The second most popular drink in the world, right behind coffee, tea is enjoyed by billions of people across the globe, and the Pacific Northwest is no exception. While a burgeoning tea industry has yet take off in quite the same way as craft beer or cider has, these regionally-based tea companies (and our choice picks from said makers) are on a mission to change that with their teas, blended and bagged in your backyard.
Steven Smith Teamaker || Fez Green Tea || Portland
This green tea from Portland-based tea company Steven Smith Teamaker is a refreshing and invigorating cup of the Mao Feng China green tea from the Anhui province of China, lemon myrtle from Australia and spearmint grown in the Pacific Northwest.
Tea Chai Te || Market Spice #72 || Portland
Another Portland tea maker, Tea Chai Te’s Market Spice #72 is black tea that has been infused with cinnamon and orange oil, resulting in a rich black tea with just a hint of spice. The name comes from where the tea was first blended: Pike Place Market.
Market Spice || Market Chai African Redbush Tea || Seattle
Speaking of Pike Place, Market Spice, which has called Pike Place Market home since 1911, has an offering for the city’s Chai lovers: their Market Chai African Redbush Tea. This caffeine-free tea is made with rooibos from Africa, cloves, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, orange peel, nutmeg and vanilla flavoring.
Remedy Teas || Blue Hawaii || Seattle
This tropical-inspired tea is a blend of white tea—a relatively new introduction to American audiences—with shredded coconut, vanilla and blue cornflower. Rich in antioxidants and low in caffeine, this tea is one that be enjoyed first thing in the morning or late at night.
Minto Island Tea Co. || Oolong Tea || Salem, OR
The only tea company on the list to grow their tea in the Pacific Northwest, Minto Island is small-batch tea farm in Salem, Oregon. The farm was founded in 1988 with the goal of proving that great tea can be grown in the States. Their wok-fried oolong tea is a sweet, nutty tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Mad Hat Tea Co. || Mad Mango || Tacoma, WA
This flavored tea is a blend of Sencha-style green tea from Japan and chunks of mango, resulting in a fresh and sweet green tea with notes of honeydew. Mad Hat recommends serving the Mad Mango over ice.
Silk Road Tea Store || Blackcurrant & Elderflower Black Tea || Victoria, BC
This blend from British Columbia-based Silk Road Tea Store is a mix of black tea, elderflower and black currants. A versatile tea, this is a blend that can be enjoyed over ice, as a latte, or even in a sangria.
