All Oolong Tea

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

Fu Shou Shan (福壽山) oolong tea is grown at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) in cool, moist conditions, producing the most highly-prized oolong tea in Taiwan.

Fu Shou Shan has a remarkably full rich taste, with all the characteristics of the finest Li Shan teas - highly fragrant, a smooth robust flavor, and a buttery mouth feel.

Fu Shou Shan oolong tea is packed with flavor, and will give many satisfying infusions from the same leaves.

Fu Shou Shan (Longevity Mountain) is part of Taiwan's Lishan mountain range. Fu Shou Shan Farm is a government-owned farm and tourist center located on the south face of LiShan (Pear Mountain) in Taiwan's Taichung county along the Central Cross-Island Highway.

Fu Shou Shan Farm is famous for its superb oolong tea, as well as other high quality agricultural products such as apples, pears, peaches and kiwi. Our Fu Shou Shan oolong tea is grown adjacent to the government farm.

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

This is an exceptionally smooth, full flavored oolong tea from the Li Shan (Pear Mountain) tea region of Taiwan.

Cui Feng (翠峰) oolong tea is grown at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in cool, moist conditions, producing some of the best oolong tea in the world.

The Cui Feng tea region is located in Renai Township, Nantou County. This pristine area is ideal for top-quality oolong tea production. At these altitudes, the large variation between day-time and night-time temperatures is ideal for oolong tea.

Cui Feng brews to a rich, honey-colored liquor, highly fragrant and with a smooth, robust flavor, full in the mouth.

Click this link to view the Photo Gallery of the Cui Feng Tea Area in Taiwan

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

Long Feng Xia oolong tea is a first grade tea from the Shan Ling Xi district. It is grown at an elevation of about 1800 meters in the Long Feng canyon of Shan Ling Xi Mountain. The area is enshrouded with fog throughout the day, making ideal conditions for producing oolong tea.

This tea is produced from the bud and two leaves of the tea plant which are hand picked and hand processed with a fermentation level of about 35%. It brews to an exceptionally smooth liquor with floral overtones.

Long Feng Xia oolong tea is rated as "ding ji" (world best) and is in great demand. Very little of this tea is available for export, so we are pleased to be able to offer Long Feng Xia oolong tea at this time.

Sample Available:

Feng Fu Sample Pack

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

Da Yu Ling oolong tea is a premium-grade oolong tea from the Da Yu Ling area of Taiwan's Taichung county. Its high altitude (more than 2600 meters) makes this one of the highest tea plantations in the world.

Da Yu Ling has a wonderful fragrance and taste. It is a lightly oxidized oolong tea with a refreshing palate that is sought after by the most demanding tea connoisseurs. Da Yu Ling is produced in limited quantities and is one of the most prized teas of Taiwan.

Da Yu Ling is located on Mount Li (Li Shan or Pear Mountain). The high elevation of this area causes the tea leaves to grow slowly and develop their smooth, rich flavor. To fully appreciate this fine oolong tea, it is recommended to brew it gong fu style.

Sample pack available: Da Yu Ling / Hua Gang Sample Pack - 7 grams each

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

75 grams of black tea in a sealed foil bag

This black tea is from Taiwan's Alishan tea district, grown at an altitude of 1300 meters.

This tea is from the Taiwan Tea #18 varietal, also known as Red Jade. It is a small-leaf tea plant ideally suited to the production of black tea.

Black tea is fully fermented, in contrast to our other teas, which are lightly fermented. The tea leaves are whole, and retain their original oblong shape.

This is an exceptionally smooth black tea with a naturally sweet honey flavor. This black tea has a hint of cinnamon without any astringency.

Alishan black tea is grown without pesticides.

Packaged in a sealed foil bag with an attractive display box.

Sample available: Alishan Black Tea sample

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

Wu Ling oolong tea is grown in the Wu Ling mountain area of Taichung county and its high altitude (more than 1800 meters) contributes to the ideal growing conditions for oolong tea.

The soil of the Wu Ling area contributes to the fine quality of Wu Ling oolong tea. Wu Ling was a fruit producing region for many years until economic conditions favored imported fruit over home-grown apples and pears. Former orchards in the Wu Ling area were converted into oolong tea plantations, and Wu Ling oolong tea is renowned for its fruity quality.

