The Metropolitan Tea Company Ltd. showcased two teas that are part of the Ethical Trade Partnership. Lover's Leap O.P. from Sri Lanka's Nuwara Eliya region presents a medium-bodied, flavory cup with a piquant Ceylon character. Also available is the Borengajuli Assam 2nd-flush estate black tea from India. A good drinking tea that is suitable anytime of the day, the Borengajuli is a flavory, bright, and full-bodied tea with superb malty highlights. For more information, call 800-388-0351, send e-mail to sales@metrotea.com, or visit www.metrotea.com.
David Rio Fine Teas presented new tea bags with the same quality tea as in their loose-tea blends. Packaged in a smaller tea bag cut specifically to facilitate quick infusion and convenience, the line includes green, black, and herbal varieties. The green teas are all blended with Matcha, the premium green tea used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Considered one of the world's most healthful natural beverages, Matcha offers a high concentration of antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. The green teas include Genmaicha, Green Passion, Japanese Breakfast, La France Pear, and Tahitian Tangerine. The black teas include Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Fuji Apple, and the herbal and tisane varieties include Orange Ginger Mint and Twin Peaks Tisane. The boxes are recyclable and the tea bags are 100-percent compostable. For more information, call 800-454-9605, send e-mail to aio@davidrio.com, or visit www.davidrio.com.
Pixie Mate brings Yerba Mate to the masses by marrying the South American tradition with a new twist that makes it ideal for creating a variety of delicious beverages. Besides being loaded with vitamins and minerals, the Pixie Mate brand comes in easily mixable concentrates, as well as large filter bags and traditional-style loose-leaf varieties. Additionally, Pixie Mate blends are enhanced with spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, lemon verbena, ginger, and chicory root, to add pizzazz and flavor. Available in 32-ounce concentrates in aseptic packages, flavors include Original Mate Latte, Mate Mocha Latte, Mate Chai Latte, and Dark Roast Latte. The tea bags (20 per box) come in Mate Limon, Mate Chai, Authentic Mate, Green Tea Mate, Lush Tropics Mate, Chocolate Mate Solstice, Ruby Rooibos Mate, and Dark Roast Mate. The Loose Mate comes in Mate Limon, Mate Chai, and Authentic Mate. For more information, call 303-444-MATE, or visit www.pixiemate.com.
Choice Organic Teas introduced a new Chinese green tea, Dragon Well Green Tea. A revered Chinese classic, this new introduction joins the Gourmet Blends line created for foodservice distribution. The tea is packaged in tea bags made from unbleached natural fibers enclosed in an environmentally safe, high-barrier envelope that prolongs the tea's freshness and therefore, protects its flavor. An organic and Fair Trade certified, Dragon Well displays a vibrant color, dispenses a full flavor, and emits an appealing, nutty aroma. This refreshing green tea is one of more than 70 varieties of black, green, oolong, and white teas and herbal infusions available in tea bags and loose-leaf teas from Choice Organic Teas, a brand of Granum, Inc. For more information, call 206-525-0051, or visit www.choiceorganicteas.com.
Mighty Leaf Tea unveiled a full line of whole-leaf teas in biodegradable mesh tea pouches. Introduced from the company that originated the silken nylon tea pouch concept 10 years ago, these new biodegradable pouches offer the industry new innovation. The entire line of artisan-crafted tea blends are now available in this sheer hand-stitched mesh fabric made of polylactic acid filaments derived from cornstarch. The line, which will be available to consumers in late summer 2005, includes Orange Dulce, Ginger Twist, and African Nectar rooiboos. For more information, call 415-491-2650, or visit www.mightyleaf.com.
Tibetan Tea offered a new taste sensation for iced tea drinkers. Infused with all-natural ingredients, Tibetan Tea is a sparkling black-and-herb tea blend that is enhanced with ginseng, guarana, ginger, and honey to offer the soothing qualities associated with tea. It also delivers a 'kick' in the way of a light, mild effervescence. Available in 8.4-ounce cans, the tea was recently included in the 77th Annual Academy Awards ceremony gift baskets, and placed second in the Best Sweetened Ready-to-Drink category at the Annual Iced Tea Shake-Off Competition held at the World Tea Expo. For more information, call 818-241-8339, or visit www.tibetantea.com.
Happy Elephant showcased its extensive line of premium loose-leaf tea from India. Packaged in 1.2-ounce see-through pyramid-shaped nylon infuser bags, the line includes a range of Classic Black Teas, Fruit Flavored Black Teas, Green Teas, and Herbal Teas. Later this year, they will present an array of Premium Indian Coffee. For more information, call 415-888-2050.
