In memory of my Mom! I created a very special black chai blend. "Cinnamon Girl" My Mom was a spicy kinda gal in her younger years. This hand crafted blend has all the traditional chai spices, with the addition of jasmine buds, rose buds & petals and yes, real cinnamon hearts. The card in this photo is one I sent to my Mom while I was living in Florida. The card is dated February 2010. The handwritten inscription inside reads "Mom, you will always be my Valentine. She was a very special lady and YES she will be a forever Valentine. Each tin of this handcrafted tea comes with a picture and story about my Mom. This is a magnificent aromatic tea that will touch the very heart of you. #shopteaonline #looseteaonline #cinnamongirl #valentinetea

Christmas is coming & the goose is getting fat. Time to stock up on our delicious Christmas Teas. For this year's line up we have: Frosted Plum Spice Black Gingerbread Man Black Mulled wine Black Ice Wine Black Pumpkin Spice Black Snowflake Spice Black White Chocolate Mouse Black Vanilla Chai Black Winter Palace Marzipan Rooibos (naturally caffeine free) Blue Suede Shoes Green (with Butterfly Blue Flower) Chocolate Strawberry (herb & fruit no caffeine) Nutty Cocoa Bean (fruit & herb no caffeine) TOP RATED: Gingerbread Man, Snowflake Spice, Winter Palace, Chocolate Strawberry & Nutty Cocoa Bean Buy online and use PROMO CODE Buy 3 Get 1 (free). Free shipping on orders over $45.00. #qualitytea #freeshipping #FruitandHerbTeas #HomeBlendedTeas #loosetea #rooibos

Ah Vanilla, that classic aromatic flavouring, we all know and love. The word vanilla comes from the spanish word "vainilla" which is the diminutive of the Spanish word "vaina" which means "sheath" or "pod" but is often directly translated as "little pod". Vanilla is derived from a species of orchid in the Vanilla genus. Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican people cultivated the vine of the vanilla orchid for quite some time. Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes, is often credited with introducing vanilla, among others such as chocolate, to Europe. Initial cultivation of vanilla outside of Mexico proved to be quite difficult as it required the Melipona bee, a native bee species and the vine's natural pollinator, for successful production of vanilla. Hand pollination was later discovered by a slave, named Edmond Albius, who lived on the French island of Réunion, in the Indian ocean. This became the method which allowed for global cultivation of the vine. The fruit of the vine is what is used to obtain the vanilla flavouring, also known as "vanilla beans". The majority of the world's vanilla comes from a species commonly called "Bourbon Vanilla" (after the former name of Réunion, "Île Bourbon") or "Madagascar Vanilla" which is produced in Madagascar and neighbouring islands. But Vanilla is also grown and produced in Mexico, French Polynesia, Central and South Africa and the Caribbean. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice, after saffron, because the cultivation and production of vanilla is so labour-intensive. Vanilla extract is commonly made by putting vanilla beans in a 70 proof alcohol and leaving undisturbed for some time until most of the vanillin (the compound which gives vanilla it's flavour) is extracted from the pods. Vanilla has been thought to have "magical properties", it has been reported to calm nerves, lift the spirit as well as improve the romantic side of one's life. Vanilla, historically and to this day, is highly prized due to it's intensely fragrant and aromatic flavour. We've created two delightful teas with this mysterious and highly sought-after spice in mind. Our Bourbon St. Vanilla Rooibos tea takes it's cues from New Orleans; specifically Bourbon Street, New Orleans. Where the scent of vanilla is sure to entice you down the street past voodoo shrines and bustling cafes. We've blended this tea with naturally caffeine free Rooibos, from South Africa, for a strong nod to the African heritage that is often seen in New Orleans, aromatic vanilla that is ever so present on Bourbon Street and a few almonds for some mellow nutty notes. And our Creamy Vanilla flavoured black tea is a delightful blend of high grown tea with 'Ceylon' character, jasmine petals, calendula petals, sunflower petals and of course, vanilla. Sweet, creamy and smooth tasting, this tea is perfect when it comes time for dessert, or for any time of day!