Wu Ling is located on Mount Li (Li Shan or Pear Mountain) and oolong tea from Mount Li is the most prized oolong tea in Taiwan. It is ideally suited for gong fu style brewing and can be re-brewed up to eight times while still retaining plenty of flavor.

Sample Available: Chong Pei Sample Pack

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

This premium-quality oolong tea is grown in the Li Shan mountain range at an altitude of 2400 meters. The climate of these high mountains is ideal for growing fine oolong tea. The cool air and high humidity produce a tea with full, robust flavor and long-lasting aftertaste.

The brewed tea has an exquisite aroma and brews to an appealing amber liquor. The leaves can can be re-brewed many times while maintaining a full flavor.

Tea grown on Mount Li (Li Shan or Pear Mountain) is the most prized oolong tea in Taiwan. It is ideally suited for gong fu style brewing.

Sample pack available:

Da Yu Ling / Hua Gang Sample Pack - 7 grams each

Package of 50 Oolong Tea Bags

Enjoy exquisite Li Shan tea in a convenient tea-bag format.

Li Shan Tea Bags are made from high-mountain tea from the Li Shan (Pear Mountain) tea district of Taiwan.

The Li Shan tea area has an altitude from about 2200 meters to 2400 meters, and it's alpine climate conditions of cool temperatures and high humidity is ideal for producing top-quality oolong tea.

Li Shan Tea Bags can be used for either hot or iced tea, and can be brewed by the pot or in a cup. Each bag brews 2 - 3 cups of tea.

Each tea bag is individually packaged for maximum freshness. Li Shan tea bags are ideal solution for busy people who wish to include oolong tea in their daily diet. It is also convenient for drinking tea at work or while on the road.

These tea bags are made from the fannings (tea dust) of hand-picked high-mountain tea from Taiwan.

Tea Bag History

The tea bag is said to be invented by a tea importer named Thomas Sullivan around the turn of the 20th century. He wanted a convenient way to ship tea samples to his customers, so he used hand-sewn silk muslin bags.

On receiving these samples, Sullivan's customers thought this was a new infusion method and dropped the bags directly into hot water to brew the tea. They were impressed by the ease of brewing the tea and of cleaning up afterwards, and the orders for these new tea bags poured in.

The commercial success of tea bags encouraged other tea merchants to offer their own versions which included materials such as cheesecloth, gauze, cellophane, and perforated paper. Paper fiber was the most successful and they were soon being mass produced.

The flat rectangular tea bag was in common use by about 1944. This proved unsuccessful for whole-leaf teas as there was little room for the tea leaves to...

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

Zhong Shu Hu oolong tea comes from the Zhong Shu Hu area of Ali Mountain (Alishan) - one of the most famous tea producing regions of Taiwan. The climate here is cool and moist with cloud cover and mists every day. These conditions are ideal for tea because the plants grow very slowly and produce tender, flavorful tea leaves and buds.

Zhong Shu Hu oolong tea has a sweet taste and refined aroma. Each brewing brings out new flavors and taste sensations. This tea has a complexity that provides continuous nuances with every cup.

Zhong Shu Hu oolong tea can be re-brewed several times while maintaining an excellent flavor. We recommend the Gong Fu method of preparation to bring out the best of this excellent tea.

Sample Available: Chong Pei Sample Pack

Grown Without Pesticides

Spring 2021

Dong Ding Ming Xiang oolong tea is produced in the Dong Ding mountain area of Nantou county in Taiwan. Dong Ding is one of the most famous oolong tea producing regions in Taiwan. Its history stretches back to the 1860's when a Dong Ding native brought several tea plants from China back to Taiwan. Dong Ding mountain proved to have ideal climate and soil conditions for oolong tea cultivation.

The Dong Ding area was near the epicenter of the 1999 earthquake that devastated Taiwan. In the aftermath of the disaster many of the tea plantations were left unattended. When work resumed on them and the neglected wu long was picked and processed it was found to have a deliciously sweet honey flavour.

Investigation showed that the oolong tea gets its honey flavor from secretions left on it by cicadas. In order to encourage this special flavor, Dong Ding Ming Xiang oolong tea must be grown without the use of pesticides.

