Hermes Orange Green Tea

Although oranges are one of the most commonly eaten fruits, at one point in time, they were considered to be quite special. In Europe during colonial times leading right up into the early 20th century, the fruit was considered to be quite exotic and was prized by the wealthy and Noble throughout the Continent for its flavor and sweet scent. The deluxe and exotic qualities of the orange were perhaps better captured nowhere else than in the world famous perfume developed by the Parisian fashion house of Hermes. Scent designers there used oranges to create one of France’s most famous perfumes, Hermes Orange Verte. The perfume has long been considered a symbol of the decadent lifestyles of old Europe. It is in this same spirit, and with reverence to the common orange, that we have manufactured this delicately flavored green tea.

This superbly flavored blend has as its base a Sencha style green tea manufactured in Hunan Province in South Eastern China. Interestingly, green and black teas can be produced from the same plants. Green tea is produced by forgoing the fermentation process required to produce black tea. Instead, the leaves are steamed as soon as they are plucked, and then bruised either by machine or by hand. The leaves are then pan fried or basket fired - a process that gives the tea its distinctive glossy look and feel. Sencha green teas typically have dark green, needle shaped leaves and produce a pale green to yellow, very bright, smooth cup with a sweetish, honey like finish. It is this slight natural sweetness that allows this tea to blend so well with our natural orange flavorings. As an added touch we’ve also added tiny safflower petals to enhance the visual appeal of this blend. Brew a pot today and be taken back to a time when the lowly orange demanded to be noticed! This one is also fabulous over ice.

Hot tea brewing method: When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly - about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180°F or 90°C. Place 1 teaspoon in your cup, let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment - do not remove the leaves from the cup. Once the water level is low - add more water, and so on and so on - until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves, they foretell your fortune.
Alternatively as with all top quality teas, scoop 2-4 teaspoons of tea into the teapot, pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn (previously boiled water has lost most of its oxygen and therefore tends to be flat tasting), steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), stir (virtually all the leaves will sink), pour into your cup but do not add milk or sugar since green tea is enjoyed ‘straight-up’.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. 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 double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.]