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Yarn Cakes & Caffeine

Tea Steeping Guide

Steeping Instructions:

Caffeine Level:
Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, making them a perfect choice for those looking to avoid caffeine.

Dietary Preferences:
Herbal teas are often vegan, kosher, and paleo-friendly. However, it’s always a good idea to check specific herbal blends for any additives that may not align with your dietary preferences.

Tea Measurement:
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of herbal tea leaves or a tea bag for every 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.

Water Temperature:
Boil (212°F) fresh, filtered water, and allow it to cool slightly for herbal tea. The ideal temperature is around 200°F (93°C).

Steeping Time:
Steep herbal tea for 5 to 7 minutes. Adjust the steeping time based on your taste preference. Longer steeping will result in a stronger flavor.

Recommended Sweetener:
Herbal teas are naturally sweet and don’t always require added sweeteners. However, if you prefer a touch of sweetness, you can add honey, agave nectar, or stevia to taste.

Milk:
Herbal teas are typically enjoyed without milk. However, if you enjoy a creamier texture, you can add a splash of your favorite plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat milk).

Stir Gently: When adding milk to your herbal tea, stir gently and continuously to help distribute the milk evenly and prevent curdling.

Lemon:
Adding lemon can provide a refreshing citrusy twist to your herbal tea. Squeeze a lemon wedge or add a slice for a zesty flavor.

Best Time of Day to Drink:
Herbal teas are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Consider these options:
– Morning: Herbal teas with invigorating herbs like peppermint or ginger.
– Afternoon: Relaxing herbal blends like chamomile or lavender.
– Evening: Herbal teas with soothing properties like valerian or passionflower.

Protein Best Paired With:
Herbal teas can complement a variety of protein sources, such as lean chicken, tofu, or beans. Pair your tea with a protein-rich snack or meal for a balanced combination.

Dessert Best Paired With:
Herbal teas can be a delightful companion to desserts. Try pairing a sweet herbal tea with desserts like fruit tarts, shortbread cookies, or light cakes for a harmonious finish to your meal.

Enjoy your herbal tea, and feel free to adjust these instructions to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs!

 Steeping Instructions:

Caffeine Level:
Green tea contains moderate levels of caffeine, making it a good choice for those seeking a gentle energy boost.

Dietary Preferences:
Green tea is often vegan and kosher, but it may not be strictly paleo due to its processing. Check specific green tea blends for any additives that may not align with your dietary preferences.

Tea Measurement:
Use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of green tea leaves or a tea bag for every 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.

Water Temperature:
Heat fresh, filtered water to around 175°F (80°C) for green tea. Avoid using boiling water, as it can make the tea taste bitter.

Steeping Time:
Steep green tea for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the specific type of green tea and your taste preference. Shorter steeping times result in a milder flavor, while longer steeping times can be more robust.

Sweetener:
Green tea has a naturally mild, slightly grassy or vegetal flavor and doesn’t always require added sweeteners. However, if you prefer a touch of sweetness, you can add honey, agave nectar, or a pinch of stevia to taste.

Milk:
Green tea is typically not consumed with milk. It can curdle if added to hot green tea. If you want to enjoy milk with your tea, consider matcha, a powdered green tea, which is traditionally prepared with hot milk. To avoid curdling, you can also warm the milk before adding it to the tea.

Lemon:
Adding a slice of lemon can enhance the fresh, citrusy notes of green tea. It’s a popular and pleasant addition.

Best Time of Day to Drink:
Green tea is versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the day. Here are some suggestions:
– Morning: For a gentle caffeine boost to start your day.
– Afternoon: As a pick-me-up during work or study sessions.
– Evening: Some people enjoy green tea in the evening, but be cautious due to the caffeine content, or opt for decaffeinated green tea.

Protein Best Paired With:
Green tea complements a variety of proteins, such as grilled chicken, fish, tofu, or edamame. Pair it with a protein-rich meal for a balanced combination.

