Beat the Flu season drink Herbal Teas to promote immune support and fight off the bugs all our Herbal Teas and Healing Teas are now 25% off. All our Healing teas are Health Canada approved with Din Numbers.

All you tea conneisseurs know that article after article (including the one linked on our facebook page here) discusses the value of loose leaf versus tea bags — in essence, the value of quality versus convenience. But at Herbal Republic, we wonder why the two have to be mutually exclusive. Why can’t consumers have the best of both worlds? Why does loose leaf have to be mutally exclusive from a tea bag? We figured that there must be a way to marry both quality and convenience, which is why we’ve come up with the Tea Kit.

The Tea Kit is a compact, lightweight, easy way to brew loose leaf tea on the go. Each Tea Kit contains 100 grams of loose leaf tea plus 30 unbleached compostable tea filters.  The idea is simple – take a teaspoon of tea and put it into the filter, put the filter into the cup or mug, add boiling water, steep, and enjoy. Once done, place the filter in the compost. It’s essentially the same as brewing a cup of loose leaf tea, but instead of having to carry around your metal steeper, you can pack your own filter with just as much or as little tea as you want, and tote it around with you wherever you go. Quality and convenience in one!

Check out the Tea Kit on our website here.

The parties are over, and we’ve started writing ‘2012’ all over our documents….which also means that New Year’s resolutions are abound. Whether you’ve decided to take up that hobby you’ve been neglecting, or spend more time with family, it’s no secret that many of us take a moment to think about our health and vow to either maintain or improve it in the new year. Of course, half the equation rests in physical activity and stable relationships, but a large part of health also rests in what we eat and drink.

 

That’s where Herbal Republic comes in. As you know from our blog, there are many benefits to loose leaf tea when it comes to your health. But did you know that more than any other black or green loose leaf tea, there are multiple benefits in herbal teas? Herbs have been used for centuries as medicinal treatments and as preventative measures against disease. Benefits are varied, ranging from refreshing stimulants, soothing relaxants, digestion aides, sleep improvers and immune boosters.

 

Not only do traditional health care providers swear by herbs, but so do USDA-funded scientists in Boston, Massachussets. At Tufts University, researchers Diane McKay and Jeffrey Blumberg have discovered that chamomile tea has moderate antimicrobial activity and significant antiplatelet-clumping activity (which is preventative in strokes for people who have cardiac disease). The researchers also describe laboratory evidence that peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential. Finally, in a human clinical trial, the team also has found hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.

 

So, add ‘drinking herbal tea’ to your list of New Year’s resolutions – it’ll do your body good! Below you will find a shortlist of the most tasty and effective herbs to throw into your teacup every morning or evening. Visit our website store or our location on Granville Street to see all our herbal selections and some help in choosing the right tea for you.

 

For Digestion: Try Gingerfresh tea (a combination of all well-known digestive herbs, including peppermint, lemongrass, and most of all, ginger)

 

For Immunity: Try chamomile, peppermint, and hibiscus teas. You may also try our Ayurvedic blend, ‘Tulsi,’ for general health maintenance and prevention.

 

For Sleep: Try chamomile tea, and our Gingerfresh blend.

Please note:  Please consult your medical professional before  adding herbal teas to your daily diet. If mixed with certain medications or with alcohol, the benefits of herbal teas can be overshadowed by harmful interactions.

 

 

 

We are happy to launch a variety of Herbs for tea infusions at our retail store.  You will find all our Herbs and Herbal Teas also available on our website shortly.

 

List of Herbal Teas/Healing Teas/Herbs

 

Dandelion Leaf

Egyptian Chamomile

Hawthorn Berries

Hibiscus

Lavender

Lemongrass

Horsetail

Nana Mint

Nettle

French Cut Peppermint

Organic Peppermint

Raspberry Leaves

Rose Buds and Petals

Sage

Speedwell

Tulsi

Camillo

Echinacea Blend

Ginger Fresh

Holy Tulsi

Lavender Sunset

Mate Green

Carnival Mate

 

Digestive Tea

Immune Support

Headache Tea

Flu and Cold Tea

Womens Tea

Stress Relief

Vitality Tea

 

 

 

PREMIUM MATCHA GREEN TEA
An Introductory Primer

1. What is Matcha Green Tea?

Matcha is a powdered green tea used in Japan’s formal tea ceremony, as well as for every day drinking pleasure and as a delicious ingredient in countless recipes.  Matcha is uniquely Japanese and is one of the highest quality teas available in Japan.  Matcha is prized for its high concentration of nutrients as well as its distinctive flavor.   In its non-powdered form, it is known as “tencha.”  Premium grade matcha is a vibrant shade of green.