The act of drinking tea today is inexorably linked to the British, despite the fact that the British were actually pretty late to the tea scene in historical terms. The first mention of tea in English literature was, funny enough, a translation of a Dutchmen's travels to the east. Tea was first brought to England via the Netherlands on Dutch ships. With tea becoming such a fashionable beverage, the British Empire was quite perturbed that such a small nation as the Netherlands would have such control over the shipment of tea to the UK. So in 1651 the British government passed the Navigation Acts which prohibited the importation of any products on non-British ships. Traders and Dutchmen and their resourceful ways, managed to navigate around this problem by continuing to trade in the usual manner with one little exception, the tea was transshipped in Holland on British ships! Early in British life, tea was known as a health beverage and was reported to have all kinds of curative powers in the 1650's. Garway's coffee house proclaimed that tea, amongst other things, "makes the body active and lusty". Tea was declared at one point to be "the most wholesome beverage" preserving "perfect health until extreme old age". Anna, the wife of the seventh Duke of Bedford, was responsible for inventing and bringing the act of afternoon tea to popularity. At the time custom dictated that two meals were taken each day a hearty breakfast and a late evening dinner. Anna complained often of a "sinking feeling" in the stomach around mid afternoon and thus asked her servants to begin serving tea and cakes in the afternoon. And so began a fashionable habit which is still practiced today! Amongst Britain's history, much of it is tea related in fact. The Opium Wars, The Box er Rebellion, The Clipper Ship races from Fuzchou china to Portsmouth UK, The Earl of Grey, English Breakfast, the list goes on. We here at TeaZehri are fascinated by British tea history, we love to learn about it while sipping a nice cup of our English Breakfast tea. A full bodied Flowery Pekoe tea with bright, almost coppery notes, that pairs excellently with a bit of cream or milk. Want some too? Get yourself some English Breakfast tea here.

Filling your basket with market fresh produce has been happening for a very very long time. History tells us that everyone from far flung places such as the Aztec world over to the world of Ancient Rome, people have been strolling through central market places shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables. The oldest continually operating market is dated back to 1455...Instanbul's Grand Bazaar. Our "Market Fresh" Tisane Tea, will capture the unlimited culinary potential of a basket full of fresh produce. You and your friends can luxuriate in the warm familiar character of this tea. Crafted from sustainable farmed fruits and vegetables. This tea is brisk, sweet, with a juicy mosaic of citrus fruits and fall harvest vegetable flavors. Contains Apple, Rosehip, Hibiscus, Tomato Pieces, cucumber, Lemon, Lime & Orange Slices & natural flavorings.

We now carry "Cucumber Melon Green Tea" It's proving to be one of our all time favorite flavors. This beautiful tea's aroma is crisp and clean. This tea is refreshing both hot and cold. However, this tea iced is beyond crazy delicious. It is a very smooth tea with fresh watermelon notes and light cucumber finish. Unlike other beverages green teas have a great ability to quench your thirst. Made with cucumber slices, green tea and watermelon natural flavor, this combo will keep you hydrated and looking for more. Available in our Nanton Location or Shop our Online Store @Teazehri.ca Online shoppers: We are featuring a 3&1 promo. Make sure to use the promo code when ordering.

