Time for Tea

Consistent exercise and a diet high in protein but low in processed sugar will boost metabolism to burn fat naturally, even during sleep.

So how can Peppermint Tea help blast fat and boost metabolism?

Peppermint, an ingredient in Mint Mamaki, can help increase the body’s natural ability to burn fat. “Peppermint tea helps in aiding weight loss, reduces heartburn, makes skin glow, induces sleep and provides satiety, further helping you lose weight,” according to Dr. Simran Saini, a nutritionist with Fortis Hospital.

The other parts of the burn fat/boost metabolism equation are good hydration, stress reduction and adequate sleep. Peppermint tea is a great zero calorie-zero sugar way to stay hydrated. Adds Dr. Saini, “There is barely any side effects of peppermint tea so you can drink it any time you want to.”

Menthol in peppermint acts as a muscle relaxant and calms the mind to help with stress relief. The herb is also excellent at suppressing appetite.

In the article, 8 Benefits to Peppermint Tea: From Inducing Sleep to Aiding Weight Loss and More!, Nutritionist and Macrobiotic Health Coach Shilpa Arora agrees, “Peppermint is a great concoction for metabolism and relieves excessive acidity. People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) should have the tea at least 3-4 times to heal the gut.”

Dr. Saini recommends a cup of peppermint tea at night for those who sleep late for a more restful and sound sleep.

Imagine… it’s a cozy Sunday evening, as raindrops pitter-patter on your rooftop. Your sabbath, your break after a long week. All errands and chores are done. You treat yourself to a nice cup of Maui Earl Grey tea and turn on your diffuser that fills the air with soothing lavender mist. Welcome to heavenly bliss. Welcome to TEAromatherapy.

We don’t always have time to go to the spa or get a massage as our schedules become increasingly hectic with work, kids and chores. TEAromatherapy is a great way to squeeze in some “me time” to refresh and rejuvenate.

Smell can create powerful, mental, emotional, and physiological responses. In a piece done by Sugimoto Tea, they explain how Tea and aromatherapy relaxes the mind and body and provides a stress-free and good-smelling atmosphere.

We paired some of our teas with some fan favorite essential oils. Try them out to fill your home with the most beneficial aromas!

Obviously drinking tea has a multitude of health benefits. But we often forget aroma too can and will work wonders. Another way to select a tea is by how you want it to make you feel. From the invigoration of Mint Mamaki to the mid-afternoon calm and clarity of Maui Earl Grey experience TEAromatherapy for yourself… everyday.

Camellia sinensis, the original tea plant, traces back to China (China-jat) and India (Assamica) for nearly 5,000 years. Most of the worldʻs tea is grown in Asian countries like Japan, China, India, Taiwan and Sri Lanka.

Hawaiʻi has joined the fun and is now the newest tea-producing hot spot. Tea was introduced to Hawaiʻi in the late 1800's. Today, thereʻs about two dozen small tea farms in Hawaiʻi.

There are 4 main types of tea: white, green, oolong, and black. But, did you know they all come from the same plant? Itʻs true! Camellia sinensis is the mother of all tea plants. Tea makers use four techniques to create flavor, color and aroma in the cup.

The four techniques in tea making are: withering, oxidation, rolling, and firing.

Imagine picking a flower and leaving it on the table. Over time it wilts and browns. Withering is similar in that it makes the leaves pliable and prepares them for more processing under controlled condition for time, temperature, humidity and light.

Oxidation is when the teaʻs natural enzymes and juices mix with oxygen which deepens the flavor and darkens the color. Some refer to this step as fermentation, but alcohol is not produced. The darker the cup, the higher the oxidation level.

Rolling bruises the leaves to release more enzymes and promote heavier oxidation. Rolling is mainly associated with oolong production.

Firing, aka the kill step, exposes the leaves to heat to kill the active enzymes in the leaf to stop oxidation. This step makes the tea leaves shelf stable. In Chinese tea making, the leaves touch hot metal in the firing step. Imagine a hot giant wok like the ones in Panda Express filled with fresh tea leaves that are quickly, but gently tossed so not to burn.

