From Lu T'ung, an 8th century Chinese poet, protege of the legendary master Yu Lu who wrote the definitive three volume work on water boiling, the Ch'a Ching: "I am in no way interested in immortality, but only in the taste of tea."
Soft, round, mellow, distinctive Ti Kwan Yin strength. One of the top ten teas of China. Kwan Yin is the Buddhist Goddess of Compassion, the most revered in Asia. Ti Kwan Yin is the tea resulting from the Goddess visiting a tea farmer in his dreams, a compassionate man who showed many people kindness. But his tea garden (the way he made a living) had to endure poor weather, pests and other circumstances beyond his control making him suffer extreme personal hardship. Kwan Yin appeared in a dream telling him to look behind his barn for a tiny plant, to care for it as he had the many people who had come into his life and he would be repaid with his suffering coming to an end. Following her instructions to the letter, the farmer prospered by producing some of the very best tea in all of Asia. Today Ti Kwan Yin is one of the most well known Oolongs in the world! Many farmers have since followed this path and we are fortune to find many styles of Ti Kwan Yin today. As you sip Ti Kwan Yin think about how all good deeds eventually come back to us as blessings!
Green Jasmine, 100 gram tin
Jasmine… exotic, aromatic and symbolic! This tea begins with a premium quality leaf that has been picked before the spring rains, steamed and then stored until late summer heat brings jasmine into full bloom. The blossoms are then picked each evening just before they open. This begins the round the clock hand crafting of adding flowers to the partially finished tea for scenting then removing them for drying then adding more blossoms to the tea leaves again and removing them again up to as many as twelve times! The lovely aroma and flavor is a result of the jasmine flower and skill of the tea master. The quality and difference in price and flavor is often a result of how many times the leaves have been scented with the flowers.
Kyoto Bancha, 50 gm
Toasty, rich warm flavor yet very mild and low in caffeine and tannins. Kyoto is a very special place and this Kyoto Bancha is much the same. Quiet, complex, delightful blend of ancient and modern practices resulting in a Bancha unlike any other.
Teapots & Cups
Glass Teapot with Metal Handle
Tiny coil in spout allows tea leaves all the room they need to properly open and infuse yet remain in the pot when you serve. 18 oz capacity.
Glass Water Kettle, 1.75 liter capacity
To brew perfect green tea, your water must be neither too hot nor too cool; it must be at a stage before boiling known as "fish-eyes," when the first large bubbles begin to surface. A tempered glass kettle offers a convenient way to keep watch over your tea water.
This German glass water kettle is made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass. This special glass has no smell or flavor and does not give off any substances to the water, making it very suitable for allergy sufferers. The pore-free surface means that it is easy to clean and will not discolor.
The metal lid is loose fitting, so it clatters lightly when the water nears boiling - a gentle reminder to turn the heat off. A light touch holds the lid in place while you pour.
This kettle works well on gas or electric stoves, and is dishwasher safe. Safety dot prevents boil delay.
Dragon Well
Dragon Well Loose Leaf Green Tea, 50 gm
Dragon Well Loose Leaf Green Tea, 75 gm
Dragon Well Loose Leaf Green Tea, 125 gm
Out of Stock
Diamond Organics Co-Founder Jasch Hamilton recently had the opportunity to travel to China on a Qigong study tour led by Dr. Roger Jahnke, author of The Healing Promise of Qi: Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi, and The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques to Release Your Body's Own Medicine. The tour began in the city of Hangzhou, one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, with a history of more than 2200 years since it was established by the First Emperor Qing.
Jasch was lucky enough to meet a family from the Mei Jia Wu (Long Life) Tea village that has been farming tea for over 6 generations. It was a great experience to walk through the terraces surrounding the village and learn about tea cultivation with Shao Pang, whose grandfather at 76 still works every day in the fields or at the family compound, drying the precious spring harvest by hand in the large brass wood-fired wok.
Jasch was able to arrange deliveries of this famous tea direct from the village to Diamond Organics in California. Since then, an unofficial 3-cup per day minimum has been established in the office, a result of both Dragon Well's taste and the steady energy it imparts. We hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do.
To prepare: Best made in a 10 oz glass. Cover the bottom of the glass with a shallow layer of leaves, about one teaspoon. Heat pure, cold water to about 180 degrees F (just below boiling), when the first sizable bubbles start breaking the surface. Pour the water into the glass, preferably from a height. When the leaves have fallen, about two minutes, the tea is ready to drink.