A special smoked tea from the Fujian province of China. The Fukienese word "souchong" means "subvariety" - that is to say it is the leaves from a different section of the Camelia Sinensis plant (or the Tea plant) that grows in the Wuyi mountains of Fujian. The word "Lapsang" means "smoked by pine wood". When Lapsang Souchong tea was first imported to western European countries it became became quite famous and sought after on international markets, no doubt, due to it's unique and distinct, smokey aroma and flavour. The best Lapsang is produced in the nature reserve located in the Wuyi mountains, where the high mountains with their thick pine forests and heavy mist provide the ideal environment for growing high quality tea. Legend says that Lapsang Souchong and the method by which it is made was discovered by accident! During the Qing dynasty an army unit was passing through Xingcun (also known as "Star Village") and they decided to camp in a tea factory filled with fresh leaves awaiting processing. When the soldiers left and the tea workers could return to the factory they realized that it was too late to dry the leaves for the tea to make it to the market in time. So they lit open fires of pine wood to hasten the drying process. Not only did the tea make it to the market on time, but the smokey tea was a sensation! Lapsang is produced by the following process: leaves are first withered over fires of pine or cypress. after pan-frying and rolling they are pressed into wooden barrels and covered with cloth to ferment until they give off a pleasant fragrance. The leaves are fired again and then rolled into strips. They are then placed in bamboo baskets and hung on wooden racks over smoking pine fires to dry and absorb the smoke flavour. Get yourself some Lapsang over here.

You're most likely to think of a small bright red berry when you think of this delicious fruit, but Raspberries actually grow in many different colours, from the usual vibrant red to dark purple, golden yellow and even black! Not only do the colour but the species of raspberries vary widely as well! There are several different raspberry varieties from varieties that are native to Europe, Australia or even the Himalayas to varieties that grow here in North America, a 'wine' raspberry variety that is commonly used to make raspberry wine to blue raspberries and more! Different cultivars of the perennial thrive in a wide a range of hardiness zones, anywhere from a hardiness zone level of three all the way to nine! Certain species even need a bit of frost to grow properly! For example, some North American varieties require a cold season, a bit of frost and maybe even some snow, to go dormant and then re-awaken in the spring to grow and produce fruit when the weather warms up! Some species of raspberry even grow as far north as the arctic! Raspberries are rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. They might even improve the appearance of skin, raspberries contain a fair bit of vitamin C which might help reduce age spots and discoloration, they might also prevent or improve the appearance of wrinkles, and protect against harmful sun rays. You can even use raspberries directly on the face as a mask! Raspberries may also help boost the immune system and overall health, not to mention their high nutrient value which makes for healthy eating! Raspberries have a long history and are thought to have existed since prehistoric times. Wild raspberries are believed to have originated in eastern Asia, but some species also originated in the western hemisphere. Sometime during the early 900's King Boleslav I or Boleslav the Cruel as he was also known, ruled what is known today as the Czech Republic, and was purported to have loved the fruit. As raspberries grew (and still grow) prolifically in Bohemia. It's too bad this delightful and mellow fruit couldn't calm the king down some, as it is said he killed his own brother St. Wenceslas, so that he could take the throne! If only Boleslav had some of our various raspberry tea blends, he might have been a little more calm. We have a raspberry tea for every raspberry lover! For those raspberry lovers who prefer non-caffeinated beverages we have our Parisian Raspberry rooibos tea, blended with choice grade #1 rooibos and dried raspberries. Simple yet, full of flavour and relaxing. Find it here. For those that prefer a bit more caffeine, or for those who just like black tea, we have our Razzle Raspberry flavoured black tea blended with Orange pekoe grade 'Ceylon' black tea, white tea, raspberry, mango and rosehip pieces and a few rose petals. Bold and fruity with gentle floral notes, this tea will delight and surprise. Find it here. Lastly, for the green tea lovers out there we have our Rhapsody Raspberry green tea, blended with a high quality Sencha green tea, made to Japanese specifications, and dried raspberry pieces. Another simple option allows the bright freshness of the tea and the slightly tart sweetness of the raspberries to shine. Gentle and invigorating. Find it here.

