it useful as a soothing anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic, perfect for consuming if you have a cold or sore throat. Many studies have been conducted on the benefits of rooibos recently; do some research and discover for yourself!
Mix strawberries, peaches and orange essence with unoxidized rooibos, then add cornflower and sunflower petals for a splash of color, and you end up with the most exciting rooibos ever imagined!
Rooibos, or 'red bush tea', is made from the Aspalathus linearis bush, native to South Africa. The needle-like leaves are smooth and shiny, yielding a distinctive flavor with notes of earthy vanilla and tobacco. The health benefits of rooibos are believed to rival or surpass those found in green tea. Rooibos is high in antioxidants and polyphenols, making it useful as a soothing anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic, perfect for consuming if you have a cold or sore throat. Many studies have been conducted on the benefits of rooibos recently; do some research and discover for yourself!
While dry rooibos has a raisiny/tobaccoy aroma, it has a characteristic smoothness in the cup. A touch of sweetness makes this a wonderful daily infusion.
Rooibos, or 'red bush tea', is made from the Aspalathus linearis bush, native to South Africa. The needle-like leaves are smooth and shiny, yielding a distinctive flavor with notes of earthy vanilla and tobacco. The health benefits of rooibos are believed to rival or surpass those found in green tea. Rooibos is high in antioxidants and polyphenols, making it useful as a soothing anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic, perfect for consuming if you have a cold or sore throat. Many studies have been conducted on the benefits of rooibos recently; do some research and discover for yourself!
Produced with the flower heads of finest chamomile. Relax with a cup of this traditional favorite.
Our chamomile usually comes from Egypt and has been used for thousands of years as natural remedy for anxiety, sleeplessness, and digestive issues. While we are cautious to say everyone reacts different to herbal remedies, chamomile is caffeine-free and widely consumed as an evening tea to help with sleep. Chamomile can also be an anti-inflammatory, help with heartburn, and soothe mouth sores. Chamomile has a strong, distinctive, floral flavor and aroma. What you find in pre-bagged teas at the grocery store are the tiny fannings of the actual flower bud. With loose tea, you can see the beauty of the full flower bud which can range in size from half a centimeter to an inch in diameter!
Add an oolong tea.
Roughly translated as Water Sprite, this long leaf beauty comes to us from the famous Fujian province of China. The liquor is a beautiful light amber in the cup. This tea is fired a bit more than others and imparts a slight roast along with a lingering sweetness. A very good value, this tea complements Asian foods quite nicely.
Oolong teas are commonly known as partially oxidize, because the oxidation allowed in processing varies between that of a green tea and that of a black. Varying between 30-70% oxidation, oolongs are produce into two main varieties: a darker, open-leafed style (such as our Dark Goddess), and a greener, rolled-ball style (such as our Jade Oolong). Darker oolongs tend to have a soft, fruity character with undertones of stone fruit. Greener oolongs offer a more green infusion with a more floral character.
Further oxidized than the Jade Oolong, this Ti Kuan Yin has a more steely-colored dry leaf. As it unfurls, the evidence of oxidation is visible on the leaf edge. Highly-prized for its flavor and longevity, Ti Kuan Yin will yield four or more infusions.
Oolong teas are commonly known as partially oxidize, because the oxidation allowed in processing varies between that of a green tea and that of a black. Varying between 30-70% oxidation, oolongs are produce into two main varieties: a darker, open-leafed style (such as our Dark Goddess), and a greener, rolled-ball style (such as our Jade Oolong). Darker oolongs tend to have a soft, fruity character with undertones of stone fruit. Greener oolongs offer a more green infusion with a more floral character.
The aroma and taste of this blend of black tea, green tea, apples, almonds, and cinnamon will make you think of warm apple pie. An indulgence in taste without the calories!
Teas can be flavored a number of ways, through the inclusion of ingredients - such as flowers, nuts, or berries, the addition of oils or extracts - such as citrus or vanilla, or by using artificial flavors. After being added to a base tea, these ingredients are blended together in a number of ways, either in large batches in a blending machine or in small batches by hand. Some teas are flavored through their processes, such as Lapsang Souchong, which is smoked over pine fires during drying.
At The Tea Smith, we pride ourselves in blending many of our teas by hand, carefully calculating our blends, and selecting only the best teas and the best ingredients to be used in our collection.