This first brew is the strongest, and in China it is often discarded in favor of the second. Just add more hot water to the once-brewed leaves for a tasty second brew. A third brew will also be delicious.
Comes with instructions for preparing and enjoying, along with a brief history of this world-class tea.
Organic Chinese Green Teas
Organic Jasmine Pearl Green Tea, 3 oz tin
The most tender green tealeaves and buds are hand rolled into small pearls and infused with the essence of fresh jasmine blossoms. The fragrant blossoms are mixed with the tea according to traditional tea scenting techniques that date back over 9 centuries. The tea absorbs the fragrant essence of the fresh jasmine, making the pearls sweet and very aromatic. The blossoms are then removed by hand after the scenting process, leaving only the jasmine-infused tea pearls. Jasmine tea is said to ease nervous tension, break down saturated fat, reduce cholesterol and increase circulation.
Organic Ancient Snow Sprout Green Tea, 1.5 oz tin
Snow Sprout is exquisite with a rich honey-like flavor and depth of body unlike any other green tea. It is composed of the silvery-white, down covered sprouts that are hand picked from the tops of tall, wild growing tea trees in China's Yunnan Province. Snow Sprout is smooth, has low astringency and an amber-orange infusion reminiscent of nectar. It should be steeped longer than other green teas to bring out its full flavor. This is a premier tea from Jing Mai Mountain's Ancient Tea Tree Forestry, home to the oldest tea trees which are still used to produce commercial teas.
Organic Ancient Tree Emerald Lily Green Tea, 1.7 oz tin
This wild harvested green tea is produced exclusively for Rishi in Jing Mai Mountain's ancient tea village, which makes its teas from leaves picked from some of the world's oldest tea trees. Emerald Lily can only be made for a brief time twice a year during the early spring and beginning of winter when the cool mists and clouds rest on the high mountain peaks of Jing Mai's 1300 year old ancient tea forest. The flavor and aroma are well balanced and refreshing with notes of melon, flowers and toasted nut. The finish is sweet, smooth and slightly more pungent than green teas from Eastern China due to the rare tea tree varietal used to make this tea.
Organic Jade Cloud Green Tea, 2.75 oz tin
Organic Jade Cloud has a mellow taste and refreshing character. The clear green infusion imparts a smooth and savory taste with a well-rounded body and an aroma of toasted grain.
Jade Cloud is hand harvested approximately 1000 meters above sea level in the Zhejiang province of Southeast China during the clebrated "first flush", the first picking of the early spring tea harvest. Its Chinese name, Wulu, evokes the clouds, mist and cool breezes of the early spring.
Organic Jasmine Green Tea, 4 oz tin
Freshly picked, certified organic jasmine flowers infuse green tea with their naturally sweet aroma. These jasmine teas are made according to a 900 year old artisan technique using only real jasmine flowers, high quality tea and traditional skill. No flavors or perfumes are used to make any of these naturally aromatic jasmine teas. This rare tea has a smooth mouth filling body devoid of astringency. The sweet finishing and rich flavored infusion fills a room with the distinct aroma of fresh jasmine.
Organic Green Tea Peony Rosette, each
Special grade green tea rosette or 'Lu Mu Dan' is made with only early spring green tea buds known as 'pine needles green tea'. The green tea buds are tied by hand into flower shapes with silk threads by skilled artisans. This special tea has a mellow green flavor with fleeting notes of toasted grain and pine. Lu Mu Dan's striking appearance and artisanal quality is evident as the beautiful leaves blossom into a flower in your cup. An ideal tea for travelers.
Organic Mint Green Tea, 2.1 oz tin
Green Tea Mint is a soothing blend of toasty green tea and aromatic organic peppermint. This unique mint tea blend is great hot or iced. Its flavor is mellow and smooth with notes of chocolate, roasted barley and heady mint.
Organic Orange Blossom Green Tea, 2.4 oz tin
A profoundly flowery blend of select green teas, rare blossoms and aromatic lemon myrtle leaves. A great hot or iced tea with natural sweetness and a balanced aroma of roses, jasmine and fresh citrus.
Organic Japanese Green Teas
Organic Genmaicha Tea, 16 bags
Tender green tea leaves of spring with fire-toasted brown rice.
Organic Hojicha Tea, 16 bags
Green tea from early summer leaves.
Organic Kukicha Tea, 16 bags
Comes from roasted twigs and leaves of the tea plant.