Yin Zhen Silver Needles Tea
White tea is the least processed tea. Therefore, it has the most delicate color, flavor, and aroma compared to the rest. As leaf buds form on the tea plant, they are covered in white down-like fuzz. The buds are picked and gently fired before withering or oxidation occurs.

Japanese Sencha Green Tea
Green tea may be withered just a touch and there is no oxidation. Japanese tea making uses hot steam to fire the leaves. This creates a greener liquor and grassy flavor. Chinese teas are pan-fired against hot metal giving the cup very different characteristics with floral notes, golden colored liquor and possibly a touch of smokiness like in gunpowder teas.

Honey Oolong
Oolongs can take the longest to make. The freshly picked leaves can be solar withered outside or in climate controlled rooms for many hours. This allows the more mature leaves to soften and oxidize. The withered leaves are gently rolled to further promote oxidization. Some oolongs repeat the rolling-oxidation cycle up to 29 times before the leaves are fired.

Earl Grey Extra Fancy Tea
Black teas are both oxidized and rolled to deepen the flavor and darken the color. This causes the flavor of black tea to be most intense, pungent, and heavier-bodied compared to the other teas.

Processing accounts for 70% of the flavor, aroma and color in the cup. Growing conditions vary from year to year so processing is part science and part art form. The tea maker uses these 4 main techniques of withering, rolling, oxidation and firing to balance flavors, heighten aroma and achieve the greatest joy and satisfaction we get from that cup of tea.

Our new limited edition Cacao Tea is a must try!

Cacao is the fruit used to make chocolate. Inside the colorful cacao pods are beans (above). The cacao beans are fermented, dried and then roasted. The shell around the roasted bean is removed and the inner nib is used to make chocolate (below).

In her article for the Smithsonian, “How Hawaii Became the North Pole of Cacao,” Jennifer Billock explains that cacao, native to South America, typically grows in humid tropical climates, within a band that stretches 10 degrees on either side of the equator, where temperatures range from 65° to 90° Fahrenheit. Hawaii, though, sits about 20 degrees north of the equator, right at the extreme edge of crop’s range.

The cooler temperatures offer growers some advantages, such as fewer pests than other parts of the world, but also require special growing and processing techniques.

Because Hawaiʻi is the only state in the U.S. to grow cacao, there now are a handful of artisan chocolatiers that have popped around the state notably on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Kauaʻi. Some of Oahu’s favorites include chocolatiers such as Waialua Chocolate and Manoa Chocolate.

When the shells and nibs are separated, most of the shells are then thrown away. One use is to steep the shells in hot water to make a “tea” broth. A growing chocolate-making industry meant more and more shells ending up in the landfill. The idea of using the cacao shells as an ingredient to marry the pleasures of chocolate and tea together was captivating… and innovative.

The cacao shells are rich in theobromine, a chemical compound found in cacao. Theobromine can help reduce blood pressure and it even acts as a mild stimulant to enhance focus and concentration.  Add this to the L-theanine in black tea and our Cacao Teas have a satisfying, nirvana halo to them.

We created two new blends featuring Hawaiian roasted cacao shells. Lilikoi Cacao uses passionfruit, yet another fruit that grows in tropical climates, to give the tea a tangy sweetness. Paired with cacao, it tastes very similar to a Passionfruit Truffle. The creation of Lilikoi Cacao was inspired by one of our teamaker’s sister who is also a budding chocolatier.

Cacao Colada features pineapple and coconut, like the piña colada cocktail. These flavors give the tea an uplifting vibe and a nutty, creamy finish. Just imagine yourself sitting poolside while sipping on this tropical blend of paradise. So relaxing.

“This was a fun project because our goal was to create new value for cacao shells which are a manufacturing by-product,” said Byron.  “We wanted to see if we could put our own unique spin to them. The results are yummy!”

