Crested Crane Pai Mu Tan

Description

Have you ever seen a crane dance? Likely not, unless you've been to the savannahs of Kenya, home of the famed Grey Crowned Crane. The Grey Crowned Crane, as the name might imply, is a singularly majestic bird. Standing roughly 1m/3.3 ft tall and weighing in at around 3.5kg/7.7lbs, the bird is covered in a grayish plumage with white wings speckled with small feathers in a vibrant range of colors. Atop its head sites a crown of stiff golden feathers floating about a face of white with a bright red, inflatable pouch on its throat - spectacular.

Now, we mentioned that this bird likes to dance. Unlike many other bird species, both male and female Grey Crowned Cranes of all ages participate. During the dance, the cranes pump their heads, bow to one another, run, jump, toss grass and sticks and flap their wings. For any of you who have been to Kenya to witness the event, you'll know that it's quite a spectacle. While no one is completely certain why the cranes do it, ornithologists believe that dancing may help to thwart tension, relieve aggression and strengthen the bonds between mates. (Interestingly, it is for exactly these reasons that one might wish to brew a pot of Crested Crane Pai Mu Tan.)
Developed by innovative tea makers in the highlands west of Kenya's Great Rift Valley, Crested Crane is an exquisite Pai Mu Tan style tea that pays great homage to its namesake. The tea is produced by plucking leaves on rain-free days, taking care to avoid any purple buds, partially opened leaves, insect damaged leaves, wind damaged leaves or stems that are either too long or too short. Once plucked, the leaves are gently withered until they are slightly green in color - and that's that. A fabulous tea from the Tuscany of Tea, Kenya. (And worthy of a little dance of its own.)

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.