Sample Available: Chong Pei Sample Pack

Grown Without Pesticides

Winter 2021

Tsuei Luan oolong tea is grown in the Tsuei Luan district of Li Shan (Pear Mountain). This area is a former fruit producing region which was converted to tea plantations in the late 1970's. The soil quality of the former orchards is excellent, and the high altitude (more than 2,000 meters) of this district provides a cool, moist climate - ideal conditions for growing tea.

Tsuei Luan oolong tea has an exquisitely sweet aroma and interesting flavor profile. The slightly floral taste has a definite fruit undertone - said to be the result of growing tea on orchard land. This tea has a very pleasing flavour that makes it one of the most popular teas amongst Taiwan tea connoisseurs.

Sample Available: Feng Fu Sample Pack

Winter 2021

Xi Ding Oolong Tea is from Taiwan's Alishan tea district, grown at an altitude of 1250 meters. Located along the Alishan Highway, Xi Ding is a popular place to watch the sunrise.

Xi Ding is an area famous for its fertile soil, supporting vegetable farming as well as tea plantations. The year-round misty conditions make it ideal for producing top-quality oolong tea.

Xi Ding oolong tea is a hand-picked and hand-processed. It is classed as a high-mountain tea (Gao Shan) - meaning it is grown above 1,000 meters.

Xi Ding oolong tea produces a sweet liquor with a slight astringency that mellows in subsequent brews. This is an oolong with plenty of flavor and aroma, suitable for multiple infusions.

Sample Available:

Feng Fu Sample Pack

Winter 2021

Shan Ling Xi wu long tea (oolong tea) is from a mountain area in Nantou county of central Taiwan and is located at about 1,900 meters above sea level. This high elevation provides ideal growing conditions for oolong tea as the air remains cool year round. Tea plantations have been established in Shan Ling Xi since the 1970's. It has since become known as one of the premier tea producing regions of Taiwan and Shan Ling Xi oolong tea is prized by Taiwanese tea connoisseurs.

Shan Ling Xi wu long tea can be brewed slightly longer than the Wu Ling oolong tea. Fifty seconds is recommended for the first pot when brewing this tea gong fu style. When brewing Shan Ling Xi oolong tea you will notice the sweet aroma which gives just a hint of the wonderful flavors to come.

Sample Available: Feng Fu Sample Pack

Winter 2021

Shi Zuo oolong tea is grown in the Shi Zuo (Stone Table) area of Alishan (Mount Ali). At an altitude of 1300 meters, Shi Zuo has a cool, moist climate that is ideal for growing tea.

Shi Zuo oolong tea is hand picked and hand processed in the traditional manner of Taiwanese High Mountain oolongs. The processing results in ball-shaped tea pellets which consist of two or three leaves and a bud. These pellets open up during brewing to release the full flavor of the tea.

In order to experience the full potential of this tea, we recommend brewing it Gong Fu style. This method of brewing brings out the sweetness and complex undertones that mark this tea as one of the best that Taiwan has to offer.

Sample Available: Chong Pei Sample Pack

Winter 2021

Four Season oolong tea is a varietal grown in the Alishan (Mount Ali) tea region of Taiwan. Alishan is one of Taiwan's most famous tea areas. The rich soil combined with the daily fog produces ideal conditions for growing tea.

Four Season tea is a high-mountain (gao shan) tea which has been hand-picked and hand-processed by traditional methods. It is an excellent daily tea with a smooth sweet taste and pleasing color. Four Season tea is the best oolong available in this price range. It compares well with some of our more expensive teas.

Sample Available: Feng Fu Sample Pack

Aged Oolong tea from 1990

Please note: This tea is unlike any of our other teas. We strongly urge purchasing a sample before buying a larger amount.

Wang Tan Pei is a roasted, aged oolong from 1990. It produces a marvellous clear brown liquor with a pleasing aroma reminiscent of roasting chestnuts. The strong, distinctive flavor is slightly smoky with a sweet cleansing aftertaste.

Aged oolong is re-roasted every few years. This is a delicate process that requires the supervision of a tea master. The roasting removes excess moisture that would otherwise give the tea an earthy quality.

Wang Tan Pei aged oolong is a wonderfully complex tea that will stimulate your imagination. This is a rare tea very much in demand for its unique, refreshing taste.

Notes about Aged Oolong Tea:

The aged oolong does not open up like fresh oolongs. The tea is examined every 2 or 3 years, and if the tea master decides, it will be re-roasted to remove excess moisture and to retain the flavor of the tea.

