Tea Library

Curling up on the couch with a scary movie and a big bucket of candy is a time–honored Halloween tradition. But between costume parties, autumn baking and bags of trick–or–treat candy, it can be easy to overindulge in sweets at this time of year. Too much sugar can trigger unpleasant side effects such as stomach upset, sluggishness and irritability.

Black tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. From the long–standing tradition of afternoon tea in the British Isles to the milky spiced beverage known as masala chaiin India, black tea has long been celebrated by many cultures around the globe.

Lessons on the Leaves Interactive Booklet

Nestled amongst the foothills of east India are the prized tea gardens of the Darjeeling region. With favorable growing conditions and meticulous cultivating practices, Darjeeling produces a super-premium, fine black tea.

The art and science of steeping tea have been perfected over the span of thousands of years. According to Chinese legend, the first cup of tea was steeped nearly 5,000 years ago, when Emperor Shen Nung was resting in his palace gardens near a Camellia sinensis tree.

When you retrieve your favorite tea from the pantry and steep a cuppa as part of your daily routine, it is very likely that you are not giving much thought to the tea’s packaging.

You put on your comfy flannel pajamas, slide your feet into your fuzzy slipper socks and head down to the kitchen for a nightcap. All you can think about is a steaming cup of tea to warm you up after a long day.

If there is one thing unequivocally true about tea, it is this: tea is comfort in a cup. Whether it is rooibos (also known as red tea), green tea, oolong tea, white tea, black tea, Pu Erh tea, mate, or chai tea, it always seems to be the perfect companion for cold days, crumpets or even served cold as a summer quencher.

As a natural stimulant, caffeine is the tool we often use to place a buffer between the coziness of our beds and the start of a new day.

Many tea drinkers are familiar with certain varieties of spiced tea, such as pumpkin spice tea and chai. But the world of spiced tea extends far beyond these popular varieties, offering adventurous tea drinkers the opportunity to explore an array of exotic aromas and palate-pleasing flavors.

With the many benefits of hibiscus tea, it is no wonder that it has become one of the most popular beverages around the globe. People praise the tart, cranberry-like taste and the dazzling red color that steeped hibiscus tea produces. If you are just discovering this healthy, fruity drink, you are probably wondering how long to steep hibiscus tea.

Whether sipped at daybreak to help wake up your senses or savored in the afternoon with a pastry for a quick pick-me-up, there is nothing like a warm cup of chai. Taking a deep breath of its rich, peppery scent entices first-time sippers and long-time tea-enthusiasts alike.

Alongside its naturally-sweet flavor and aroma reminiscent of apples, chamomile tea offers a variety of health benefits, from promoting better sleep and reducing anxiety to lowering blood sugar and alleviating stomach pain.* But if you find yourself wondering, “Does chamomile tea have caffeine?,” the answer is a resounding no.

As the days grow shorter and a chill permeates your home, you may find yourself craving the comfort of a warm afternoon beverage. You do not want to be kept awake all night by consuming caffeine too late in the day, so you opt for a steaming cup of herbal tea.

Herbs have been prized for their nutritional, medicinal and aromatic qualities since the dawn of civilization. For thousands of years, humans have used herbs to prepare healing infusions, treat ailments of all kinds, and impart rich flavor into cooked foods.

How long should green tea steep? It’s a complicated question, one answered by science, history, and artistic intuition.

With its origins dating back thousands of years, green tea has proven its utility (and desirability) across several centuries and cultures, making it clear that it’s not just a passing dietary trend.

There is nothing like a warm, creamy cup of chai in the morning — or in the afternoon or evening, for that matter. Before you break out the kettle and start steeping an after-dinner cup, you may find yourself asking the question: does chai have caffeine?

When making your favorite cup of tea, do you typically take note of how long the packaging indicates you should steep it? Many people do not, however, knowing and following the recommended steep time can greatly improve the quality and health benefits of Chamomile tea.

