Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the teas last?

Loose-leaf tea does not spoil like other foods do, assuming it is properly stored. However, the flavor and aroma of the tea will weaken over time. My products have a minimum of one year, possibly longer, before this starts to happen.

Are your teas organic?

In order for an agricultural product like tea to be certified organic by the USDA, it must be grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides may have been applied to the land for three years prior. I have not applied for certification, so none of my teas are certified organic. However, my Cinnamon Rooibos herbal tea contains only certified organic ingredients. My other teas, however, contain a mix of organic and non-organic ingredients.

With that said, all of my teas contain 100% all-natural ingredients. I do not use artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. I only use high-quality florals, herbs, and spices to flavor my teas. You can learn more about the ingredients I use on the Sourcing Information page of this website.

How should the tea be stored?

Loose-leaf tea should be stored in a sealed container away from any strong aromas that could taint the tea. My teas come in resealable zipper pouches that should accomplish this purpose. It is important to keep the tea leaves dry. Additionally, it's best to store the tea in a cool, dry place away from heat, light, moisture, and strong smells.

Do you have an option for order pick-up?

I do allow for order pick-ups in Colorado Springs, provided that the customer contacts me to schedule a pick-up time prior to purchase. If you would like to arrange for an order pick-up, please email me at teas@mountaintealeaves.com.

How much caffeine does the tea contain?

The caffeine content of tea differs between tea types. I currently sell a mixture of herbal teas and black teas. My Cinnamon Rooibos and Lemon Balm Tisane herbal teas are both naturally caffeine-free. The rest of my teas are black teas. Black teas typically contain around 47 mg of caffeine per serving, or about half as much as that of coffee.

What are the health benefits?

Teas containing the Camellia sinensis plant (black teas, green teas, white teas, oolong teas, purple teas, and yellow teas) are generally immune supporting and high in antioxidants.

Additionally, tea is lower in caffeine than coffee. Instead, the primary stimulants in tea are theine and theobromine, both of which improve alertness and attention without stimulating the central nervous system. This means that you are less likely to experience the jitteriness and energy spike/crash that is often associated with caffeine consumption.

Tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. L-theanine promotes a state of relaxed concentration which helps balance out the stimulants in tea. L-theanine has also been known to reduce stress and anxiety.

The herbs, spices, and florals in my flavored teas may also come with additional health benefits. These will depend on the specific ingredients in the tea.

How do I make loose-leaf tea?

The preparation method used will depend on the available equipment and the type of tea being made. I have provided more detailed instructions on my blog. See my How to Brew Mountain Tea Leaves Teas Article for more information.