Question
For those of us who don't have the traditional matcha set with which to prepare the tea, what is the best way to do it without the proper tools?

Thanks so much, Augie

Answer
Matcha is the star of the centuries-old Japanese Tea Ceremony. Now we offer to our Citizens in round, unbleached tea bags for the ease of an "Everyday Ceremony."

How to Prepare Matcha Without Traditional Tools:
If you do not have the traditional Japanese bamboo spoon (chashaku) or whisk (chasen), you can still enjoy this flavorful tea. Add Matcha teabag to 6-8 ounces of hot water (short of boiling), infuse tea bag for one to three minutes, remove tea bag, stir vigorously, and enjoy Sip by Sip drinking to your health and pleasing your palate!

The Minister of Preparation

Question
I have many ceramic tea pots, however, I would like to purchase one of your traditional iron pots. Over time does the interior rust? What is the best way of cleaning them?

Answer
Dear Citizen,
Should you purchase one of our cast iron teapots, we suggest before the first use, thoroughly rinsing the teapot with boiling water and completely drying the inside and outside with a clean dry cloth. After each use, clean with water only and thoroughly dry. The teapot should not be used in the dishwasher or microwave, over an open flame or as a stovetop kettle. Avoid keeping infused tea in the pot for a very long time. Through normal use, a natural mineral layer in the inside of the teapot will form and is believed in Japan to be very healthful, prevent rust and enhance the brew. In the unlikely event of rust, the pot can still be used. Rust from the teapot is non-toxic and perfectly safe. In fact, many Japanese tea connoisseurs actually prefer the taste of tea from a rusted Tetsubin!

If rust bothers you, clean the rusted area with a soft brush, then fill the pot with used tea leaves and boiling water. Allow to sit for 20 minutes, discard and rinse. Tannic acid in the tea reacts with the rest and forms a natural seal, helping to prevent the reoccurrence of rust. Proper care of a cast iron teapot will provide a lifetime of use.

Best Sip by Sip regards,
The Minister of Sipware

Question
Is the rooibos Good Hope Vanilla suitable for someone who does not consume dairy products? The ingredients list "cream flavor." Does this contain fat or calories?
Thanks.

Answer
Thank you for your query. Using a proprietary method to eliminate the milk protein, this popular red tea does not contain milk or milk products. We invite you to enjoy many cups with us--there are ZERO CALORIES, ZERO CARBS, ZERO FATS and ZERO SUGARS in this healthy rooibos blend.

Best Sip by Sip regards,
The Minister of Health

Question
where do you start when you want to be a tea drinker ? how much is the membership etc. what is the obligation etc ?

Answer
Thank you for your queries! We invite you to become a tea drinker by imagining a place of unparalleled tranquility, where life still flows at a slower, gentle pace. A place far removed from a world made jittery from change, violence, and too much of the everyday sameness, a place where you can travel without really leaving--no jets to board, no miles to drive. A place where all matter of baggage disappears and a place that waits patiently for you to discover your true birthright. The Japanese call it Tengoku. To others it's Shangri-la. We are happy to report that thousands and more are calling it The Republic of Tea.

You become a Citizen by ordering your first tin of tea and sipping your first cuppa while experiencing the many new offerings at Our Republic to gather delight and pleasure.

The obligation is to continue sipping tea with us entering into TeaMind and enjoying the Sip by Sip life, not a gulp by gulp pace! This is the peace of TeaMind…this is drinking tea!

Yours in the Spirit of Change,
The Minister of Leaves

Question
Dear Minister of Teas,

I must say that I absolutely love your teas, I am a loyal purveyor of your teas!

I am VERY EXCITED to see that The Republic of Tea is now offering Matcha Powder tea and the Matcha Set...I have asked for this set and type of tea and you have complied...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

I can't wait to place an order for the Matcha set and the tea as well.

Thank you again for offering these two items.


Sincerely,

Richard

Answer
Dear Loyal Citizen:
Thank you for being a Citizen of THE REPUBLIC OF TEA! We always enjoy hearing from our Citizens and we celebrate that we are able to delight the palates of our honored Citizens!

We invite you to begin each day with TeaMind...
The Minister of Tea

Question
FANTASTIC TEAS!!! I finally do not drink coffee! I just love your teas.

Answer
Dear Citizen Roofian,
Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us! It is always good to hear about a "job well done." Citizens such as yourself are a pleasure! We appreciate your enjoying the leaf and we are honored to delight the palate of our Citizens...Sip by Sip!

The Minister of Tea

Question
What is the Theanine content in your teas?

Answer
Thank you for your query. Theanine is a compound found almost exclusively in the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Theanine is an amino acid being studied for its calming properties. Theanine comprises 50% of the amino acids in tea and one to two per cent of the dry weight of tea leaves. More studies are presently being conducted to help understand the effectiveness of theanine in tea.

Best Sip by Sip regards,
The Minister of Health

Question
Can the teas be use after the expiration date?

Answer
Dear Citizen,
Thank you for your query. Yes, you may sip the teas after the expiration date, however, they are their best and their freshest, if enjoyed prior to the date of expiration.

The Minister of Quality Assurance

Question
First I want to say I absolutely love your teas and they've helped me to not just quit smoking (giving me something 'better' to do with my mouth!) but also helping my diet :) I was wondering, I notice a few answers say that paricular teas are zero calories - are "ALL" of your teas zero calories or only some/most?

Thanks so much for your time, and your wonderful teas! :)

Answer
Dear Citizen Lori,
Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us. We always enjoy hearing from our Citizens! Yes, unless our Citizens choose to add sugar or honey or another caloric sweetener, our fine teas are ZERO CALORIES!

We invite you to enjoy sipping many cups with us!
The Minister of Information

Question
To whom it may concern:
I just placed an order and decided to check and see whether you had brought back the desert sage tea that had been discontinued. I am thrilled to see that you brought it back. I called about it when it was first discontinued. This is one of the best teas I have ever had and all of my friends love it too. I live in the desert and it is so nice to drink it iced in the summer. Thanks again. I hope you will continue to keep this one!

Answer
Dear Citizen Julie,

Thank you for your email and kind comments. We appreciate hearing from our Citizens.

Best Sip By Sip regards,
Minister of Citizen Services