More information about aged oolong tea

GABA tea has special health benefits

GABA tea is a relatively new type of tea with special health benefits. It was first produced in 1987 in Japan where it remains a very popular type of tea. The main compound is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - an amino acid that occurs naturally in the human body. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the nervous system and also in the retina.

Taiwanese GABA tea is an all natural product. It is made from high-grade whole-leaf that is naturally rich in glutamic acid - the precursor to GABA. The processing involves exposing the fresh tea leaves to nitrogen gas under controlled conditions. GABA tea is produced according to standards set by the Japanese government, and meets or exceeds the Japanese standard of 150 mg of GABA per 100 grams of tea.

GABA tea brews to a dark brown color with a pleasing, light taste and can be served either hot or iced.

Sample Available: Chong Pei Sample Pack

Read more about GABA tea

Package of 50 Oolong Tea Bags

Our pack of High Mountain (Gao Shan) oolong tea bags is the most economical way to enjoy oolong tea. This pack contains 50 tea bags, individually packaged for maximum freshness.

Oolong tea is a great-tasting beverage with many health benefits. Preparing traditional style whole-leaf oolong tea, however, can be a time consuming process. Tea bags are the ideal solution for busy people who wish to include oolong tea in their daily diet.

These tea bags are made from machine cut high-mountain tea. They can be used like traditional tea bags for making hot or iced tea. The tea brews to a clear, pale green color with plenty of flavor. They can be brewed in a tea pot or individual cups. Each bag can brew two cups of tea.

Tea Bag History

The tea bag is said to be invented by a tea importer named Thomas Sullivan around the turn of the 20th century. He wanted a convenient way to ship tea samples to his customers, so he used hand-sewn silk muslin bags.

On receiving these samples, Sullivan's customers thought this was a new infusion method and dropped the bags directly into hot water to brew the tea. They were impressed by the ease of brewing the tea and of cleaning up afterwards, and the orders for these new tea bags poured in.

The commercial success of tea bags encouraged other tea merchants to offer their own versions which included materials such as cheesecloth, gauze, cellophane, and perforated paper. Paper fiber was the most successful and they were soon being mass produced.

The flat rectangular tea bag was in common use by about 1944. This proved unsuccessful for whole-leaf teas as there was little room for the tea leaves to expand. To solve this problem, the Brooke Bond tea company introduced the pyramid-shaped tea bag, which provides...

Tan Bei Oolong tea bags are the most convenient way to enjoy whole-leaf oolong tea. The tea bags are a pyramid shape to allow the full expansion of the tea leaves as they brew in your cup or tea pot.

As the tea leaves expand, they release their full natural flavor.

Tan Bei oolong tea bags offer the best of both worlds: the exquisite taste of full leaf natural oolong tea, with the convenience of tea bags.

Tan Bei tea bags are individually packaged for maximum freshness. These tea bags are an ideal solution for busy people who wish to include oolong tea in their daily diet. It is also convenient for drinking tea at work or while on the road.

25 individually packed tea bags per box.

Tea Bag History

The tea bag is said to be invented by a tea importer named Thomas Sullivan around the turn of the 20th century. He wanted a convenient way to ship tea samples to his customers, so he used hand-sewn silk muslin bags.

On receiving these samples, Sullivan's customers thought this was a new infusion method and dropped the bags directly into hot water to brew the tea. They were impressed by the ease of brewing the tea and of cleaning up afterwards, and the orders for these new tea bags poured in.

The commercial success of tea bags encouraged other tea merchants to offer their own versions which included materials such as cheesecloth, gauze, cellophane, and perforated paper. Paper fiber was the most successful and they were soon being mass produced.

The flat rectangular tea bag was in common use by about 1944. This proved unsuccessful for whole-leaf teas as there was little room for the tea leaves to expand. To solve this problem, the Brooke Bond tea company introduced the pyramid-shaped tea bag, which provides about twice the space for the tea leaves to expand and fully release their...

Enjoy the health benefits of GABA tea in convenient tea bags.

Our loose-leaf GABA tea is one of our most popular teas. Now you can enjoy full-leaf GABA tea in convenient tea bags. The tea bags expand to a pyramid shape to release the full flavor and health benefits of GABA tea.

