299227 Mon Nov 15 19:01:35 -0800 2004 19 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1656784 Anyone know of any reputable tea purveyors online? We live in the sticks, and I've been completely unable to find loose tea anywhere about. All our grocery stores carry bags only. There is a decent place or two down in Pittsburgh, but we don't get down there often enough. I've found nothing hopeful on Google, but was hoping to get some recommendations for sites with good selections, prices, and service. Thanks! Mon Nov 15 19:01:35 -0800 2004 0 klumppilston 1 1656786 This question has come up recently I believe, try a search (CTRL + F) on this page. I can personally recommend Upton Tea, and it also comes with the enthusiastic approval of my ex-pat Brit friend, who actually went to their HQ, which isn't open for retail but they let him in to take a look around anyway. He was impressed with the storage methods and wide selection, and has been a happy consumer. Link: http://www.uptontea.com/ Mon Nov 15 19:16:07 -0800 2004 1656784 0 Chris VR 2 1656818 I second Upton. They also have sample sizes that I love.. Tue Nov 16 08:13:55 -0800 2004 1656786 0 Ann P 1 1656788 You should try Virtous Teas. They sell on-line and have a store in Newton, MA. Link: http://www.virtuousteas.com Mon Nov 15 19:24:28 -0800 2004 1656784 0 Bearzie 1 1656789 I bought several lovely loose teas from this company rather recently. Link: http://www.tealuxe.com/ Mon Nov 15 19:29:30 -0800 2004 1656784 0 BeaN 2 1656851 I second the Tea Luxe recommendation!! I have ordered a number of wonderful loose teas from here, as well as shopped at their Providence location when visiting friends in New England. They have good customer service, their catalog really describes the teas well and they stock a WIDE variety. :-) Tue Nov 16 16:15:19 -0800 2004 1656789 0 AnnieG 3 1657221 I was a huge Tealuxe fan until recently. Their quality seems to have gone down hill. My current favorite is the Perennial Tea Room in Seattle. I love their Victorian Earl Gray. Link: http://www.perennialtearoom.com/ Sun Nov 21 20:21:16 -0800 2004 1656851 0 Julie 1 1656794 Although there are so many interesting teas out there, I am most happy w/ the classic teas from Twinings of London, which I can usually find (at least in bags) at my standard market. They do offer mail order of a limited selection which I've linked below. The teas are so reasonably priced and produce a drink that is full-bodied and complex IMO. They've been around for about 300 years, so they must be doin' something right... Link: http://www.twiningsteashopusa.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=209 Mon Nov 15 19:59:56 -0800 2004 1656784 0 Carb Lover 1 1656798 Try todd-holland.com. They seem to have a very good selection of some of the more exotic blends. I might add that I found them by googling "The Elegant Gathering of White Snows", which was the title of a novel and of a tea mentioned in the novel itself. Sure enuf, a vendor for same turned up. Mon Nov 15 21:05:19 -0800 2004 1656784 0 underworld gourmet 1 1656799 I'd recommend Harney & Sons - link below. They have a wide variety. I ordered Genmaicha from them. Link: http://www.harney.com/ Mon Nov 15 21:10:08 -0800 2004 1656784 0 Deenso 2 1656892 I second the Harney's reccomendation. They also have a lovely retail store at their HQ in northwest CT, if you want a nice drive. Upton and TeaLuxe are also good quality, good customer service, and reasonable prices. TeaLuxe has the best chamomile I've tasted anywhere. Wed Nov 17 11:40:45 -0800 2004 1656799 0 emdb 1 1656819 The Imperial Tea Court in San Francisco sell online. Link: http://www.imperialtea.com Tue Nov 16 08:31:58 -0800 2004 1656784 0 MarieinLA 1 1656830 what types of tea do u enjoy? these are some of my favorite sites- also upton is great for sample sizes- www.rishi-tea.com www.ipot.com (in pursuit of tea) www.mariagefreres.com www.lepalaisdesthes.com www.specialteas.com www.floatingleaves.com www.myfinetea.com www.teahomeusa.com Tue Nov 16 12:11:05 -0800 2004 1656784 0 hildegard 1 1656834 http://www.teahometw.com/usa/TeahomeEnglishCatalog.htm this is correct site- Tue Nov 16 12:39:15 -0800 2004 1656784 0 hildegard 2 1656852 www.itoen.com if you are looking for quality asian tea this is the best, imho. Their cold teas and other items may be of interest as well. www.tenren.com is good, too. they are much less expensive than ito-en. That said, I have only bought there loose teas by the ounce in the Chicago & San Francisco stores. (the jasmine tea with rose petals is sublime) Tue Nov 16 16:23:43 -0800 2004 1656834 0 thegreek 1 1656854 I've heard very good things about Adiago teas, though I have yet to try them...they sell sampler/starter sets, which is a nice incentive. :) Link: http://adagio.com/?SID=37cfad3cd1ebb02fa092119f36752b8d Tue Nov 16 16:42:43 -0800 2004 1656784 0 Offbalance 1 1656872 Ten Ren. They have my wife's favorit, "Eight Treasures Chrysanthemum Tea." http://www.tenren.com/eigtreastea.html. Gotta love a tea with: Chrysanthemums, Green Tea, Jujube, Chinese Wolfberries, Dragoneye fruit, Rock Sugar, Raisin, and Tremella. Wolfberries! Link: http://www.tenren.com Tue Nov 16 20:59:17 -0800 2004 1656784 0 sbp 1 1656884 www.Serendipity.com Wed Nov 17 09:41:23 -0800 2004 1656784 0 Doreen 1 1656911 Too many options! I placed an order with Upton yesterday (all those sample sizes were too much to resist), but I'll have to give some of these others a try once I go through that order. All I was really looking for was a reliable source of quality Earl Grey and Darjeeling, but it looks as though I'm going to have a GREAT time branching out... Thanks to all! Wed Nov 17 13:35:29 -0800 2004 1656784 0 klumppilston 1 1656951 For Chinese Tea the best place I have found is: teabay.com I drink their Green Tea Powder every day. It is loaded with antioxidants and I credit it with my excellent health. Wed Nov 17 20:21:09 -0800 2004 1656784 0 Just Larry