When summertime rolls around and temperatures rise, it’s important to stay hydrated. If you’re trying to avoid sodas and other sugary drinks, add iced tea to your drinking repertoire. Tea comes with all sorts of health benefits and is just as hydrating as plain water.

Tea, both hot and cold, is the perfect summertime thirst quencher. According to an article published by Smithsonian Magazine, drinking a hot beverage can actually cool you down when the weather is warm. It may seem unintuitive, but when you drink something hot, you sweat a little more. When that sweat evaporates, your body cools down.

If that doesn’t convince you to start drinking warm tea in the summer, no worries; we’ve got plenty of options that you can drink hot or cold, and will keep you relaxed and refreshed all summer.

At TeaChest.com, we take summer teas to a whole other level. From sweet tropical teas to classic loose leaf blends, we have the tea you need to up your hydration game. We’ve compiled a list of the teas you can’t do without this summer.

1) Passionfruit Iced Tea
Our most popular iced tea brings the taste of Hawaii straight to your glass. When you buy a pouch of Passionfruit Tropical Iced Tea, you get 5 tea bags that will make up to five gallons of iced tea. Use this in your plantation tea for a cold, refreshing drink to savor on the front porch, down at the beach, or at the gym. For hot water brewing, heat up a quart of water on the stove, steep one of the iced tea bags for about five minutes, add 3 more quarts of cold water, and then pour the tea into glasses filled with ice.

2) Mango Peach Tea
Plump, juicy mangoes have an irresistible syrupy sweet flavor and make a wonderful tea. Throw a peach into the mix, and your tea will be irresistible. When you prepare this organic Mango Peach green and black tea blend, you’ll have a delicious cold drink your guests will be clamoring for. Make a classic sun tea with a tropical twist this summer by putting a few tea bags in a pitcher of water, leaving the pitcher in the sun for a few hours to steep, and then putting it in the fridge to chill. You’ll have a classic iced tea you’ll want to take with you on all your adventures this summer.

3) MW Coconut Chai
MW Restaurant, a high end restaurant in Honolulu, is famous for its amazing Hawaiian dishes, catering, and teas. MW Coconut Chai was developed for tastemakers Chef Wade Ueoka and Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka, who know their stuff when it comes to good food. Hawaiian coconut is mixed with the classic Indian flavors of cardamom and cinnamon to create a truly unique tea with a delicious tropical twist. Serve iced and you’ll taste the luxury that comes with everything these Hawaiian master chefs do.

4) Jasmine Yin Hao
Jasmine is the world’s most popular scented tea. Check out Jasmine Yin Hao for an exotic iced tea. Jasmine Yin Hao is a decadent loose tea consisting of hand plucked green tea and scented with night blooming jasmine.  The Yin Hao scenting technique takes seven days from start to finish. Jasmine flowers and green tea leaves are placed in alternating layers in an enclosed box so the tea can absorbs the alluring aroma. Tea and flowers never touch. In this way, the tea leaves absorb the sweet intoxicating aroma of jasmine, creating a smooth, divine, luxury-grade cup of tea sure to woo any tea connoisseur. The Jasmine Yin Hao makes for a light and refreshing tea, full of antioxidants that can be paired with a bowl of in-season summer fruit or just by itself on the porch as the sun sets in the evening. Who knew such quality tea could be so easy?

5) Champagne Rose Tea
Tea Chest Hawaii’s Champagne Rose Tea is one of the prettiest teas to look at. Rich black tea is graced with a taste of champagne and sprinkled with dried rose petals to give you a taste of summertime celebration. Since this is a loose leaf tea, steep in hot water for 3-5 minutes and chill before serving. Or, cold brew it over 4-5 hours. The delicate rose petals blend great with the reminiscence of bubbly champagne and of course the flavor of the high-quality black tea. Serve this as an after-dinner delight or a breakfast tea as the day just begins to heat up. You’ll feel like a real connoisseur this summer.

