• Automatic shut-off valve
• Stainless steel filter - no need for messy paper filters
• Dishwasher safe
• Fits any opening under 4.75″ diameter
• Adjusts tea to your own personal taste
• Ideal for making pitchers of iced tea

I’ve tried a selection of Teavana teas with the brewer and it works well with all varieties.  One of the most flavorful teas I tried with the 32oz Teamaker was a Green Tea called Dragonwell, which may help to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar level, aide in digesion and prevent cavities and aging.

Legendary tea from the Lung Ching Garden. Flat jade-green leaves produce a mellow-sweet tea with a nutty undertone. Known in China for more than 1,500 years, Dragonwell is still hand picked and processed according to the ancient methods of “Ch’a Ching.” Dragonwell is thought to boost mental alertness and and fend off disease.

The system works incredibly well and steeps tea perfectly when you follow directions.  Simply place the tea leaves in the Teamaker and steep your tea, and place the unit on top of a pitcher or class carafe to allow the tea to drain.  Sweeten and/or ice to your desired taste, add fresh water and enjoy.

Teavana’s goal is to be a heaven of tea and to offer customers a healthy lifestyle and wonderful tastes of tea. This unique name is meant to describe the experience each customer has with their tea and their staff.

• Makes 16oz of tea
• Automatic shut-off valve
• Stainless steel filter - no need for wasting paper
• Dishwasher safe
• Fits any cup to 3.5″ in diameter
• Adjusts tea to your own personal taste
• Compact and easily transportable to have the perfect tea anywhere.

I’ve tried a selection of Teavana teas with the brewer and it works well with all varieties. 

Listed are my favorites in order:

1. ToLife White Tea - An aromatic blend of red, white, and green teas. The blend combines the aroma of Rooibos Tropica, health benefits of rare Silver Needle and a soothing undertone of Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls. Very little caffeine. Good for multiple infusions. (The perfect blend of flavor - hot or cold)
2. Gyokuro Imperial - The finest of Japanese teas, Gyokuro bushes are covered for several weeks before harvest with bamboo or straw shades to increase the chlorophyll content of the leaves. You get dark green leaves with high concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids. Celebrated for its emerald green infusion and sweet aftertaste. (Full bodied, inviting tea that was light and refreshing - As I noted, if you steep this tea longer than a minute you get a very, very bitter blend of tea.)
3. Jasmine Oolong - A soothing jasmine floral note accompanying an intricate Chinese Oolong tea. Wonderful for after a meal or in the evening, although this tea does contain some caffeine. (Wonderful aroma, and deep floral notes - quite delicious)

My least favorite was the Kuki-Matcha blend, which had a real earthy quality about it and reminded me more of fresh field green salad than tea.  The Matcha is said to be healthier than other green teas, but it’s light flavor and aroma were not to my taste.

Teavana takes the guesswork out perfecting a cup of tea.  If you follow the directions on the box, accompanied by the directions on the bags of tea and watch water temperature, amount of tea and time to steep, you will get the perfect cup of tea.

It remains the goal of Choice Organic Teas to raise awareness across an industry dominated by conventionally cultivated tea to the benefits of sourcing of organic teas. They ask consumers to look for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal to ensure that your tea was grown and processed according to the National Organic Standards.

Whole Leaf Organics recently sent me eight varieties of tea to review:

• Lychee White - It had a nice fruity taste with a pleasant bitterness at the finish.
• Jade Green - A very fresh tasting blend of Green Teas, very light and would make an excellent iced tea.
• Jasmine Green - A very pungent aroma of Jasmine proliferated this tea, actually too much for my taste, but refreshing when iced.
• Estate Blend Darjeeling - Easily my favorite of the blends. Very aromatic, with light floral notes and just a hint of nuttiness on the palate.
• English Breakfast - A very robust blend of black teas with a very slight malty essence in the finish.  Very pleasing and an excellent way to begin your day.
• Earl Gray - A delightful blend of Ceylon and Indian organic black teas with pure essential oil of Bergamot, a Mediterranean citrus. A very bright finish on the palate.
• Sweet Liquorice Mint - A very light blend of liquorice and mint which seemed a bit too light.  It was hard at times to pick up the flavors and aromas, even more so chilled.
• Chamomile Citrus - A very mild chamomile with sweet, floral notes.  A hint of Orange and hibiscus add a light, fruity essence that finishes nicely hot or cold.

“The tea pyramids are fully biodegradable, and the boxes are made from 100% recycled material.  Each tea pyramid is individually wrapped in a heat-sealed envelope to provide a premium tea drinking experience without compromising convenience, quality, or and earth friendly lifestyle.”

Whole Leaf Organics offer a wide selection of organic , Fair Trade teas, in a variety of blends.  Check out their website, you will not be dissapointed.

Photo from Whole Leaf Organics.