Thermoses designed for brewing tea are becoming more popular around the world, but the brewing techniques we use at home don’t always translate easily to these portable vessels. Practices like controlling steeping time and temperature or brewing multiple infusions may seem to rely on the availability of specialized teaware, but these four methods of using a travel thermos will show how easy it can be to adapt and make a great cup of tea - whether you’re on the go or at your desk.

Find an overview of all the ways you can brew looseleaf tea >>

When talking about pu-erh teas, we often discuss the difference between sheng teas, which ferment naturally during the aging process, and shou teas, which undergo accelerated fermentation to create a final product in much less time. Distinguishing between these two subcategories can make the overwhelming variety of pu-erh much easier to navigate, since the two types of fermentation can create distinct differences in flavor, mouthfeel, and even caffeine content.

Find out more about the difference between sheng and shou pu-erh teas >>

But this dichotomy can also be misleading, because there are many factors that influence the speed of fermentation beyond the conventional shou processing techniques. The natural fermentation that occurs with age can be affected by methods of initial processing as the fresh leaves are made into maocha, and by the climate and environment the tea is stored in during the aging process. Together, these factors create a full spectrum between the traditional opposites of sheng and shou teas.

We often discuss the four factors through which each natural tea develops its distinct flavor identity. Variety, harvest date, provenance and craftsmanship all play a role in building the finished characteristics of a tea. However, the weight of these factors in defining quality and flavor can vary from category to category, or even from tea to tea.

To get a clear picture of the impact, it can help to taste a few teas that depend heavily on a single aspect. Today, we’re showcasing the importance of harvest date with four teas that just wouldn’t taste the same if they were harvested at any other time.

Studies investigating the effects of intense or long-term stress have shown that it can have serious health consequences over time in many parts of the body. Chronic stress has been linked to mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and has been shown to cause reductions in brain mass over time. It also has proven effects on vascular and immune function, causing high blood pressure, increased risk of illness, and other physical ailments.

Despite the stimulating effect of its caffeine content, tea is widely viewed as a calming beverage that can help relieve stress. Though this effect has been studied, not all results have been conclusive.

It’s no secret that cold brewing is by far our favorite method of making iced tea. A long steep of natural teas in cold water creates flavor that is consistently sweet and smooth, negating the need for added flavors or sweeteners. Though hot tea holds an obvious place in our hearts, cold brews are the perfect way to create a refreshing, ice cold beverage with the full-bodied, complex flavors of our favorite single origin tea leaves.