Dessert Best Paired With:
Green tea’s slightly astringent and vegetal notes make it an excellent match for light desserts like green tea ice cream, fruit tarts, or mochi. The natural sweetness of green tea can balance the sweetness of these treats.

Enjoy your green tea, and adjust these instructions to suit your personal taste and dietary preferences!

Steeping Instructions:

Caffeine Level: 
Black tea typically contains higher levels of caffeine compared to other teas, making it a great choice for a morning or midday energy boost.

Dietary Preferences: 
Black tea is usually vegan and kosher, but it may not be strictly paleo due to its processing. Check specific black tea blends for any additives that may not align with your dietary preferences.

Tea Measurement:
Use 1 teaspoon of black tea leaves or a tea bag for every 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.

Water Temperature:
Boil fresh, filtered water, and then allow it to cool for a moment. The ideal water temperature for black tea is around 200°F (93°C).

Steeping Time:
Steep black tea for 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust the steeping time to your preferred strength. Longer steeping times result in a stronger flavor.

Recommended Sweetener:
Black tea can be enjoyed with or without sweeteners. You can add sugar, honey, agave nectar, or a splash of milk, as per your taste.

Milk:
Black tea is often served with milk, creating what’s known as “milk tea.” However, you must avoid adding cold milk to very hot tea, as it may cause curdling. To prevent curdling, add hot milk or heat it slightly before adding to your hot tea.

Lemon:
Lemon can add a bright and citrusy twist to your black tea. It’s a popular and delightful addition for those who enjoy a bit of tartness.

Best Time of Day to Drink:
Black tea is perfect for mornings and early afternoons due to its caffeine content. It’s an excellent choice for waking up or staying alert during the day.

Protein Best Paired With:
Black tea pairs well with protein-rich foods such as eggs, bacon, yogurt, or cheese. A hearty breakfast with black tea is a classic combination.

Dessert Best Paired With:
Black tea complements various desserts, including scones, pastries, biscuits, or chocolate-based treats. The bold flavor of black tea can balance the sweetness of these desserts.

Remember to adjust these instructions to suit your personal taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy your cup of black tea!

Steeping Instructions:

Caffeine Level:
White tea contains the least caffeine among all true teas, making it a mild and gentle option for those looking to limit their caffeine intake.

Dietary Preferences:
White tea is typically Vegan and Kosher. It can align with Paleo preferences due to its minimal processing and natural state. Always check specific white tea blends for additives that may not match your dietary choices.

Tea Measurement:
Use 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of white tea leaves or a tea bag for every 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Water Temperature:
Heat fresh, filtered water to around 175°F (80°C) for white tea. Using water that’s too hot can result in a bitter taste, so be cautious.

Steeping Time:
Steep white tea for 2 to 5 minutes. A shorter steeping time will result in a milder flavor, while a longer steeping time may bring out more depth.

Recommended Sweetener:
White tea has delicate and subtly sweet notes, so sweeteners are optional. If you prefer, you can add a touch of honey or agave nectar.

Milk:
White tea is traditionally enjoyed without milk, and curdling is not typically a concern with white tea. It’s not a common practice to add milk to white tea.

Lemon:
Adding lemon can enhance the light and fresh flavors of white tea. It provides a subtle citrusy twist that complements the tea’s natural sweetness.

Best Time of Day to Drink:
White tea is versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the day. It’s particularly well-suited for morning or afternoon consumption due to its low caffeine content. It’s also a great choice for relaxation in the evening.

Protein Best Paired With:
White tea can be paired with lighter proteins such as chicken, fish, or tofu. Its delicate flavor won’t overpower the protein, creating a harmonious meal.

Dessert Best Paired With:
White tea is excellent with light desserts like fruit salads, shortcakes, and delicate pastries. Its subtle sweetness complements the gentle flavors of these treats.

Feel free to adjust these instructions to your personal taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy your cup of white tea!

Steeping Instructions:

Caffeine Level:
Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a caffeine-free beverage.

