Eastgate Speciality Teas.
We are very please to offer a range of high quality large leaf teas from "Aurora".
In the range are:
Black Teas from China, India and Ceylon
Black teas are fully fermented (oxidised) and have a rich, full flavour; constituting by far the
largest proportion of the total world tea production. Leaves can normally be used just once. After
picking the leaves are allowed to whither until they become soft enough to roll. Rolling breaks open the
membranes containing the bitter juices, which then coat the leaves. The subsequent oxidation process
mellows the juices and dries them on the surface of the leaves. The final step is to dry the tea in large
ovens.
Click here to go to our black teas
Green Teas from China and Japan
Green tea undergoes minimal processing in order to preserve the natural fresh flavour and
health-giving properties (a cup of green tea contains more vitamin C than a glass of fresh orange juice!)
After hand picking, the green leaves are spread out and allowed to whither. In China the leaves are then
pan fried to prevent oxidation. The Japanese prefer deep-steaming as this tends to reduce bitterness.
Click here to go to our green teas
Oolong Teas
Oolong teas are often referred to as 'semi-fermented', placing them somewhere between green and
black teas. To produce oolong tea, green tea is allowed to parially oxidise by being spread out and
allowed to dry in the shade. When the desired degree of oxidation has been achieved, the leaves are pan
fried as with the green teas from China. Oolong teas are produced almost exclusively in China and Taiwan,
the latter being the more highly prized.
Click here to go to our oolong teas
White Teas
White tea is the most delicate of all teas. Produced mainly in China, primarily in Fujian
province, white teas are entirely from leaf buds that are covered with silvery hairs. The new buds are
plucked before they open in early spring, then whithered and dried slowly at low temperatures. Unlike
other tea procesing methods, the leaf buds are not rolled and only slightly oxidised. The results are teas
with mild flavours and natural sweetness with little of the grassy undertones associated with green teas.
Click here to go to our white teas
Scented and Herbal Teas
The tradition of adding fragrances to tea goes back centuries. Whole flowers, petals,
seeds and oils are used to produce elegant teas of great complexity of aroma and flavour. Although green,
oolong and even white teas are sometimes scented, strong flavoured black teas are normally used to prevent the
fragrances from dominating.
Click here to go to our scented and herbal teas
Please feel free to:
- place an order or ask question by e-mail :
click here to e-mail us.
- place an order or have chat on the phone : 01785 243576
- pop into the shop for a chat with like-minded people and to see
our range at first hand.