2. How does Matcha differ from other green teas?

For Matcha, unlike other green tea, farmers take great care to gradually shade the tea plants from sunlight in the month before harvest.  This causes the new shoots to develop larger, thinner, and tenderer leaves, and Matcha’s signature, vibrant emerald color.

During harvest, which takes place in May of each year, only new leaves are picked.  The leaves are steamed briefly to stop any fermentation, and then dried.   Next, they are sorted for grade, and stems, veins, and any inferior quality leaves are removed.  At this point, the leaves are called “tencha” and they are stored in cold storage.  Aging deepens the flavor of the tea.  After the tencha is ground on a stone mill into a fine powder, it is known as Matcha.

3. Green tea is well known for its health benefits.  Does Matcha offer the same benefits?

For Matcha, unlike other forms of green tea, the fine baby leaves are ground into a delicate powder.  So Matcha drinkers are consuming the whole leaf and all of its goodness, not just tea brewed with water.

Matcha is rich in catechin polyphenol compounds with high antioxidant activity.  It also contains potent nutrients such as polyphenols, minerals, (Vitamin A, B-Complex, C, E and K), fibers, potassium, and chlorophyll. Matcha is also especially rich in L-theanine.

A University of Colorado study determined that drinking matcha green tea will “result in a dramatically greater intake of EGCG (epigallocatchin gallate) compared to drinking other types of green tea”, with EGCG being a powerful antioxidant possessing many therapeutic properties including cancer prevention[i].  The antioxidants in Matcha have a number of other health benefits associated with its consumption including helping to prevent gum disease[ii] and promoting weight loss[iii].

4. Where is Matcha grown and processed?

Matcha is very unique to Japan.  Preparation of matcha is the focus of the Japanese tea ceremony and has a long association with Zen.  The prime Matcha growing regions are located around Nishio and Kyoto, in micro-climates that are the most favorable to Matcha cultivation.

5. How long has Matcha been in existence?

The history of matcha green tea dates back several centuries. In 1271, tea cultivation began in Nishio, Japan, by a priest named Shoichi.  Shoichi’s temple was in constant competition with the neighboring temple over rights to the nearby tea plants for more than 400 years.  These two temples fought for ownership of the land, until 1692, when the coveted plants were awarded to the decedents of the temple Shoichi.  Nearly two hundred years later, matcha production was finally embraced in major areas of Japan and its use increased.

6. Are all Matcha green teas created equal?

Not at all.  Color, aroma, and taste are key determinants of quality, and this can vary widely from one Matcha to another.   These factors can be assessed in Tencha (dried tea leaves ready to be ground) form.

The best quality Matcha powder will be a vibrant emerald green with a lustrous quality.  If the powder has a slight yellow tone, it is of a slightly lower grade.  A whitish tone is still lower, while brownish toned matcha powder can be considered very low grade or old.   The powder should have a grassy, seaweed-like aroma and a sweet after taste (“umami”) from its amino acids.  An astringent or bitter aroma and a biting taste indicate Matcha of lower grades.

In its liquid form, Matcha should also have a vibrant green color (vs. yellowish or dull), and a smooth sweet after taste.

7. What should I know about the different grades of Matcha?

There is a wide range of Matcha grades for different uses, ranging from ceremonial grade Matcha to industrial grade Matcha for use as an ingredient in food and beverage processing.

8. Does Matcha come in loose leaf and tea bag form?

No.  Matcha is by definition a powder.  It mixes directly into hot water to make tea (or with other ingredients in recipes), however since it is finely ground tea leaves, it is not water soluble by nature.

9. How should Matcha be stored?

Matcha should be stored in its tightly closed container at room temperature or preferably in the refrigerator.  Heat, light and excess exposure to air are the enemies of delicate matcha powder.

10. Is there a special technique for preparing a cup of Matcha?

Although Matcha has traditionally been associated with the formal Japanese tea ceremony and all of its special rules and etiquette, making a cup of Matcha at home is actually very easy.   The formal tea ceremony uses a special tea scoop (chasaku) for measuring the tea, a bamboo whisk (chasen) for mixing the powder smoothly into the liquid, and a tea bowl (chawan.)  However, it is perfectly acceptable to use a plain teaspoon, a small egg whisk, hand-held frother, or blender, and a small bowl or mug.

