Kaori TEA - f.a.q.

What’s the difference between loose tea and tea bag?

	Kaori Loose-leaf Teas	Most Tea Bags
Type of Leaves	Large/whole leaves; young/tender leaves carefully cultivated available.	Low grade fanning/dust, powder-like tea (because there’s no room for whole leaves to expand).
Blended/Flavored Tea (if applicable)	Contain more real/natural ingredients, such as fruits and flowers.	Typically rely more on added flavorings and enhancers.
Way of Enjoyment	Art of infusion - you are in full control of the process. Great for entertaining.	Convenience and economy.
Infusion Environment	In strainer or tea pot, allowing sufficient room for leaves to expand and to release complex quality flavor and aroma.	Tea in bags quickly releases blunt, stronger taste. Also, the usual paper material has a negative effect on the taste.
Multiple Infusions	Mostly capable, with minimal deterioration in flavor/aroma.	Mostly not capable, with great extend of deterioration.

Why price of each tea is so much different sometimes?

All of the following factors determine the quality of tea and its price:

- Type of Camelia Sinensis

- Growing Environment

- Harvesting Method

- Processing Technique

Even for teas bearing the same/similar name, grown in the same estate, prices could vary from lot to lot. Therefore, the only way to have an "apple-to-apple" comparison among brands, is to compare the quality of teas that are at a similar price range.

I don’t know how to brew loose-leaf tea. How can I begin?

It may be easier than you think. Please visit our art of infusion page for some information. Also, feel free to consult us.

How many cups can I expect from each Kaori’s package?

Though it depends on the density of each tea, below are some basic guidelines for most teas. On top of these, many teas, especially pure ones, are capable for multiple infusions (see art of infusion).

3.0 oz regular size: 37-45 cups

0.5 oz sample size: 6-7 cups

1.5 oz special size: 18-22 cups

Where are your teas come from?

Our teas are originated from various places depending on their specialty and quality. They include China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan at this time. Tisanes are originated from many different countries. We select carefully and blend some of them to meet your quality needs. Visit our authentic roots page for details.

Why don’t you sell tea by weight?

When you open most of our tea packages for the first time, you may realize that they smell better and fresher than teas that have been opened for a while. The difference is more obvious with many pure teas. This is because the quality of tea changes as it exposes with air, moisture, light, temperature, etc. To keep products fresh and in their best condition as much as possible for your enjoyment, our teas are packaged quickly with oxygen absorber inside, to shut out from quality-deteriorating elements. Please trash the oxygen absorber packet once you opened the product.

Exceptions:

1) Pu-Erh tea is one of the few kinds that get better with age.

2) The best taste of Oolong tea (only quality ones) is produced by some later oxidation under the right storing condition.

Should I store teas in the refrigerator?

In most cases, you should not do so; if you were to consume the tea on a regular basis. However, you may do so for unopened packages only if you don't plan on consuming them for a long period of time. Before you open it, please sit the package out and let it restore to regular room temperature. The difference in temperature would create moisture and deteriorate the tea immediately.

Any suggestions on food/occasion pairing with my tea?

Although each person may have different preferences, below are some of our suggestions hoping to further enhance your enjoyment of aromas.

Foods/Occasions	Suggested Tea(s)
Cheeses & Spicy Foods	Lapsang Souchong
Baked Goods (Scones, Muffins, etc.)	English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast
Fried Appetizers (Crab Cakes, Cheese Sticks, etc.)	Pu Erhs, Oolongs
Meat Entrees	Soothing Moroccan Mint, Oolongs
For any peaceful moment	Calming Green, Citrus Mellow Blend
Anytime easy-drinking without sugar and/or milk	Oolongs, Greens

.