Looking for a reset after the holidays. We have an excellent Artizan Crafted Tea made in house that will "Balance" you out again/ This teas ingredients are: Ethically sourced Kenyan & Sencha green tea, sweet ginger, sunflower & calendula petals, lemon and lemon rind. Why blend two teas green teas together? It has been proven that teas grown at high levels exhibit unusual high counts of antioxidants. Research conducted at Guelph University (Ontario Canada) indicated that direct sunlight at such altitudes combined with pure clean air boosts the leafs photosynthesis. A win/win for this wonderful blend. This tea is considered a UHP-AT (ultra High Polyphenol antioxidant tea) . The ginger will add a little spice to your step, and the lemon kicks the taste up a knotch. Great for a cold or cough, add a little honey to sooth that sore throat and away you go! Order on line at TeaZehri.ca or visit our store on Main Street in Nanton. Visit our Google Page or FB Page for store hours and location.

Wishing each and everyone of you a Merry & Bright Season! May this season bring blessings of joy, peace, good health, the love of family and friends. We am humbled by how well received TeaZehri is in our community and also the broader community of southern Alberta., and then Alberta, and then Canada and then globally. Thank you for your support. It is always a delight to me to have met people from so many different countries in the world; right here in our little town of Nanton. Many of you have chosen to stay connected to TeaZehri through this blog. We are grateful. Enough said, it comes from my heart when I say May the Joys of the Season be with you now and all year through. Peace Out!

In today's Global Economy it is important that different cultures and countries be recognized for the products they produce and sell. Almost "ALL" teas are grown in developing countries. It is important that we acknowledge the fact that tea is a commodity for these countries. As such "Tea" is often sold in the same way as wheat, rye, canary seed & other agricultural produces avaliable on the world market. Or, it can be purchased ethically. What's the difference: Large retail companies may chose to purchase tons of tea from a given country using the commodities purchasing method. This results in that company getting great pricing. It would be nice if they passed those prices along to the consumer, but no they don't. What they maybe passing along to you is inferior tea. How so? Not to many questions get asked as to where in the country of origin is this tea being produced. We have all heard the horror stories of products being sold into our country that have been grown beside toxic waste sites, or garbage land fills. etc. We are the difference: We often get asked "Where do your Teas come from?" Answer, we choose to deal with companies that "only" chose to purchase Ethically Grown Tea." Believe it or not, these companies are few and far between. It was a choice "TeaZehri" made to ensure we are getting the best teas available in the world to "You", our consumer and valued customer. Ethical teas are Estate grown only. A company representative (from our wholesale company) goes directly to each estate. Quality of the Tea is numero uno. Fair employment practices must be in place. Adequate housing must be available for workers and their families. There must be access to education for the workers children. And lastly the workers and their families must have access to good medical. TeaZehri believes that developing countries must be respected for their export products and not taken advantage of. We expect that with our Canadian Export Products. These countries deserve that too. Top 10 Tea Producing Countries 1. China (1,000,130 tonnes) 2. India (900,094 tonnes) 3. Kenya (303,308 tonnes) 4. Sri Lanka (295,830 tonnes) 5.Turkey (174,932 tonnes) 6. Indonesia (157,388 tonnes) 7. Viet Nam (116,780 tonnes) 8. Japan (88,900 tonnes) 9. Iran (83,990 tonnes) 10 Argentina (69,924 tonnes) Loosen up and let your tea be free from a bag. The full flavor of good quality tea can only be truly appreciated this way.