First, place the whisk in the bowl and warm them both by pouring in some hot water.  Let the water sit in the bowl for a minute or so, then discard the water.  Place about 2/3 teaspoon (or 1 ½ heaping scoops if using a chasaku) into the bowl.  Bring some water to a boil and let it cool down to 160 – 180 degrees.  Add the water to the Matcha.  Whisk briskly with one hand while holding the bowl/mug with the other.  Whisk until fine foam appears on top of the liquid, which means the tea is smooth and ready to drink.   Foam is as integral to the enjoyment of Matcha as it is to that of espresso.

11. What are some of the other ways to enjoy Matcha?

Creative cooks and chefs use Matcha green tea in a wide range of foods and beverages…entrees, pastas, chocolates, scones, cakes, ice cream, lattes, smoothies, cocktails, and much more.

 

 

 

 

Herbal Republic whole leaf teas are now featured in all guest rooms of the Time Square Hotel in Vancouver. Make sure to Follow Us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for updates!

Despite recognizing its superior taste and health benefits, many consumers forgo drinking whole leaf loose tea, saying that it takes too much time and effort to brew during a busy day and when on the go.

That is why Herbal Republic Fine Teas in Vancouver has created the Tea Kit, a compact, lightweight, easy way to brew loose leaf tea on the go. Each Tea Kit contains loose leaf tea plus 30 unbleached compostable tea filters.  The idea is simple – take a teaspoon of tea and put it into the filter, put the filter into the cup or mug, add boiling water, steep, and enjoy. Once done, place the filter in the compost.

Now, you may wonder what’s so special about loose leaf tea? Why doesn’t it just come bagged, like other tea?

THE WHOLE PICTURE

Only whole leaves retain and deliver the optimum flavour, aroma and goodness of tea.   When cut and crushed, the delicate leaves lose their taste and polyphenol antioxidants.  Also, whole leaves keep the tea fresh – think about the difference between already ground coffee versus when one grinds his or her own beans and makes fresh coffee. The aroma and taste of freshly ground coffee is always better in comparison to pre-ground instant coffee. Broken tea leaves get stale much quicker than unbroken leaves, and the oil in them evaporates much quicker than if they are whole.

In addition, loose leaf tea must have room to infuse. This allows them to release their full flavour into the water.  Unfortunately, the conventional tea bag does not give tea leaves enough room to expand or unfurl, and therefore the full flavour does not release.  Health benefits suffer in tea bags as well; because the leaves are broken and torn, much of the antioxidant potency evaporates along with the flavour.

Another argument is that caffeine is high in tea bags than in loose leaves.  Again, the culprit is the broken pieces versus the whole leaf.  Loose tea leaves generally come from the higher quality top leaves of the branches of the tea plant. They are not subject to bumping and brusing as lower grade leaves are, which are often included in tea bag tea leaves. Also, the tea bag tea leaves are machine processed where leaves are compressed and torn, then dehydrated before they go into the bag

SIP TO SAVE THE PLANET

Although the Tea Kit is an appealing product for consumers, it is first and foremost a product that is earth friendly. This quality comes from Herbal Republic’s commitment to the environment and sustainability despite trends in the market.  The owners of Herbal Republic, have a personal commitment to leave a healthy planet for future generations.

Five years ago, they started a project called ‘Sip to Save the Planet’, which eventually led to the creation of the Herbal Republic Tea Kit.

In addition to better quality, tasting and healthy teas, the Tea Kit filters contain no bleach, corn starch materials, glue, metal, staples or string, and are completely compostable.   When the company originally launched the Tea Kit, it was packaged in a beautiful tin. In early 2011, they felt it was necessary to cut their carbon footprint and produce compostable packaging locally in Canada. They launched their new Tea Kit packaging in Spring 2011, which is completely backyard compostable.

Finally, Herbal Republic is a member of two environmental organizations committed to sustainable practices:  The Ethical Tea Partners www.ethicalteapartnership.com and The Green Table www.greentable.net.

WHY THE TEA KIT

To steep whole leaf tea well – it needs space to expand and ensure full infusion.

Offers 30 unbleached compostable tea filters in each box for convenience.

The packaging is also recyclable or compostable in backyard composts.

Offers taste, flavour, aroma and COMPLETE health benefits.

Why would you drink anything else?

Green Tea

• Arthritis: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) inhibits inflammation, bone erosion, and joint damage from rheumatoid arthritis. • Cancer: Populations that drink green tea have lower rates of cancer. EGCG combats free-radical cell damage and activates p57, a protein that protects healthy cells. • Cholesterol: Lowers total cholesterol and raises good HDL cholesterol. • IntestinalInflammation: EGCG has potent anti-inflammatory properties that could help treat inflammatory bowel disease. • Liver Disease: Lowers risk of developing liver disorders in men. May also protect liver against damaging effects of alcohol. • Sunburn: EGCG mitigates sunburn reaction. May protect against skin cancer.