6) Hibiscus Bliss
Is there anything that screams “Hawaii” like fresh hibiscus? This bright, showy, gorgeous flower is native to tropical climates. Tea Chest’s Hibiscus Bliss tea lives up to its name. Mostly sweet and a little tart, this tea is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is equally delicious served hot or cold, and has hints of citrus and berries. If you’re looking for a summer tea to make you feel like you’re on the islands, this is the one for you.

7) Pure Mamaki Loose Leaf Tea
Mamaki is a plant native to the Hawaiian Islands, and was used by ancient Hawaiians as medicine to cleanse and heal the body, mind and spirit. This earthy, full-bodied herbal tea is great for energy and detoxing, and can help to keep your blood pressure in check. It’s best when steeped in very hot water for several minutes. Go long when steeping this tea to draw all the nutrients out of the leaves. The great thing is mamaki never gets bitter so you can never over steep this tea. Mamaki is great to drink during the summer because it’ll keep you active all day on all those outdoor adventures.

Summer 2019 is just around the corner, and as fruit becomes in-season and the days grow long and lazy, you’re going to want a go-to tea to have on hand to keep refreshed and hydrated so that you’re ready for whatever the coming months throw at you. Pick a tea from the list of our summertime recommendations, or if those don’t float your boat, browse Tea Chest Hawaii’s full offerings —— there is something for everyone, all year round. Whatever you choose, you’ll be doing your body a favor this summer by drinking some authentic, high-quality tea.

The Best Teas To Drink and When to Drink Them
Chinese emperor Shen Nong was credited for being the father of Chinese agriculture. He taught his people how to plow and to use plants as medicine. One translation of his venerable name translates to “Divine Farmer.” Shen Nung discovered tea when leaves from a nearby tea tree fell into a pot of boiling water. He fell in love with the flavor and aroma and began to study the plant for medicinal purposes and as a crop. 5000 years, tea is now the second most consumed beverage on earth. Does that make Shen Nong the father of tea?

Almost every culture that has been touched by tea has its own variation of the beverage and thanks to the biodiversity, tea has so many different health benefits and effects when consumed. Whether you seek energy, stamina, relaxation or overall good health, tea is definitely a healthy elixir that can power both mind, body and mood.

The most common use for tea is as a stimulant. Caffeine is innate in camellia sinensis tea and levels vary depending on varietal and growing conditions. But, the way the leaves are processed has the greatest effect on how much caffeine ends up in your cup. (see caffeine chart).

Many people switch from coffee to tea because they are noticing the “cleaner” energy boost that tea provides. At the molecular level, the caffeine in tea provides a more sustained boost with less spikes and crashes. Most teas contain less caffeine and therefore are not associated with withdrawal side-effects like coffee. Antioxidants and amino acids in tea also counter balance the caffeine so that you will feel energized but without the jitters, palpitations and anxiety from overstimulation. Here is a list of teas that come in handy when a power boost is needed.

Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate has been dubbed the drink of the gods for a reason. Not only does it provide you with a refreshing boost of energy, as it contains 85 mg of caffeine per cup, but it also stimulates the oxidation of fat molecules. In a study done by the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity, researchers discovered that yerba mate intensifies fat burning during moderate exercise by about twenty-four percent, meaning the energy stored in the carbohydrate reserves can be saved for high-intensity workouts, further optimizing your ability to perform.

Matcha Tea
Matcha is now popular around the world as a drink and a food ingredient. Many companies are adopting it into their menus and the matcha craze is only getting fueled by discoveries from new studies and uses. First, matcha contains a fifth of the caffeine that coffee does, making it a healthier substitute. Second, matcha, like all camellia sinensis teas, contains a compound known as L-theanine, which calms the mind and delivers a nirvana effect. Recent studies show that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine will increase alpha wave activity in the brain, making you more alert and focused. Third, the high antioxidant properties in matcha help counteract the crash normally felt after a caffeine rush.