GABA tea is a specially processed high-mountain tea that has naturally enhanced levels of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), an important anti-stress, anti-anxiety, calming and relaxing nutrient.

Read more about GABA tea at AllGABAtea.com

Box of 25 individually packed tea bags.

Tea Bag History

The tea bag is said to be invented by a tea importer named Thomas Sullivan around the turn of the 20th century. He wanted a convenient way to ship tea samples to his customers, so he used hand-sewn silk muslin bags.

On receiving these samples, Sullivan's customers thought this was a new infusion method and dropped the bags directly into hot water to brew the tea. They were impressed by the ease of brewing the tea and of cleaning up afterwards, and the orders for these new tea bags poured in.

The commercial success of tea bags encouraged other tea merchants to offer their own versions which included materials such as cheesecloth, gauze, cellophane, and perforated paper. Paper fiber was the most successful and they were soon being mass produced.

The flat rectangular tea bag was in common use by about 1944. This proved unsuccessful for whole-leaf teas as there was little room for the tea leaves to expand. To solve this problem, the Brooke Bond tea company introduced the pyramid-shaped tea bag, which provides about twice the space for the tea leaves to expand and fully release their flavour.

Winter 2021

Alishan Tan Pei Oolong Tea is a roasted Oolong Tea from Taiwan's Alishan tea district.

Tan Pei Oolong Tea has a distinctive roasted quality is evident in the aroma of the dry tea leaves right through to the brewed tea. It is a full-bodied tea with a robust flavor and dark liquor.

This tea is from the famous Alishan tea district of central Taiwan. The climate is cool and moist year-round, making it ideal for producing top-quality oolong tea. The region's fertile soil also supports a wide variety of vegetable and fruit farming.

Tan Pei Oolong Tea is hand-picked and hand-processed. It is classed as a high-mountain tea (Gao Shan) - meaning it is grown above 1,000 meters.

This is a pleasing tea any time of the year, but is especially suitable for the cooler weather of fall and winter.

This sample pack consists of two of our premium high-mountain oolong teas - Hua Gang and Da Yu Ling. Both teas are from the highest altitude tea plantations in the world - over 2400 meters, which provides a micro climate of cool air and high humidity to produce teas with a full, robust flavor and long-lasting aftertaste.

Each sample is 7 grams, packed in a vacuum-sealed foil bag.

Winter 2021

Hong Pei Jin Xuan Oolong Tea is a roasted Milk Oolong Tea from Taiwan's Alishan tea district. This Jin Xuan is more heavily roasted than our other Jin Xuan (milk oolong) teas, producing a flavorful, robust liquor.

Hong Pei Jin Xuan Oolong Tea is grown at an altitude of 1300 meters near Shi Zi village, Chia Yi County, accessible by the famous Ali Shan mountain railway.

Alishan is famous for its tea plantations, but its fertile soil also supports a wide variety of vegetable and fruit farming. The climate is cool and moist year-round, making it ideal for producing top-quality oolong tea.

Hong Pei Jin Xuan Oolong Tea is hand-picked and hand-processed. It is classed as a high-mountain tea (Gao Shan) - meaning it is grown above 1,000 meters.

Due to the heavier roasting, the milk qualities of Hong Pei Jin Xuan Oolong Tea are most apparent on the first infusions, which tapers off in subsequent brews, leaving a pleasing, full-flavored roasted oolong that holds up to repeated infusions.

Winter 2021

This is a Jin-Xuan milk oolong tea from Rui-Feng in the Alishan tea district.

The Rui-Feng tea district is off the main path in the northwest section of Alishan. It was approved as a leisure agricultural area by Taiwan's Council of Agriculture. It is a peaceful area that is popular with visitors.

When Jin-Xuan tea leaves are lightly roasted during processing, they have a unique milk flavor which is called nai xiang or milk oolong.

Rui-Feng Jin Xuan has a slightly astringent flavor which mellows with subsequent brewings. The milk flavor is evident in the aftertaste, and combines with a pleasing herbaceous aroma for a complex flavor which changes slightly with each brewing.

Sample Available: Jin Xuan Sample Pack

Winter 2021

This is a Jin-Xuan milk oolong tea from Tai-Xing in the Alishan tea district.

The Tai-Xing tea area is located in Meishan Township, Chiayi County. It is one of the top tea areas of Alishan, producing both Qingxin (green heart) and Jin-Xuan (milk oolong) tea.

