The Cha No Yu: The Japanese Tea Ceremony  The “Cha No Yu” meaning hot water originated as a Buddhist ritual. Eisai, the Buddhist Monk was famous for creating the Zen of this ceremony, as well as for planting the first tea plants in Uji, a region near Kyoto Japan.	The Health Benefits of Green Tea    Green Tea comes from the plant “Camellia Sinensis,” and is grown and picked all over the world. There are different green teas, and many originate from China. The secret of the health of tea lies in the way it is processed.
Specialty Earl Grey Blend: Black Tea from Sri Lanka is different from traditional Earl Grey Blends with the oil of Bergamot. This special blend is made up of orange peel, violet blossoms and chrysanthemum blossoms, for an exotic and lovely cup with a medium to full bodied aroma and flavor. A nice afternoon tea.	Jasmine Special Grade: Japanese Green Tea scented with Jasmine flowers that has a wonderful aroma , slightly sweet and is full bodied and fragrant. This tea is very popular in China, and becoming more so in the West.
Formosa Oolong: This tea is semi fermented, between a black and green tea, yielding a light orange color. It is reminiscent of flowers with notes of fruit, and has a lovely full bodied taste and aroma. Low in caffeine. Good anytime of day, especially after a meal; helps with digestion and lowers cholesterol.	"Make a delicious bowl of tea: Lay out the wood charcoal to heat the water. Arrange the flowers as they are in the fields. In summer evoke coolness; in winter, warmth. Anticipate the time for everything. Be prepared for rain. Show the greatest attention to your guests." Sen Rikyu (1533-1591), Seven Rules of Tea.

Need to purchase some of our tea? Black Tea has stronger leaves and is fermented. They are placed on lofts for up to 24 hours to wither. Dry and warm air circulates in the room and removes moisture from the leaves which is the early stages of fermentation. Further oxidation takes place and the leaves turn color to a deep copper. They are than put on trays where hot air is applied and another color change takes place which is a dark brown.

“Who could live without tea? Not I, for tea is but the soul of me” “Tea warms the depths of the heart, soothes the mind and sustains the soul” Deidre R. Bissonette

September 2007 Newsletter October 2007 Newsletter November 2007 Newsletter

We bring you exotic loose leaf teas imported from China, Sri Lanka and India. Different teas make up our exclusive list, including Black, Green, Oolong, Rooibos and Special Blends for a beautiful infusion. Your teas are sent to you in a lovely package unique to V&Z Tea Company. Savor each sip! "Time for Tea"