Mamaki Tea
Coffee loaded with caffeine can leave us wired after the initial boost while herbal remedies often put us to sleep. Mamaki tea, however, stimulates and invigorates without any caffeine. Mamaki tea is loaded with macro and micro minerals that contain catechins; these polyphenols stimulate brain activity and boost metabolic rates and are rich in antioxidants. The unassuming and subtle effect gently stimulates natural brain activity, leaving you feeling productive, creative, and confident.

EnergiTea
EnergiTea gets its kick two ways. First, it's high in antioxidants. Second, ginseng in this tea helps boost metabolism.

After a long day, our brains tend to be clouded by the mental toll it's taken, which can make it difficult to relax and drift into a restful slumber. While it has become common to revert to alcohol and other depressant drugs to relax, studies show that this routine can be very damaging to your health. Tea’s similar sedative effects can actually benefit your mental and physical health in the process. Here are a few teas to drink before bed.

Rose Tea
While a bouquet of roses are a way to welcome a loved one home, rose tea is also a way to comfort them. Rose tea can help to regulate and promote your sleep patterns by working with the hormones that control your circadian rhythm. Additionally, rose tea can ease the activity of hormones that drive menstrual cycles, which is effective in alleviating some of those unpleasant symptoms.

Chamomile and Lemon Chamomile
Chamomile is versatile, it has enough remedial abilities to qualify for the immunity category, yet it currently tops the list as a relaxant. That is due to its ability to enhance healthy sleep. The chemical properties of chamomile can bind to receptors in your brain that influence healthy sleep. This helps limit the amount of times you wake up every night, and those extra hours of sleep can lower levels of depression.

Lemon Chamomile is some of the best tasting chamomile. Lemon Chamomile can improve sleep and relaxation. It also contains cinnamon which can help with blood balance.

Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls
The disarming, relaxing scent of jasmine makes Dragon Pearls drinkable aroma therapy. Inhaling the sweet fragrance of jasmine relaxes both mind and body. Young green tea shoots used to make the pearls are also lower in caffeine compared to other teas.

Perhaps the leader in the alternative medicine category is herbal tea. For centuries, herbal infused beverages have brought relief from cold, flu and other illnesses. Here are a few teas that will both help alleviate your symptoms and boost your immune system.

Hibiscus Tea
The hibiscus used to make tea is not the same as the beautiful Hawaiian flower. Hibiscus extends its beauty into beverages, offering an eye catching color and a variety of health benefits. An abundance of scientific research suggests that consumption of anthocyanins can help equip your body to better defend against heart disease and can improve blood flow. Enjoy with mint and a squeeze of lemon and take in its refreshing flavor — your body will thank you for it.

Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is not for the weak. If you can handle the initial spicy and eccentric flavor, then your stomach will thank you for it as ginger specializes in stomach health. Its chemical properties are a powerful agent in relieving nausea and for improving overall stomach performance. Ginger is also loaded with antioxidants so you will simultaneously improve your immune system health.

Echinacea tea
For centuries people have drank echinacea to boost immunity and have relied on the flower to provide relief for cold and flu symptoms. Recent studies have nearly confirmed the remedial abilities of echinacea. The plant itself is loaded with antimicrobial substances that help equip your immune system to be bettered prepared to fight off symptoms of colds, flu and other illnesses, infections, and conditions.

Tea time on Oʻahu is more than just a rendition of the popular English pastime. It's a celebration of old traditions getting a fresh and modern twist. In Honolulu, afternoon tea culture is alive and well. Here are a few places that have found a way to transcend you into a Victorian world and make you feel like aristocracy.

1. Afternoon Tea at Halekulani
The refined elegance of Afternoon Tea are featured at two venues, Orchids and the Veranda, each offering their own unique experience for afternoon tea guests. If you are looking for a breezy ocean view, the Orchids is the place to be. But if traditional and posh are more your taste, then the Veranda does not disappoint. Both venues call you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the gracious service and their selection of fine international teas, coffees, and freshly-baked cakes and pastries.