Dietary Preferences:
Rooibos tea is generally vegan and kosher, and it aligns well with paleo preferences due to its natural and unprocessed nature. Always check specific Rooibos blends for any added ingredients that may not fit your dietary choices.

Tea Measurement:
Use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of Rooibos tea leaves or a tea bag for every 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Water Temperature:
Boil fresh, filtered water and allow it to cool slightly. Use water at about 212°F (100°C) for Rooibos tea.

Steeping Time:
Steep Rooibos tea for 5 to 7 minutes. The longer steeping time brings out the rich and robust flavors of Rooibos.

Recommended Sweetener:
Rooibos tea has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor, making it enjoyable without added sweeteners. However, if you prefer, you can add honey or a dash of agave nectar.

Milk:
Rooibos tea is typically served without milk, and curdling is not a concern. It’s not a common practice to add milk to Rooibos tea.

Lemon:
Adding lemon is optional but can add a citrusy and zesty note to your Rooibos tea, enhancing its flavor.

Best Time of Day to Drink:
Rooibos tea is a versatile choice that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It’s a caffeine-free option, making it suitable for evenings and relaxation.

Protein Best Paired With:
Rooibos tea pairs well with various proteins, including grilled chicken, fish, or plant-based protein sources like lentils. The tea’s natural sweetness can complement these options.

Dessert Best Paired With:
Rooibos tea is wonderful with sweet treats like honey cake, almond cookies, or fruit tarts. Its naturally sweet and nutty flavor complements these desserts.

Feel free to adjust these instructions according to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your cup of Rooibos tea!

Steeping Instructions:

Caffeine Level:
Oolong tea contains moderate levels of caffeine, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a balanced caffeine boost.

Dietary Preferences:
Oolong tea is generally vegan and kosher. However, it may not strictly align with paleo preferences due to its processing. Always check specific oolong tea blends for any added ingredients that may not fit your dietary choices.

Tea Measurement:
Use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of oolong tea leaves for every 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference and the specific oolong tea variety.

Water Temperature:
Heat fresh, filtered water to about 185-205°F (85-96°C) for oolong tea. The temperature can vary depending on the oolong type, so consult the packaging or your tea supplier for guidance.

Steeping Time:
Steep oolong tea for 3 to 5 minutes. The duration can vary based on the oolong variety, so follow the recommended steeping time provided for your specific tea.

Recommended Sweetener:
Oolong tea has a complex flavor profile with a natural sweetness. It’s often best enjoyed without added sweeteners. However, if you prefer, you can add a touch of honey or sugar to taste.

Milk:
Oolong tea is usually not paired with milk, and curdling is not typically a concern. It’s traditionally enjoyed without milk.

Lemon:
Adding lemon is optional but can provide a citrusy note that enhances the aroma and flavor of oolong tea.

Best Time of Day to Drink:
Oolong tea is versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the day. It’s a great choice for both morning and afternoon consumption, providing a moderate caffeine boost.

Protein Best Paired With:
Oolong tea complements a range of proteins, such as grilled seafood, chicken, or tofu. Its well-rounded flavor can enhance various protein-based dishes.

Dessert Best Paired With:
Oolong tea pairs wonderfully with desserts like almond pastries, citrus tarts, or light cakes. Its nuanced flavor complements the sweetness of these treats.

Remember to adapt these instructions to your personal preferences and the specific oolong tea variety you’re enjoying. Savor your cup of oolong tea!

Preparation Instructions:

Caffeine Level:
Matcha contains caffeine, but it’s unique in that it provides a calm alertness due to the presence of L-theanine. It has less caffeine compared to black tea or coffee but more than green tea.

Dietary Preferences:
Matcha can align with various dietary preferences, including vegan and kosher, depending on its production. It’s made from powdered green tea leaves, which are minimally processed and can be considered paleo-friendly.