When Jin-Xuan tea leaves are lightly roasted during processing, they have a unique milk flavor which is called nai xiang or milk oolong.

Tai-Xing Jin Xuan has a pleasing, smooth flavor with a buttery aftertaste. There is a slight astringency apparent when first sipped, which mellows into a very nice, full sensation on the back of the tongue.

Sample Available: Jin Xuan Sample Pack

Winter 2021

This is a flavored Jin-Xuan (milk oolong) tea from Zhu Shan in the Nantou county tea district.

The township of Zhu Shan is a major producer of Taiwan's Jin-Xuan (milk oolong) tea, with approximately 400 hectares devoted to this varietal.

When Jin-Xuan tea leaves are lightly roasted during processing, they have a unique milk flavor which is called nai xiang or milk oolong.

Zhu Shan Jin-Xuan is flavored with a natural soy-based flavoring which gives this tea a more pronounced, pleasing milk flavor than occurs with roasting alone.

Sample Available: Jin Xuan Sample Pack

The Feng Fu sample pack contains a selection of the following oolong teas:

Long Feng Xia
Shan Ling Xi
Tsuei Luan
Four Season
Xi Ding

Each tea is packed in a 7 gram vacuum sealed foil bag for maximum freshness. Each pack is sufficient for one or two gong-fu teapots, depending on the size of the pot.

Try out our three Jin Xuan (milk oolong) teas and compare for yourself. During processing, the tea varietal Jin Xuan can develop a pleasing milk fragrance.

Sometimes processors will add an edible flavoring to achieve this quality. We have 3 milk oolongs for sale - two of them are unflavored, and the third has added flavoring. Try them for yourself to see which is the best.

The Jin Xuan sample pack consists of the following oolong teas:

Rui Feng Jin Xuan
Tai Xing Jin Xuan
Zhu Shan Jin Xuan

Each tea is packed in a 7 gram vacuum sealed foil bag for maximum freshness. Each pack is sufficient for one or two gong-fu teapots, depending on the size of the pot.

The Chong Pei sample pack contains a selection of the following oolong teas:

Wu Ling
Ming Xiang
Zhong Shu Hu
Shi Zuo
GABA

Each tea is packed in a 7 gram vacuum sealed foil bag for maximum freshness. Each pack is sufficient for one or two gong-fu teapots, depending on the size of the pot.

50 Li Shan tea bags + Four Season Oolong Tea

Save 20% when you buy 150 grams of Four Season Tea and a pack of 50 Li Shan Oolong tea bags.

Tea bags are a convenient way to enjoy oolong tea while at work or on the run. Loose leaf tea is ideal for more leisurely occasions.

This combination pack is an excellent introduction to both types of oolong tea.

Try our our Li Shan High Mountain Oolong Tea Bags and our Four Season loose oolong tea and save 20% off the regular price.

Regular price $45.95 USD when bought separately.

50 High Mountain Oolong tea bags + Four Season Oolong Tea

Save 20% when you buy 150 grams of Four Season Tea and a pack of 50 High Mountain Oolong tea bags.

Tea bags are a convenient way to enjoy oolong tea while at work or on the run. Loose leaf tea is ideal for more leisurely occasions.

This combination pack is an ideal introduction to both types of oolong tea.

Try our our High Mountain Oolong Tea Bags and our Four Season loose oolong tea and save 20% off the regular price.

Regular price $40.75 USD when bought separately.

Tea Bag History

The tea bag is said to be invented by a tea importer named Thomas Sullivan around the turn of the 20th century. He wanted a convenient way to ship tea samples to his customers, so he used hand-sewn silk muslin bags.

On receiving these samples, Sullivan's customers thought this was a new infusion method and dropped the bags directly into hot water to brew the tea. They were impressed by the ease of brewing the tea and of cleaning up afterwards, and the orders for these new tea bags poured in.

The commercial success of tea bags encouraged other tea merchants to offer their own versions which included materials such as cheesecloth, gauze, cellophane, and perforated paper. Paper fiber was the most successful and they were soon being mass produced.

The flat rectangular tea bag was in common use by about 1944. This proved unsuccessful for whole-leaf teas as there was little room for the tea leaves to expand. To solve this problem, the Brooke Bond tea company introduced the pyramid-shaped tea bag, which provides about twice...