Halekulani's afternoon tea menu will soon add more new exclusive teas by Tea Chest Hawaii including Honey Oolong, Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls, Sencha, and Pure Mamaki which can all be purchased and enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

2. Afternoon Tea at The Moana Surfrider, Waikiki
Under the shade of a historic banyan tree, Afternoon Tea on the veranda at The Westin Moana Surfrider Resort is elevated tropical relaxation and pampering. Experienced staff prepare table side an assortment of exclusive teas made just for the hotel. Immerse Victorian architecture with the sounds of playful surf splashing along Waikiki Beach in the background.

Add chocolate pot de creme or berries coupled with creme fraiche and brown sugar to your set of finger sandwiches and scones. And, their lemongrass-green-tea sorbet is a perfect ending to the food. Tea on the hotel's veranda is a splendid island tradition.

Find an exclusive set of Moana Surfrider blends made by Tea Chest Hawaii: Moana Royale, Moana Sunset, Mango Mele, Veranda Breeze, and Veranda Sunrise.

3. Tea At 1024
Choose your own hat and teacup and play dress up in this dress shop turned tea spot. Sink into Tea at 1024's warm and charming atmosphere, attentive service and divine array of sweets and tea that will have you feeling like royalty. In fact, they were selected to serve the Dalai Lama at the ʻIolani Palace on his Pillars of Peace Tour in 2012.

Yet the real magic lies in their commitment to fostering genuine and unique experiences. Enjoy your tea in a room filled with floral and artisan crafts that fuel new conversations. The menu features an extensive lineup of domestic and foreign teas, homemade finger curry sandwiches and sweets from a local bakery. 

4. Afternoon Tea at the Kahala Hotel & Resort
Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city on the east side of Oʻahu is an oasis known as the Kahala Resort. Overlooking the dolphin lagoon, sit on the Veranda and enjoy an assortment of fine teas paired with delicate finger sandwiches and scrumptious sweet treats that meld Island inspiration, Asian flair and European elegance.  Top off your experience with a glass of champagne as part of their top-tiered Royal Tea Service — now that’s what we call royalty.

5. Jeanne's Tea Service
Adorable and affordable is Jeanne’s Tea Service hidden in the corner of the Ohana Hale Marketplace. Jeanne brings her harvest from her farm on the north shore to her tea spot in Kakaʻako for a truly farm to table touch. With only a few months in operation, Jeanne's also offers private catered parties on- and off-site so you can host your own afternoon tea experience for family, friends and special occasions.

And there you have it! The top five tea destinations on Oʻahu. Try them out and let us know which one you enjoyed most. Did we miss your favorite tea spot on the island? Do you have a tea venue on a neighboring island that should be on the list of top tea destinations in Hawaii? Let us know in the comments!

Picture this: you’re in Hawaii and the tropical sun is getting a little toasty. You’ve spent the day at the beach and more than anything you want an ice-cold drink.

For Island residents, the drink of choice would be a tall, cold glass of Plantation Iced Tea.

It’s important to acknowledge that the term “plantation iced tea” did not derive from the cotton and tobacco plantations of the American South where Sweet Tea is iconic. Plantation Iced Tea is aptly named because the sugar and pineapple juice that gave iced tea a delicious tropical twist came from the plantations that were a part of Hawaii’s history from the 1850's to as recently as 2016 when the last sugar plantation in the state closed on Maui.

For those who may not have heard of Plantation Iced Tea, it’s never too late to experience something so ono.

Plantation Iced Tea is tea mixed with a generous splash of pineapple juice and cane sugar similar to an Arnold Palmer. Legend has it Plantation Iced Tea was invented at famed Oʻahu Country Club, one of the oldest private golf courses west of the Rockies. For the record, OCC's Plantation Iced Tea is pretty darn good and the recipe is kept under lock and key!