Whether you’ve recently joined the tea revolution or are a lifelong tea devotee, you’ll likely appreciate learning the many chamomile tea benefits of the leaves you’ve chosen to steep. For citizens who enjoy sipping a naturally sweet cup of chamomile, one question that might arise is, Does chamomile tea help you sleep?

Can dogs drink tea? Citizens may be surprised to learn that the answer is yes! Herbal tea is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that may naturally help to remedy issues like indigestion, nausea, stress and anxiety.

Monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii, also known as luo han guo) is a small, round melon that is native to Southern China and Northern Thailand. It is cultivated for its fruit extract, called mogrosides, which can be used as a natural sweetener. Below, learn how this zero-calorie sugar alternative can enhance your tea sipping experience.

Honeybush (Cyclopia) is a flowering plant native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Named for the mildly sweet, honey-like aroma of its golden-colored blooms, honeybush has long been used as an ingredient in soothing herbal teas. It is closely related to rooibos, also known as red tea, which grows on the Western Cape of South Africa.

How much caffeine is in tea? This is a common question, particularly among tea drinkers who have concerns about how the caffeine content in their tea will affect them.

It is no secret that matcha green tea has become one of the most beloved varieties of tea around the world. This finely ground green tea powder has risen in popularity in recent years due to its beautiful green coloring, powerful wellness benefits and rich taste.

Curious about the difference between matcha green tea powder and green tea? Although these two beverages share several commonalities—such as the fact that they are both derived from the Camellia sinensis plant—they are indeed two distinct beverages.

Vietnamese cinnamon—also known as Vietnamese cassia or Saigon cinnamon—is a fragrant spice harvested from the Cinnamomum loureiroi tree. It is known for its strong, spicy-sweet aroma, and is commonly used to add warmth and depth of flavor to foods and beverages.

The start of a new year is a wonderful time for reflecting on the past 365 days, celebrating your personal victories, and releasing any habits or beliefs that no longer serve you. For many, this process comes in the form of a New Year’s resolution.

A morning dose of caffeine is just the thing many Citizens need to greet the day with vim and vigor. Whether you have lengthy to-do list to tackle or simply want to energize your body and mind, a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage can become an integral part of your daily ritual.

Happy National Apple Month! Apples are perhaps the most recognizable of all fruits, beloved for their crunchy texture, sweet flavor and myriad health benefits. But did you know that apples also have a long, storied history steeped in mythology and lore?

Can you imagine a more peaceful way to start your morning than by breathing in the steam from a hot mug of tea while surrounded by the endless beauty of nature?

When you find a tea you truly love, it can be easy to forget there are hundreds of other tasty teas waiting to be explored and experienced. There is no need to stop sipping your favorite daily tea, but why not branch out and see what other tea types and flavors you might enjoy?

Learning the art of tea tasting allows tea drinkers to develop their palates, discover new qualities of their favorite teas, and deepen their appreciation for this ancient beverage.

The Republic of Tea has offered Comfort & Joy Black Tea for over 20 years, delighting generations during the holiday season. Over the years, many Citizens have reached out to let us know that this festive, flavorful black tea blend is an integral part of their Christmas traditions.

Ah, Thanksgiving. It is a time for gathering at home with friends and family, sharing in the spirit of gratitude and giving, and celebrating the bounty of the harvest season.

Even experienced tea drinkers may not be familiar with oolong, a lesser-known variety of tea that is cultivated in southern China and Taiwan. Although tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world, second only to water, oolong tea makes up just 2% of all tea produced worldwide.

The tradition of sipping hot tea has long been a part of many European cultures, particularly in England, Scotland and Ireland. Today, all three of these countries have their own version of the classic “breakfast tea” – but what is the difference between these three similar-sounding varietals?

Your sipware should be just as unique as you are (not to mention, just as unique as your favorite premium tea or herbal blend). From delicate porcelain to modern stoneware, The Republic of Tea offers a wide selection of teacups and mugs that are both functional and beautiful.

Imagine yourself indulging in the decadent flavors of red velvet cake, chocolate banana cream pie or chocolate covered strawberries… but without the calories!