Chinese White Teas
Organic Silver Needle, 1.1 oz tin
Organic Silver Needle consists of only the young, silvery down-covered buds harvested in early spring. Silver Needle, known as Bai Hao Yin Zhen, is the most sought after white tea and only harvested for a few days each year in the north of the Min River in Fujian, China. The white tea bushes of Northern Fujian were domesticated from wild tea trees discovered more than 1000 years ago and are prized for their silvery down-covered leaves and big buds. Silver Needle has a clear, light golden infusion with a rich body, unique savory aroma and a sweet mellow finish.
Organic White Peony Tea, 1.1 oz tin
White Peony (Bai Mu Dan) is one of the classic white teas from the Fujian province of China. It has a unique herbaceous aroma similar to steamed bamboo and toasted nuts. Bai Mu Dan is prized for its mild flavor as well as its low astringency and savory finish. It is often consumed during and after a meal in many areas of China and is known to have even less caffeine than green tea due to its unique processing and season of harvest.
Ancient Moonlight White, 1.1 oz ti
Organic Fair Trade Moonlight White is from the Jingmai Mangjing Ancient Tea project. Moonlight White's picking standard and processing technique is similar to that of Bai Mu Dan or White Peony but it has a unique flavor profile unlike any other white tea. Moonlight White has a refreshing character with delicate accents of fresh Honeysuckle and ripened melon. This tea can be steeped longer than usual white tea and yields a richer body that appears sweetened with honey.
Water: 185 to 190F; leaves: 2 tablespoons per 8 ounces - Moonlight White has large leaves and buds so you want to make sure to use enough tea leaves if measuring with a spoon. Infusion Time: 5 to 7 minutes (the lower the water temperature, the longer tea leaves can be infused). Ingredients: 100% Organic Fair Trade Certified white tea leaves. Origin: Yunnan, China.
Organic Snow Buds (Xue Ya) White Tea, 1.3 oz tin
Organic Snow Buds (Xue Ya) is a rare white tea that is hand harvested in very limited quantities on the high mountain peaks of northern Fujian, China. Its clear infusion offers a fresh green note with a complex savory flavor and aroma that can be likened to toasted grains and baked sweet potato. The hand harvested one leaf and a bud is covered with a silvery white down that is indicative of reserve quality white tea. The impressive taste is sweet and savory with a clear infusion that is surprisingly full flavored and smooth. It exhibits nuances of both green and white tea.
Jasmine Silver Needle, Organic White Tea, 1.9 oz tin
Freshly picked, certified organic jasmine flowers infuse Organic Silver Needle with their naturally sweet aroma. This jasmine tea is made in accordance with a 900-year old artisan technique using only real jasmine flowers, high quality tea and traditional skill. No flavors or perfumes are used. This rare white tea has a smooth mouth-filling body devoid of astringency. If you like Jasmine Pearl, you will love this white tea.
Water: 185F; leaves: 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces. Infusion Time: 4-5 minutes. Ingredients: organic white tea leaves and organic jasmine flowers. Origin: Fujian, China.
Pu-erh Tea
Pu-Erh Ginger Tea, 3.8 oz tin
The Pu-erh family of teas includes semi-green teas and dark green pile fermented teas. According to traditional Chinese Medicine, Pu-erh tea has a warm and potent property. It is known to dispel grease and toxins from a diet rich in beef and other meats. Researchers in China report that Pu-erh is the best of all teas for weight loss and cholesterol reduction. The zesty notes of orange and ginger complement the rich, earthy flavors of Pu-erh and its soothing digestive properties. Medicinal in nature and wonderfully tasty
Pu-Erh Maiden Tea, 3.4 oz tin
This loose leaf Pu-erh is made with hand harvested tealeaves from the wild ancient tea trees of Yunnan's Jingmai Mangjing high mountain tea villages, which are home to some of the world's oldest living tea trees, planted some 1300 years ago. The local people of Jingmai Mangjing climb their ancient tea trees to harvest the new growth leaves and buds that are used to make exceptional teas.
The Maiden grade of Pu-erh exhibits a well-balanced, smooth flavor that is rich and sweet in its finish. It goes well with spicy or oily food. Maiden tea refers to a special grade of Pu-erh that is harvested by the young ladies of Jingmai Mangjing and was traditionally offered as a special portion of their dowry. It is one of the most prized grades of Pu-erh and rarely found in the US.
Organic Oolong Tea
Biodynamic Black Teas
Biodynamic Darjeeling Tea, 25 sachets
An ideal way to take an afternoon break.