Matcha Measurement:
Use about 1-2 teaspoons (or 1-2 grams) of matcha powder for every 2 ounces (60 ml) of hot water. The exact amount may vary depending on your taste preference and the specific matcha quality.

Water Temperature:
Use hot water that’s around 175-185°F (80-85°C). This temperature is essential to avoid burning the matcha, which can result in a bitter taste.

Whisking Method:
Matcha is traditionally prepared by whisking it with hot water. Here’s how to do it:
1. Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps.
2. Add a small amount of hot water (about 2 ounces) to the bowl.
3. Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a handheld milk frother to whisk the matcha and water vigorously in a “W” or “M” motion until a frothy layer forms on the surface.

Recommended Sweetener:
Matcha has a unique, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor. It’s typically not sweetened, but you can add a small amount of honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Milk:
Matcha can be enjoyed with milk, creating a creamy and frothy beverage known as a “matcha latte.” To avoid curdling, it’s best to use hot milk and whisk it with the matcha.

Flavorings:
Matcha can be enhanced with various flavorings, such as vanilla extract or flavored syrups, depending on your preferences.

Best Time to Drink:
Matcha is often enjoyed in the morning or early afternoon due to its caffeine content. It’s known for providing sustained energy and mental clarity.

Dietary Pairings:
Matcha can complement a variety of foods, but it pairs exceptionally well with Japanese sweets like mochi, wagashi, or matcha-flavored desserts like matcha ice cream or matcha tiramisu.

Remember to adapt these instructions to your specific matcha variety and personal preferences. Enjoy your cup of matcha!

Steeping Instructions:

Caffeine Level:
Chai tea typically contains caffeine due to its black tea base, providing a moderate energy boost.

Dietary Preferences:
Chai tea may or may not align with specific dietary preferences, depending on its ingredients. You can find vegan and kosher varieties, but it’s important to check the label for additives that may not be paleo-friendly.

Tea Measurement:
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of chai tea leaves or a tea bag for every 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Water Temperature:
Boil fresh, filtered water and then allow it to cool slightly for chai tea. The ideal water temperature is around 200°F (93°C).

Steeping Time:
Steep chai tea for 3 to 5 minutes. The duration can be adjusted for your preferred strength. Longer steeping times result in a spicier flavor.

Recommended Sweetener:
Chai tea is often sweetened to taste. You can add sugar, honey, agave nectar, or a splash of milk and sweetener.

Milk:
Chai tea is traditionally enjoyed with milk, creating a creamy and flavorful beverage. Be cautious when adding cold milk to hot chai, as it may cause curdling. To prevent curdling, you can heat the milk slightly before adding it to your tea.

Lemon:
Adding lemon to chai tea is not common but is entirely optional. It can provide a zesty, citrusy twist to your brew.

Best Time of Day to Drink:
Chai tea is versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the day. It’s particularly popular in the morning and afternoon for a caffeine boost and as a comforting choice on cooler evenings.

Protein Best Paired With:
Chai tea pairs well with proteins like chicken, lentils, or tofu. Its warm, spicy notes complement various protein-based dishes.

Dessert Best Paired With:
Chai tea is an excellent companion for desserts, especially those with warm spices. Consider pairing it with treats like spiced cookies, carrot cake, or warm apple pie for a harmonious combination.

Enjoy your chai tea, and feel free to adapt these instructions to your personal taste and dietary preferences!

Tea Package Sizes

1 oz. Sample
With a heaping teaspoon of herbal tea per 8 oz cup of water,
Brew up to approximately 10 cups of your favorite herbal infusion.

 

3 oz.
With a heaping teaspoon of herbal tea per 8 oz cup of water,
Brew up to approximately 25 cups of your preferred herbal elixirs.

 

6 oz.
With a heaping teaspoon of herbal tea per 8 oz cup of water,
Brew up to approximately 48 cups of your favorite herbal infusions.

 

FYI:
The number of cups of tea you can brew/steep from loose tea will depend on several factors, including the type of tea, the strength you desire, and the size of the cups

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