According to Chinese legend, some 5,000 years ago a scholarly emperor named Shen Nung sanitized his drinking water and food utensils by boiling them. One day as he traveled the countryside, he rested beneath a tree. The wind blew a little leaf into his cup of hot water. The curious emperor let the leaf steep, and then drank the brew. Tea was born!

Tea is now the most consumed beverage in the world next to water. Although there is an array of teas to choose from, most all tea comes from the same plant called Camellia Sinensis. The difference in tea's color, taste, and caffeine content is the result of the plucking and processing methods used during preparation. How the leaf is processed will determine whether it is classified as white, green, oolong or black tea.

Black Tea undergoes a full fermentation process composed of six basic steps: withering, rolling, sorting, fermenting, firing (or drying) and grading. Roll breaking cracks the surface of the leaf exposing the leaf's enzymes to air initiating oxidation. Oxidation is the process that results in the flavor profiles of Oolong and Black tea, which is often full-bodied and robust. Although it contains the highest amount of caffeine compared to the other tea types, it is still well below the amount found in coffee or sodas.

Green Tea is picked then steamed to neutralize active enzymes. After steaming, the leaf is withered and manipulated to achieve the desired leaf finish. It is then steamed again or pan fired. This process yields a chemical composition in green tea similar to the fresh tea leaf. Green tea offers a pale colored brew and possesses a fresh, grassy, and sometimes astringent flavor.

White Tea is the least processed form of tea. Comprised of fine silvery white unopened buds and select leaves, they are simply picked, withered, steamed and dried. Because of minimal processing, white tea is believed to have a higher concentration of antioxidants and nutrients than black or green tea and depending on its preparation, may contain the least amount of caffeine. White tea steeps a golden color liquid and offers a light, delicate, slightly sweet flavor.

Herbal Tisanes and Rooibos
Those beverages that are brewed that do not contain the Camellia Sinensis (tea) plant are actually called Tisanes. Herbs, fruits, and plants are infused with hot water to create an appealing caffeine free drink that offers many natural health benefits.

Tisanes are a creative mix of herbs, spices, and/or fruits blended to provide a variety of flavors and health benefits. They are brewed like tea and are naturally caffeine free.

Rooibos is a natural herbal plant found in South Africa. This rich red herb is caffeine free and offers a pure drink that can be enjoyed throughout the day. Rooibos is very high in antioxidants and minerals such as copper, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.

Since each type of tea has its own characteristics including taste, health benefits, and even levels of caffeine, the best way to discover which is your favorite is to host or attend a Violetea party and sample some of our heavenly teas.

Quality: Violetea offers only the most exquisite teas and herbal blends. Many of our teas are based with organic, fair trade, and pesticide free conventionally grown teas, fruits, and herbs. We blend with US products whenever it is appropriate and taste each batch for quality and consistency of flavor. I am confident that the tea I provide for my family is the tea you will love to share with yours.

Packaging: Violetea's specially designed product packaging ensures you experience the same quality tea with each cup. These reusable, resealable, silver stand up bags prevent light and air from entering thereby protecting your tea experience. When properly resealed, they will maintain fragrance, flavor, and integrity of the tea and herbal Tisane for up to and over a year.

Satisfaction Guarantee: We strongly believe in the quality and freshness of our teas, accessories and accompaniments therefore we offer a satisfaction guarantee. For a period of one year from the date of purchase, the company will take back any unopened food items or accessories that are still in original packaging. We will happily refund 90% of the amount paid for the items on the order and feel free to contact us should you have any questions by clicking on the Contact Us link on our website.

*To learn more about tea visit www.teausa.org