There are two distinct reasons for creating premium tea blends. The first reason is to help reduce the costs of producing tea while preserving the quality. With this method a premium tea is typically blended with a standard tea. The other reason for creating these blends is to experiment with new flavors to satisfy the consumer.



The tea plant, scientifically referred to as Camellia Sinensis, is typically native to the Asian countries of China and India. Wild tea plants can grow as tall as 90 feet, but today they are grown to a height of around three feet for easier access during plant cultivation and harvesting. After the tea has been harvested, all premium tea blends are stored in sealed containers and kept out of direct sunlight to preserve their pungent flavors and aromas.

More than 2000 different kinds of tea exist in the world. While over 25 different countries make it, China, India, Japan, and Nepal are the primary ones. Not only is tea healthy, it also has a good flavor and improves one's spirit.

The three main categories of tea are: Black, Green, and Oolong, each with its own varieties. Black and Green teas originate from the same tea plant, but are being processed differently. Black tea is oxidized for several hours before drying. And Green tea is steamed immediately after picking. Oolong (green/black) tea is also partially fermented to preserve some of the delicate flavor of the black tea. Green Tea has long been known as a health tonic, elixir, and satisfying beverage. Many scientific researches today have proved that fact.

During the Tang Dynasty in China, which lasted from 6816 to 906 B.C., tea transformed into the nationally acclaimed beverage. Tea delivery prior to those times was a very lengthy and arduous process, since the Suez Canal had not yet been opened. Receiving tea all the way from Europe, whether by ocean or land delivery, took months and usually meant weak tea that had suffered loss of quality. When sent by boat, tea was called "Canton" tea, and tea delivered by land was called "Caravan" tea. Caravan tea was usually favored because of its better quality.

Today, tea is a major industry. In addition to premium tea blends, you can buy many tea related products and gift kits that would be greatly appreciated by members of your family, friends and co-workers. For example, themed tea gift baskets, tea and chocolate packages, tea chest and pots, holiday gift baskets, and many other types of tea related gifts are available. To find the perfect tea gift, go online and read some tea blend reviews.