Plantation Iced Tea Recipe by TeaChest.com
This recipe is easy and fool proof.

Step 1
Brew one gallon of tea using one of our Tropical Iced Teas from TeaChest.com. Our fave is Passionfruit to layer more flavor into the drink. Heat 1 gallon of water to 195° F. Steep one bag of Tropical Iced Tea for 5 minutes. Remove bag and chill before assembling the drink.

Step 2
Make simple syrup using equal parts of sugar and water. Use a liquid measuring cup. For example, if you measure 16 oz. of water to boil, measure 16 oz. of cane sugar. Make sure to dry the cup before pouring in the sugar! Bring water to a boil then add sugar. Let dissolve until clear. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3
Combine 3 parts pineapple juice to 1 part simple syrup. We like the canned pineapple juice by Dole. It's easy to find, affordable and is reminiscent of the aroma around the Dole Cannery in Honolulu when it was in operation.

Step 4
Add 1 part plantation juice mixture to 3 parts iced tea. If you like it sweeter, try 1 part juice to 2 parts iced tea. You are in complete control.

Step 5
Garnish with sprigs of mint and fresh pineapple. Some rum and tiny cocktail umbrella optional.

Iced tea is delicious, thirst quenching and healthy-good. A cold, tropical Plantation Iced Tea made with fresh-brewed iced tea and pineapple juice is the perfect drink for summer. Learn more about tea at TeaChest.com.

Leading the World to a Better Place: Mamaki Tea
The world is growing increasingly hectic and stressful. We look for products or ideas that will help make the world seem simpler or easier to navigate. With such complexity, we often think technology or some new innovation will be what saves the world; meanwhile, Mother Nature has already crafted a cure: Mamaki. A lot of attention has been given to Green Tea for its miracle capabilities, but lesser known is Mamaki Tea — a native Hawaiian plant used for centuries by indigenous healers as a natural remedy for physical and spiritual ailments. While we are still discovering the power of Mamaki, here are a few things this natural healing herb has already brought to the world.

Mamaki Tea is a Natural Stimulant Without Caffeine
Let's face it, one of the biggest factors we consider when choosing our teas is how it will make us feel. Whether you are seeking energy, relaxation, or health, tea is an elixir that can power your mood. Yet teas with caffeine can leave us wired after the initial boost while some herbal remedies can put us to sleep. Mamaki Tea stimulates and invigorates without caffeine. Mamaki Tea is loaded with macro and micro minerals that contain catechins; these polyphenols stimulate brain activity and boost metabolic rates and are rich in antioxidants. The unassuming and subtle effect gently stimulates natural brain activity, leaving you feeling productive, creative, and confident.

Mamaki Tea Can Help Protect Against Cancer
The same medicinal properties that make Green Tea renowned for its cancer remedies are also found in Mamaki. The polyphenols that inhibit tumor cell proliferation in Green Tea are abundant in the Mamaki leaves. This powerful antioxidant is natural, safe to consume, and a precious remedy to defend against life’s most unforgiving disease.

Mamaki Restores Damaged Ecosystems
There is oli or Hawaiian chants that refer to Mamaki as the forest fixer. Just like us, Mother Nature has diseases that she needs to protect herself against. With carbon emissions at an all-time high, our soil is losing its ideal chemical balance for plant growth. With the potential to have devastating impacts on agriculture and ecosystems, farmers and conservationists alike are looking toward regenerative plants like Mamaki to restore damaged soil by adding nitrogen.

Mamaki Tea Is a Natural Sunscreen
Recently, Hawaii released a law prohibiting the use of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two active ingredients that reflect UV rays. Not only are these chemicals damaging to the user's skin, but they also are a major threat to our coral reefs. With more and more research on this issue, the more likely other governments will follow in Hawaii’s footsteps.

Fortunately, Mamaki Tea and its catechins act as a sunscreen. By helping to speed up oxidation in your skin cells, consuming Mamaki can better equip your skin to be more adaptive and protected against harmful UV rays.

