At Marqueé Teas, we celebrate the rich heritage and diverse flavors of teas that all originate from the remarkable tropical plant known as Camellia sinensis. This plant thrives in warm climates with long sunny days, cool nights, and abundant rainfall. Growing at altitudes from sea level up to 7,000 feet, tea plants are native to China, Tibet, and northern India, but are now cultivated in numerous countries around the world, including Sri Lanka, Japan, Kenya, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam, Argentina, Tanzania, Taiwan, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
The most intricate and flavorful teas flourish at higher altitudes, where some tea bushes can be cultivated for over a century. Covering about six million acres of our planet, these tea bushes are harvested weekly during their nearly year-long growing season. Each spring, the first tender leaves and buds are hand-plucked and harvested. As soon as these leaves are exposed to air, they begin to wither and become pliable, ready to be crafted into various types of tea.
A common misconception is that different styles of tea come from different plants. In truth, all tea styles stem from the same Camellia sinensis bush. The magic lies in the processing methods, which create the diverse range of teas we offer at Marqueé Teas. White, green, and yellow teas are produced by steaming the leaves right after plucking, preventing oxidation. Oolong tea is partially oxidized, allowing for a unique balance of flavors. Black tea is fully oxidized, turning the green leaves into a rich, dark color. Pu-erh tea, a distinctive style of black tea, undergoes an extended oxidation process, resulting in a deep, robust flavor.
At Marqueé Teas, we are passionate about bringing you the finest teas, each with its own story and character. Explore our collection and discover the time-honored traditions and benefits of tea with us.