Product Overview
German Gingerbread
Loose Leaf - Flavored Black Tea
CUP CHARACTERISTICS: Lusciously ginger and sweet cinnamon. Think of Christmas markets in Hamburg and the aromas, the laughter - the enjoyment.
INGREDIENTS: Black tea, Cinnamon, Star anise, Cocoa beans, Ginger, Safflower petals, Camomile white flowers, Natural flavors(organic compliant).
INGREDIENTS FROM: Sri Lanka / Kenya / India / Thailand / China / Egypt
REGION(S): Nuwara Eliya + Dimbula + Uva / Nandi Highlands / Nilgiri + Kerala / Petchabun / Yiunnan / Nile River Delta + Fayoum
GROWING ALTITUDES: 4000 - 8500 feet above sea level
GRADE(S): OP (Orange Pekoe)
MANUFACTURE TYPE(S): Orthodox (Traditional leafy)
ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: High
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
KOSHER: Yes
VEGETARIAN: Yes
VEGAN: Yes
ARTISANAL NOTES: Small batch blended and packed in Canada.
INFUSION: Bright and coppery
INFORMATION:
How seriously does Germany take its gingerbread? Seriously enough that in 1643, the city of Nuremberg recognized the profession of baking gingerbread (known in German as Lebkuchen), and created an official guild entitled the "League of Lebkuchen Bakers". Two years later, in 1645, the league went on to develop a code of strict guidelines commercial bakers had to follow in order to legally bake and sell their creations in local markets. Suffice it to say, they take their gingerbread extremely seriously.
If you've ever tasted German gingerbread, you'll quickly understand why it ever demanded such scrutiny. You'll also understand why it continues to demand such hoopla. Simply put, it's wunderbar. To this day, many bakeries in Germany guard their gingerbread recipes, practically on pain of death.
Luckily, our suppliers Master Taster was able to persuade a Nuremburg baker to provide him with his list of ingredients that were used to develop the all-natural flavor for this exquisite Flavored Black German Gingerbread tea. Bright in the cup and brimming with spicy gingerbread notes, this tea will have you saying ja bitte (yes, please) in no time.
What type of tea do is used, how is the tea flavored and why are natural flavors used?
Firstly... only high grown teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka - Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva are used. These three high-grown districts produce flavorful teas that have classic 'Ceylon' tea character which is noted by floral bouquet and flavor notes, touches of mild astringency, bright coppery color and, most importantly - perfect for use as the base tea of our flavored teas. (Other teas from various other origins around the world as base stock for flavored teas were tested, but none of these teas made the grade). Dimbula and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb, whereas Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in July/Aug. This 'dual peak period' allows our supplier to buy the best for the flavored tea blends several times during the year, ensuring top quality and freshness.
Secondly... flavoring oils not crystals are used to give the tea drinker an olfactory holiday before indulging in a liquid tea treat.
Thirdly. natural flavors are specified. High quality tea tastes good and natural flavors do not mask the natural taste of the high grown Ceylon tea. (The norm for many making flavored tea is to use overpowering artificial flavors, which can be used to hide lower quality tea). Natural flavors do not leave an aftertaste giving the tea a clean and true character. It should be noted that natural flavors tend to be somewhat 'soft ' and the flavors slightly muted, but for many this is a refreshing change and one of the desired attributes of naturally flavored teas.
How seriously does Germany take its gingerbread? Seriously enough that in 1643, the city of Nuremberg recognized the profession of baking gingerbread (known in German as Lebkuchen), and created an official guild entitled the "League of Lebkuchen Bakers". Two years later, in 1645, the league went on to develop a code of strict guidelines commercial bakers had to follow in order to legally bake and sell their creations in local markets. Suffice it to say, they take their gingerbread extremely seriously.
If you've ever tasted German gingerbread, you'll quickly understand why it ever demanded such scrutiny. You'll also understand why it continues to demand such hoopla. Simply put, it's wunderbar. To this day, many bakeries in Germany guard their gingerbread recipes, practically on pain of death.
Luckily, our suppliers Master Taster was able to persuade a Nuremburg baker to provide him with his list of ingredients that were used to develop the all-natural flavor for this exquisite Flavored Black German Gingerbread tea. Bright in the cup and brimming with spicy gingerbread notes, this tea will have you saying ja bitte (yes, please) in no time.
What type of tea do is used, how is the tea flavored and why are natural flavors used?
Firstly... only high grown teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka - Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva are used. These three high-grown districts produce flavorful teas that have classic 'Ceylon' tea character which is noted by floral bouquet and flavor notes, touches of mild astringency, bright coppery color and, most importantly - perfect for use as the base tea of our flavored teas. (Other teas from various other origins around the world as base stock for flavored teas were tested, but none of these teas made the grade). Dimbula and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb, whereas Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in July/Aug. This 'dual peak period' allows our supplier to buy the best for the flavored tea blends several times during the year, ensuring top quality and freshness.
Secondly... flavoring oils not crystals are used to give the tea drinker an olfactory holiday before indulging in a liquid tea treat.
Thirdly. natural flavors are specified. High quality tea tastes good and natural flavors do not mask the natural taste of the high grown Ceylon tea. (The norm for many making flavored tea is to use overpowering artificial flavors, which can be used to hide lower quality tea). Natural flavors do not leave an aftertaste giving the tea a clean and true character. It should be noted that natural flavors tend to be somewhat 'soft ' and the flavors slightly muted, but for many this is a refreshing change and one of the desired attributes of naturally flavored teas.
STEEPING TIME
| TEA CUP | 8oz (237ml) | 10oz (296ml) | 12oz (355ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMOUNT | 1 heaping teaspoon of "The Perfect Measure Spoon" | 1 heaping teaspoon of "The Perfect Measure Spoon" | 1.5 heaping teaspoon of "The Perfect Measure Spoon" |
| MILD | 2-3 min | 2-3 min | 2-3 min |
| MEDIUM | 4-5 min | 4-5 min | 4-5 min |
| STRONG | 6-7 min | 6-7 min | 6-7 min |
| Blu Monkey Tea recommends 4-5 min | |||
| TEA POT | 18oz (532ml) | 36oz (1064ml) | 48oz (1419ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMOUNT | 2 heaping teaspoons of "The Perfect Measure Spoon" | 4 heaping teaspoons of "The Perfect Measure Spoon" | 6 heaping teaspoons of "The Perfect Measure Spoon" |
| MILD | 2-3 min | 2-3 min | 2-3 min |
| MEDIUM | 4-5 min | 4-5 min | 4-5 min |
| STRONG | 6-7 min | 6-7 min | 6-7 min |
| Blue Monkey Tea recommends 4-5 min | |||
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS:
| MILK | SUGAR | LEMON | MINT |
|---|---|---|---|
| OK | OK | NO | NO |
IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF
HOT BREWING METHOD:
Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea).
Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea).
ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):
Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. 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 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.)
Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. 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 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):
Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Sweeten and/or add lemon to taste. 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!)
Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Sweeten and/or add lemon to taste. 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!)
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.
RECOMMENDATION:
We recommend the use of our '1 Cup of Perfect Tea' measuring spoon for best results.
We recommend the use of our '1 Cup of Perfect Tea' measuring spoon for best results.
ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.
