Elephant Tusk Silver Needle

Description

Ivory - a more storied natural substance can be found nowhere on earth. Unfortunately, these days Ivory is also exceedingly rare. For centuries, the harvest of elephant tusks decimated the legendary herds that swarmed the savannahs and jungles of the African continent. Ivory was exported throughout the Western world and was used for everything from piano keys to billiard balls and false teeth. The 1970s and 80s were particularly grueling on elephant populations and in 1989, a worldwide ban was placed on the international trade in tusks. Still, even today, the trade continues illegally as poachers hunt the wild animals in many African countries. Thankfully, the recent efforts of ecologists and organizations like the International Fund for Animal Welfare, mean that many elephants are beginning to find safe homes in protected lands.

One country that has taken some innovative steps toward saving their wild elephant herds is Malawi. One of the more interesting of these has been to take the concept of eco-tourism to a whole new level. Tourists to the country can take part in rounding up endangered "tuskers" in Liwonde National Park, helping get them on to massive transport trucks and delivering them to a new home on the Majete Wildlife Reserve in the south. The massive reserve provides the elephants with a protected home out of the reaches of poachers. As of yet, we haven?t had an opportunity to take part in this incredible adventure. We are happy however to do our part to honor the magnificent animals by presenting this incredible Malawi production white tea, a handmade specialty that resembles miniature versions of the magnificent tusks.
While premium quality white teas are somewhat new to Malawi, the output in recent years has been outstanding. Elephant Tusk Silver Needle stands at the forefront of the country?s production and is made by carefully selecting only the top silver tip of the tea bush during a very limited spring harvest window. In the cup, the tea is superbly light with a touch of malty brisk character. Celebrate the future of the magnificent African elephant with an equally outstanding cuppa.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - White Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.