A favourite for its clean, satisfying taste. It has a rich, smoky flavour with a delightful, mellow aroma. Enjoy the distinctive flavour on its own or add a splash of milk.
The tea is harvested from the Makaibari tea estate in India, one of only a few owner-managed estates still in existence. The leaves are picked in the autumn when the sun is mild, imparting a gentle flavour. No artificial inputs are used at any point during farming or production. The entire system emphasises environmental responsibility.
Biodynamic Earl Grey Tea, 25 sachets
A lighter answer to a traditional British favourite. It is best enjoyed in the afternoon, on its own or with sugar and a slice of lemon.
We have recreated the original formula of Earl Grey, a tea created for the second Earl of Grey after a successful diplomatic mission. Our Earl Grey uses the natural oil of the bergamot fruit, imparting a distinct but not overpowering flavour.
The base tea is harvested from the Makaibari tea estate in India, one of only a few owner-managed estates still in existence. No artificial inputs are used at any point during farming or production. The entire system emphasises environmental responsibility.
Biodynamic English Breakfast Tea, 25 sachets
Smooth and sophisticated. It is strong, flavourful and refreshing with or without milk and sugar.
The tea is harvested from the Makaibari tea estate in India and other organic estates all committed to sustainable and fair practices. No artificial inputs are used at any point during farming or production. The entire system emphasises environmental responsibility.
Organic Yerba Mate and Chai
Organic Chai Tea, naturally caffeine free, 1/4 lb
Chai translates directly to "life" and "tea." Enjoy as a soothing evening indulgence.
Organic Chai Tea, caffeinated, 1/4 lb
Chai, which translates directly to "life" and "tea," is revered as the coffee alternative for its rich and stimulating properties. Enjoy as a sweet daytime motivator or as a soothing evening indulgence.
Organic Yerba Mate, 25 bags
From central Brazil to Patagonia, yerba mate is the beverage of choice for stimulation, nutrition and social gatherings. Mate is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, and contains a form of caffeine that many people find easier on the nervous system. Our rich, smooth yerba mate comes from a family farm in Argentina where it is dried without smoke then aged for 12 months.
A soothing, reflective infusion. In India, fennel seed is a renowned after dinner digestive and breath freshener, valued for its comforting and balancing effects. Here, fennel seeds blend with liquorice and peppermint leaves to enhance its aromatic qualities.
Ingredients: organic fairtrade liquorice root, fennel and mint in staple-free, non-chlorinated tea bags.
Biodynamic Lemon Ginger Tea, 20 bags
A zesty, warming, invigorating infusion, with a delicious ginger-citrus kick. Ginger is a natural stimulant and carminative; our ginger comes from India where it is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. Delicious at any time; especially beneficial in cold weather to warm and enliven your spirits.
Ingredients: Organic lemon rind and root ginger in staple-free, non-chlorinated tea bags.
Biodynamic Rosehip Hibiscus Tea, 20 bags
A garnet colored, lively, fruity infusion. The combination of rosehip and hibiscus provides essential vitamin C and antioxidants to prevent tiredness and help lift a sluggish immune system. Nature's gentle reviver, rosehip hibiscus can be drunk hot or iced anytime of the day or evening.
Ingredients: Organic fairtrade rosehip and hibiscus in staple-free, non-chlorinated tea bags.
Biodynamic Lemon Valerian Tea, 20 bags
The perfect nightcap. A benign, reflective infusion, combining the calming and soporific effects of valerian, chamomile and lemon balm. A unique formulation which gently eases away nervous tension and anxiety, and promotes restful sleep. Good for all the family, including children. Drink before bedtime, or when under stress.
Ingredients: Organic valerian root, and fairtrade chamomile and lemon balm in staple-free, non-chlorinated tea bags.
Biodynamic Royal Chamomile Tea, 20 bags
A beautiful golden, soothing and mellow infusion. Royal Chamomile is selected exclusively from the petals of the prized sweet-scented true chamomile, anthemis nobilis, revered medicinally since ancient Egyptian times. Delicious at anytime during the day. At meal times it can stimulate the appetite and aid digestion; at bedtime it soothes and calms the nerves and spirit.
Ingredients: Biodynamic fairtrade chamomile flowers in staple-free, non-chlorinated tea bags.
Biodynamic Peppermint Tea, 20 bags
Cooling herbal infusion - full flavored, heady and fragrant. A unique blend of the two best loved mints, peppermint and spearmint, lends our double minted infusion its added depth, fresh tangy finish, and lingering sweet aftertaste. Deliciously refreshing hot