Choice Organic Teas - Why Choose Organic Tea? :: Exquisite

Choice Organic Teas - Why Choose Organic Tea?
April 14, 2006

Did you know that the very first wash tea leaves receive is in your cup? Yep, that means conventionally farmed cups of tea are swimming with pesticides. Being a die hard tea lover myself, this year I made the switch to drinking only organic tea and I have to say, I am enjoying the excuse to try new brands and varieties.

One of my favorite discoveries is Choice Organic Tea, a tough one to beat not only in taste and variety, but also for responsible business practices. A pioneer in Fair Trade Tea, more than half of Choice Organic Teas' offerings are Fair Trade Certified supporting fair wages, respectable living and working conditions, and a worker-managed premium that supports community development. If you are thinking all of this compassion drives the price up, you may be surprised that Choice compares very well at $3.25 - $4.70 a box and is available online and nationwide at grocers like Wholefoods and Wild Oats.

Not sure which variety to try? Pick your old favorite or try something new, sipping tea can easily be compared to tasting fine wines, both have incredible variety and nuance. For a head start, here are a few words to add to your tea tasting vocabulary (Courtesy of Choice Organic Teas):

Astringent - A puckering, almost sour feeling in the mouth.
Brothy - A comforting, savory quality.

Busy - Too much going on. Specific flavors overpower or dominate the tea.

Citrusy - A fruity quality, like lemons or oranges. This is just how the tea tastes; no flavoring has been added.

Complex - Multiple flavors that come across at once. Like a well-crafted symphony, they are balanced and don't clash with one another.

Floral - Smells and tastes strikingly like flowers. Might include orchids, lilacs, or roses. This is just how the tea tastes; no flavoring has been added.

Malty - Combination of flavor and body similar to malt syrup or chocolate malt.

Toothy - We use it for teas that have a more assertive body or strength.

As spring is finally showing itself here in Southern California I will be sipping my iced oolong tea on the porch, looking out over the beach and smiling knowing I am helping to create positive change. Which of the varieties will you try?

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comments on this entry

I'll have to hunt around for some loose-leaf versions--the store by my work only has teabags. Poot :(

Posted by: Jasmin | April 21, 2006 11:25 AM