Country of Origin: China
Region: Fujian Province
Shipping Port: Fuzhou
Grade: FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe)
Altitude: 2500 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Cup Characteristics: A leafy black tea infused with the flavor of lichee fruit producing a delightful naturally scented tea
Infusion: Light with touch of coppery color
Ingredients: Luxury black tea, Natural flavors

Information:
Tea was reportedly discovered in China around 2737 B.C. by The Emperor Chen Nung when a tealeaf fell into his bowl of hot water. This tradition of tea drinking became an integral part of society and was the preferred beverage for all walks of life; from monks and mandarins to the nomadic tribesmen who traded horses for bricks of tea. The Japanese may have transformed tea drinking into a sacred ceremony, however, the Chinese are credited with initiating the time honored ritual of offering a guest a cup of tea as a sign of hospitality.

Scented teas have been around for a long time and are produced according to ancestral recipes. Before the advent of essential oil extracts one of the easiest scents to duplicate was Lichee - a fruit that plays an important part in Chinese life. The plantations would squeeze Lichee fruits plucked from the trees, which grew in the area. The result was a delicate and finely flavoured tea. Today the practice remains virtually the same, but essential oils are purchased in huge drums and used to scent the tea to meet the high volume demands from the global market. The next time a guest drops by; why not offer a truly special cup of hospitality.

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). We recommend adding milk and sugar (if this is to your taste), but if you prefer your tea 'straight-up' it is equally acceptable and enjoyable.

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]