Black Tea

• Bone health: May increase bone mineral density. • Cancer: May reduce risk of many cancers. Theaflavin-3′-monogallate (TF-2) acts as a COX-2 inhibitor to suppress cancer cells. • Cholesterol: Drinking five cups of black tea per day lowers total cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol. • Heart Disease: Helps lower blood pressure. May reverse endothelial dysfunction; also reduces blood platelet activation. Adding milk to tea cancels the beneficial effect. • Stress: Speeds recovery from stressful events, reducing levels of cortisol and diminishing blood platelet activation.

Both

• Brain health: Catechins in both green and black tea (although more concentrated in green tea) protect against buildup of amyloid deposits, implicated in Alzheimer’s and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases. • Diabetes: Improves glucose tolerance in borderline diabetics. • Oral Health: Rich in fluoride, which protects against cavities. Theobromine found in teas appears to strengthen teeth and protect against cavities better than fluoride. Added to chewing gum, green tea extract protects gum tissue and stimulates salivary glands. • Weight Control: Catechins stimulate thermogenesis, boosting fat metabolism and calorie expenditure.

Ethical consumers are bombarded with an incredible amount of new terminology in the tea marketplace some of which address the packaging of materials. What is the difference between ‘compostable,’ ‘biodegradable,’ ‘degradable,’ and the standard of our own packaging material, ‘completely biodegradable.’ Compostability: Compost is organic matter that has biodegraded as fast as possible, under controlled conditions. Modern, methodical composting is a multi-step, closely monitored process with measured inputs of water, air and carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. The decomposition process is aided by shredding the plant matter, adding water and ensuring proper aeration by regularly turning the mixture. Worms and fungi further break up the material. Aerobic bacteria manage the chemical process by converting the inputs into heat, carbon dioxide and ammonium. The ammonium is further converted by bacteria into plant-nourishing nitrites and nitrates through the process of nitrification. Biodegradation: is the chemical dissolution of materials by bacteria or other biological means. Organic material can be degraded aerobically or anaerobically, and different materials biodegrade at different rates. To be able to work effectively, most microorganisms that assist the biodegradation need light, water and oxygen, and the appropriate temperature (warmer usually equals faster breakdown). Many products that are biodegradable in soil – such as tree trimmings, food wastes and paper – will not biodegrade when placed in landfills, because the artificial landfill environment lacks the light, water and bacterial activity required for the decay process to begin. (Source: Wikipedia: Biodegredation Article) This introduces a very important concept: not everything that is biodegradable will actually break down in a timely way and become a part of the earth if it is not composted properly. WHOA! Learn more in this article: http://news.discovery.com/earth/garbage-biodegradable-earth-month.html. Although many websites will tote teabags as a fully biodegradable and compostable item, studies have shown that in fact many large tea bag manufacturers do not make fully biodegradable tea bags. A study published in British newspaper The Telegraph has shown that many UK tea bags are made up of polypropylene, a type of plastic that is used to glue the sides of the bag together. This is an industry-wide practice, which essentially renders many teabags only partially biodegradable. Other practices that also do this include staples and some types of string that are attached to teabags. In addition to taking longer to break down, the decay of polypropylene leaves byproducts in our soil that may be reactive and require further study with respect to their danger to humans. Some say that ripping the teabags before composting or disposing helps, but is not a complete solution. So what can be done? At Herbal Republic, we sell a teabag that is fully biodegradable in a backyard compost pile, made without propylene, staples, or string. To avoid an imprecise message, we market the bag as fully compostable instead of biodegradable. Additional features include: - Filter paper made from recycled materials - Packaging that is also 100% backyard compostable Fresh, delicious, and unique blends of loose-leaf tea, processed locally on site in Vancouver. Herbal Rebublic takes great care to obtain only the finest quality tea leaves and buds from the top of the plant, and creates its own unique blends of leaves and other herbs in order to create a great tasting and healthy tea. In addition, the processing of the leaves is unlike many commercial teas; we do not cut the leaves into fannings and dusts. Instead, Herbal Republic compostable tea bags are designed to allow full size tea leaves plenty of room to stay fresh, retain their health benefits, and create full-bodied, low-caffeine flavor when brewed. As ethical business owners we encourage you the consumer to further your compost-inclusive lifestyle. The following website is a great place to start exploring the process of setting up compost in all types of living spaces, large and small, soil-heavy or non. Check it out! http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/recycling-matters/composting.html