TEA

• Otherwise known as Camellia sinensis, tea is one of the most widely drank beverages in the entire world.
• Once the leaves are harvested they can be processed into one of four main categories of Tea:
• GREEN TEA - Green tea leaves get processed immediately after they are picked and before they have have a chance to become oxidized. Common methods of processing include steaming and roasting the leaves.
• WHITE TEA - White tea leaves are picked before they mature. Often there is a fuzzy coat covering the leaf. White tea contains extra antioxidants.
• BLACK TEA - Black tea leaves are fully oxidized and turn a black colour before they are processed.
• OOLONG TEA - Oolong tea leaves are subjected to an oxidization time ranging from 10% to 80%. They contain qualities of both green and black tea.

• Matcha is a 900 year old Japanese green tea tradition. It is shade grown and stone ground into a brilliant green, talc-like powder.
• Matcha is rich in Antioxidants and Chlorophyll which help cleanse the body of toxins. It contains Catechins which are known for its heart disease and cancer-fighting properties.
• L-Theanine, an amino acid derivative commonly found in tea, is also present, which is known to relax the mind. Matcha has proven to boost immunity, help with protection against infection and proper functioning of blood vessels, and its Tannins have health properties known to contribute to healthy skin.
• We source our matcha from a very tiny tea plantation in Uji, Kyoto, a region in Japan that produces organic green tea and abides by strict traditional practices of production.

• An “herbal tea” is called an herbal blend or infusion, and is technically not considered tea. Herbal blends can be made of fresh or dried flowers, leaves, seeds, pods, bark or roots.
• Also called tisanes, herbal infusions can provide many health and healing benefits. For example, chamomile has relaxing benefits and licorice soothes the throat.
• CHAIBABA has a mix of herbal blends that help with relaxation, balancing, tummy trouble and special mommy and mommy-to-be care.
• CHAIBABA incorporates local organic and wild crafted herbs in our custom herbal blends when possible.

• Rooibos is a herbal tea, grown only in the Cedarberg area of South Africa’s Western Cape province. It has been made into a herbal beverage and medicine since the 1800’s. Rooibos has a natural sweet and slightly nutty flavour.
• Naturally is caffeine-free.
• Contains alpha hydroxy acids and Zinc which is great for the skin. It can help with acne, eczema and sunburns.
• Contains Calcium, Magnesium and Fluoride to help build strong teeth and bones.
• Contains Polyphenols which are shown to be anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity.
• Full of vitamins and minerals including Iron, Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Fluoride and Manganese.

• Yerba Maté is native to subtropical South America.
• It is a herbal tea with medicinal properties and is one of the most nutritionally dense plants in the world. Maté delivers a much healthier energy drink than coffee. It contains 11 Polyphenols, compounds that act as powerful antioxidants which can aid in cancer prevention. Saponins found in Yerba Maté specifically stimulate the immune system and aid the body in protecting against disease. They possess significant anti-inflammatory properties.
• Maté contains minerals including calcium, aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin, B5, B Complex, as well as chlorophyll and 15 amino acids.
• Our maté is grown organically in the lush earth under the rainforest canopy of Brazil. The growers of the maté purchase parcels of rainforest to grow and cultivate the plants, helping us all breathe a little easier.

• A fruit tea or fruit infusion, is technically not considered tea. It is composed of dehydrated fruit, often (but not always) accompanied by herbs such as rosehips or hibiscus, make a fruit infusion.
• A fruit infusion will take on the nutritional benefits and flavours of the fruit that is used in the blend. For example, blueberries provides antioxidants, whereas rose hips will provide vitamin C.
• Fruit infusions are a healthy substitute to juice, which has high glycemic index levels, (the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels). Kids are often fans of fruit infusions. Fruit blends make great summer iced teas and martini mixes.