Chunmee Taipan Superior

Description

For those of us unfamiliar with the term Taipan, it was the name given to the ex-pat businessmen who plied their trade in China and Hong Kong during the 19th century. The life of a Tai-pan back in those days was often exciting, as undiscovered trade routes were opened, patriotic, as territory was claimed for king and queen and luxurious, as they quickly amassed great fortunes on the frontiers of world commerce. Chunmee Taipan Superior, an exceptionally fine green tea grade was very much a product of this old world.

Like any millionaire businessperson in any time period, the Taipans of old China enjoyed the deluxe trappings of wealth: sumptuous feasts, fine wines, racehorses and the like. In fact, they were probably solely responsible for the development of the luxury market for most products in the Far East. In an effort to reach this market, a tea grower at the time living in Hunan province decided to create what might be considered the first "luxury" tea developed for Western tastes.

This tea maker determined that the Taipans and their tastes for the finer things in life must have highly refined palates. So, he knew that his tea would need to be sweetish and smooth. He also surmised, based on their apparent appreciation for Eastern art, that the Taipans must have an eye for beauty. So, he determined that the leaf style would need to be very fine and evenly graded. He also understood that if he priced his new tea too low, the perceived value would likewise be too low. So, he priced his tea high, much higher than the other grades he had on hand. His wife thought he crazy but from the first shipment to Hong Kong, he had a hit on his hands. The Tai-Pan businessmen loved it and quickly added it to their steady diet of Cuban cigars, caviar, Cognac and the like.

The days of the old Tai-pan may be over, but this fantastic tea remains. Still manufactured according to the old techniques, this tea has a very fine, emerald leaf that infuses to produce a mild yellow-green liquor. The cup is sweet, with hints of an almost Sencha like clover-butteriness, grassy notes and a long exceptionally smooth finish. An incredible tea with an amazing story to match. Brew a pot and give your customers the deluxe treatment!

Steeping Instructions

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.