Buying Hawaiian Mamaki Tea Helps Boost The Economy
One of the major issues that Hawaii faces is its dependence on tourism and imports. Almost a quarter of the state’s GDP comes from the money brought in by visitors. Globalization has affected our market to the point where only 10% of our products are sourced locally. As the world becomes more aware of the importance of Mamaki, farmers and the state can develop a more sustainable income.

Purchasing Mamaki Tea Protects an Endangered Hawaiian Butterfly
The Kamehameha Butterfly or Pulelehua is unique to the Hawaiian islands; its beauty holds a special place in the culture as the state’s official insect. The Mamaki plant provides a home for the butterfly and plays a key role in the butterfly’s survival. However, industrial development and invasive species have begun to take over the land where Mamaki has grown for centuries, leaving Pulelehua homeless and increasingly in danger of becoming extinct. Choosing Mamaki can have a butterfly effect in preserving this species, every time you decide to drink Mamaki you are creating more of a demand for farmers to increase their supply, which will create new homes for Pulelehua to live and thrive.

While Mamaki has been around for centuries, its vast potential is just starting to become realized. Mamaki Tea continues to establish roots around the world and heal both the user and the planet; however, its real beauty lies in its smooth, graceful taste. Enjoy with a splash of honey and be transported to old Hawaiʻi.

Nothing says “Good morning” quite like seeing the sunrise from atop Haleakalā. It's breathtaking. It's captivating. And it's cold!

A solid Breakfast Tea can do wonders in the morning. Big flavor and bold aroma awakens the senses. The right punch of caffeine opens up the mind. And let's be real, nice body and mouth feel swishes away morning breath blehhhhs.

A traditional breakfast blend like an English Breakfast or Irish Breakfast starts with a base of hearty, robust black tea. Just because it's big and bold does not mean it has to be brisk and bitter. This is where the art of quality tea making comes in. Qualities of a good breakfast tea include vibrant flavor, fresh aroma and structure to handle cream and sugar. Check out some of our breakfast blends below.

Veranda Sunrise is full-bodied with lots of flavor.

What Hibiscus Bliss Can Do For You
Hibiscus Bliss gets its power from its main ingredient, hibiscus sabdariffa. This edible flower has been enjoyed for centuries by many cultures and makes a great addition to the new modern diet. Hibiscus Bliss is rich in plant-based phytonutrients and offer antioxidant benefits that support an active life and a healthy heart.

Lower Blood Pressure
According to a report published in the Journal of Hypertension in 2015, drinking hibiscus tea daily can benefit people with high blood pressure. Researchers sized up five previously published clinical trials investigating the effects of hibiscus on blood pressure. Results revealed that hibiscus lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol are major contributors to heart attack and coronary disease.

Better Cholesterol
There have been studies that indicate hibiscus tea can help lower LDL cholesterol. In a 2009 study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers assigned 60 diabetes patients to drink hibiscus tea or black tea twice daily for a month. Looking at data on the 53 people who completed the study, the study's authors found that members of the hibiscus group had a significant increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol and a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.

A 2010 trial on 222 adults with metabolic challenges published in Phytomedicineconcluded drinking hibiscus tea helped participants maintain their cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Management
Hibiscus tea has hypoglycemic properties and drinking hibiscus tea can benefit people with type 2 diabetes.

Reduce Inflammation and Cramps
Antioxidants in hibiscus tea can offer relief from inflammation, cramping and menstrual pain.

Cautions
Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid overconsumption of hibiscus tea. Like other herbal teas, hibiscus tea can interfere with the efficacy of prescription drugs and other supplements. Consult your doctor about adding hibiscus tea to your daily routine.

The Takeaway
Hibiscus Bliss is a delicious and versatile beverage that is great brewed hot and cold. The blend contains healthy plant-based antioxidants and abundant benefits. It's also caffeine-free and can be enjoyed any time of day or night making it a tasty addition to the modern life.