You might be surprised to find out that Orange Pekoe tea is not Orange flavoured tea, the only part that you might associate in the name is the colour of the tea, which can range from orange to a reddish brown colour. Orange Pekoe is actually a grading term used in the tea industry; and so is Souchong, Congou, Flowery Orange Pekoe, Pekoe Souchong and more. But what does it all mean? You ask? Tea grading can be a bit confusing and complex, especially since there isn't a universal guide and grading systems can even vary between types of tea (like black and green teas for example). But for starters, most tea grading is often done by size of leaf, which also means what section of the Camellia Sinensis plant (or "tea plant") it comes from. Here is a guide that explains each term and therefore, which part of the plant and/or size of the leaf it applies to. Note that this guide outlines the grading system that is most widely used and applies to black teas, mostly from India, Sri Lanka, Africa, Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Europe. Another important fact to note is that some of these grading terms do not necessarily indicate quality; simply, they indicate leaf size and location on the plant from which the leaf is picked. Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe: Abbreviated to FTGFOP. Considered to be the finest quality tea. Same as Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, but with finer flavour profile. Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe: Abbreviated to TGFOP. These tea leaves come from the very tip of the plant, there are often many leaf buds or "tips" as well as the newest and often the smallest leaves on the Camellia Sinensis plant. Has the highest concentration of leaf tips. Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe: Abbreviated to GFOP. This grade of tea is similar to Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe grade tea but with a lower concentration of tips. Flowery Orange Pekoe: Abbreviated to FOP. same as Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe but with fewer tips. there may be a few leaf buds or "tips" but not as many. Mainly just the top leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Orange Pekoe: Abbreviated to "OP". These are the next leaves down from Flowery Orange Pekoe leaves. A little bit larger but still relatively small. Pekoe Souchong: The next grade of tea below Orange Pekoe. Mid-range sized leaves. Souchong: Another mid-range leaf size. Found somewhere around the middle to lower half of the plant. Used to make Lapsang Souchong. Congou: One of the largest grades. Fairly large leaf size, found in the lower half closer to the bottom of the plant. Bohea: Largest grade. Quite large leaf size, found closer to bottom of the plant. The first three grades are highly sought after as they are considered to have a finer flavour profile. It is believed by many that the tips and newly formed leaves of the Camelia Sinensis plant produce the best flavour and therefore are associated with higher quality. Some of these grades also contain further "sub categories" or grades that indicate slightly different size or quality. For example OP1 denotes an Orange Pekoe tea with slightly more delicate, long and wiry leaves than a regular orange pekoe, that produce a light liquor. Further grading can also be applied to tea by describing the "intact-ness" of the tea leaves. "Whole Leaf Grades" are described as above, however if the leaves are not entirely intact, they may be described as follows: Broken: quite literally indicates leaves that have been broken. The term "Broken" or the letter B generally preceeds the above leaf size grades. For example, tea that is made up of Orange Pekoe grade leaves that are broken would be called "Broken Orange Pekoe" or "BOP". Fannings: quite small pieces of tea leaves, generally used in tea bags. Dust: very fine pieces of tea leaves, hence the term "dust". Also used in tea bags. Fannings and Dust grade teas generally have the term "Fannings" or "Dust" (in the case of abbreviated terms the letters F or D) following the tea leaf size grade. For example, "Orange Pekoe Fannings" or "OPF" for short. Other grading systems include: China's Number Grading system: the finest teas are generally graded as 1 and the grades go as low as 7, 8 or even 9. Japan and Taiwan's Grading System: Teas are graded from highest to lowest as follows: Extra Choicest, Choicest, Choice, Finest, Fine, Good Medium, Medium, Good Common, Common, Nubs, Dust and Fannings. Green teas are graded differently as well and there is no standard or uniform system for grading green teas. But the best tea, like black tea is considered to be the tea with the most leaf tips and buds. Some grading is done by how the tea has been processed or again the "intact-ness" of the leaves. Whole Leaf Grades: Young Hyson (YH) and Fine Young Hyson (FYH). Broken Leaf Grades: Gunpowder (GP) and Hyson (H). Fannings: Fine Hyson (FH) and Soumea. Sometimes used in bagged tea. Green Tea Dust is simply referred to as "Dust". Often used in bagged tea. Sencha is a Japanese style tea that is steam and pan-fried and is considered to be a Broken Leaf variety as the processing involved in making the tea often naturally breaks the leaves apart. Other tea varieties, such as white tea and oolong tea, may also be graded. But the criteria they are graded on varies from other tea varieties as well. They may be graded by where they are grown, the size of leaf and the location on the plant from which it was picked, the way it is processed, etc. Whether you love black tea, green tea or any other tea in between you can find something you'll love over at our online shop, check it out.