Chai is a popular Indian tea that is made with black tea, milk, spices and sweetener. The term “chai” is actually the shortened version of the word “masala chai” which translates to “spiced tea” in Hindi. Spices used in chai tea can vary from one region to the next but typically consist of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger and peppercorns.

Herbal tea is not technically a true tea, as it does not derive from the Camellia sinensis plant (i.e. the plant that is used to create black, oolong, green, and white teas). Instead, herbal tea is an infusion or blend of various leaves, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers belonging to almost any edible, non-tea plant. In Europe and other areas of the world, herbal teas are commonly known as tisanes.

Delightfully fragrant, exotic, and soothing, hibiscus tea delivers a unique flavor and a bouquet of potential health benefits. Hibiscus tea is cultivated from the tropical Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, and is celebrated the world over. The hibiscus flower is native to Africa, and produces tea that is bright red in color and packed with fruity flavors.

Black Tea is a varietal of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets it apart is a traditional four-step transformation that includes withering, rolling, oxidation and firing. Put simply, black tea is a more oxidized version of white, green or oolong teas and tends to have a stronger flavor than other tea types.

Citizens who desire the pleasures of tea without caffeine may rest assured. The Republic of Tea offers a splendid array of fine decaffeinated teas. All are naturally decaffeinated using an environmentally friendly carbon dioxide/high-pressure process—absolutely free of any commercial chemical extraction.

Maté is derived from a South American herb grown primarily in the subtropical rainforests of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. South Americans have sipped the energy-boosting brew for centuries, and over the years its popularity has spread to various points around the globe.

Recently, the practice of preparing tea with full-leaf loose tea leaves is on the rise amongst tea enthusiasts. With its versatility, complex flavors, and charming steeping rituals, it is easy to see why. When steeping with full-leaf loose teas, you will need a handy tea infuser to get you started. If you have never steeped a cup of tea using an infuser, we offer this brief tutorial to help you begin.

You will extract the most pleasure from fine tea, steeped with care. The Minister of Fire & Water suggests the following a step-by-step ritual for steeping tea.

A premium naturally-sweet black tea with no sugar, no calories and no artificial sweeteners, Naturally Sweet Tea provides a healthful new alternative for lovers of traditional sweet teas, sweetened with sugars, syrups and artificial flavorings.

You will extract the most pleasure from fine tea, steeped with care. The Republic of Teas Minister of Fire & Water suggests the following step-by-step ritual for infusing hot tea

You will extract the most pleasure from fine tea, steeped with care. The Republic of Tea’s Minister of Fire & Water suggests the following step-by-step ritual for infusing hot tea before cooling and icing it:

Superfruit Teas are made from a base of the finest China green tea expertly blended with superfruits recognized for their superior antioxidant qualities, reported health benefits and vibrant flavors.

Naturally decaffeinated green tea contains about 2 milligrams of caffeine per cuppa. An average cup of green tea contains approximately 20-30 milligrams of caffeine depending upon the length of infusion.

To appreciate the unique, soft flavor and delicate nature of White Tea, preparation is of utmost importance.The Republic of Tea’s Minister of Fire & Water suggests the following step-by-step ritual for infusing 100% White Tea:

To appreciate this mineral-rich herbal tea from South Africa, preparation is of utmost importance. The Republic of Tea’s Minister of Fire & Water suggests the following step-by-step ritual for infusing Red Tea.

Proper care of a cast iron teapot will afford you a lifetime of use. After each use, allow teapot to cool completely before cleaning. Rinse and gently clean pot, cover and infuse thoroughly with warm water only. Do not use soaps or detergents. Wipe the outside dry with a clean cloth while the pot is still warm.

In the spirit of simplicity and for the sake of the environment, The Republic of Tea’s signature round tea bags have always been made from unbleached tea paper, free of excess wrapping, strings, tags and staples. The unbleached tea paper is free of chemicals and no chlorine-containing compounds are used in the paper. Our tea bags are free of glue and are gluten-free. They are also kosher certified.