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Zhi exists to create moments to Pause, Reflect, Connect. In a world where technology and social media could be barriers to connection, it is often the case that meaningful relationships can be formed that were otherwise less likely. We love that!

Take our fondness for Instagram for instance. Here, tea lovers from all over the world can share beautiful pictures of tea and be connected despite language barriers. A beautiful picture indeed says 1000 words. We love seeing your @zhitea time!

On Twitter, Zhi Tea is able to connect with tea lovers in every time zone. Here, we’re able to answer your questions, have tea chats, and share tea quotes. Reading your #zhitea tweets makes us smile daily.

Love Pinterest? We do too! Browse our curated boards of seasonal inspiration, global tea culture, and easy to make tea recipes. Zhi’s passion for beauty, connection, and tea is expressed here as well. Join us! We love to see what you pin too.

Sign up to follow us on your favorite social media site before the holiday season. We’ll be sharing seasonal specials throughout the year and we want you to enjoy all the great moments. Thanks again for making Zhi Tea part of your love, your life. We love being connected in every possible way! Please say hello however you like best.

Our tearoom is in a flurry of delight! Kettles are whistling, tea cups clinking, tea leaves curling and unfurling.

This is a usual state of affairs at Zhi Tea, but today, it’s in response to a very special gift. Zhi Tea has been named a “Best of Austin” establishment by the Austin Chronicle. Yee haw!

Every year, the Austin Chronicle allows their readers to vote on their favorite local icons ranging from ‘Best Boot Scuffed Dancefloor’ to ‘Best Barbecue.’ They also invite their team of critics to pick their ultimate finds in categories like ‘Arts & Culture’ and ‘Recreation.’ Being chosen in any category is a true honor as it is an opportunity to feel the local love.

This year, Zhi Tea was included in the Food Section of the Critics’ Picks. Our category: “Best Way to Take Back the Tea Party.” We love the clever nod to current events as yes, we do want to take back tea from any possible stigma. Zhi Tea was founded on the effort to elevate tea culture in America.  Tea is amazing! Tea parties rule! Our passion for ultra premium organic tea is an opportunity to ‘be’ the tea culture. We pledge to keep Austin weird by staying enthused and appreciative of all our tea-freaks and tea-nerds, and sourcing the very best tea from around the world for them.

Many congratulations to the Austin Chronicle as well. This was their ultra special 25th Anniversary edition of their “Best of Austin” awards. And again, many thanks to everyone in Austin who makes this city such a great place to work, eat, live. And of course, drink tea.

Wanting to build upon your tea experience?

Baked oolongs are a fantastic way to experience the wonder and flavor of oolong tea.  The baking process produces a rich, deep flavor.  Not only does it enhance the floral and fruit notes of a fine oolong, but it also creates a nutty, toasty taste that is unmistakable.

The baking process takes place at varying temperatures and varying times to produce a tea that is particular to the tea master’s style. The process can take several hours up to several days. One interesting and little known fact is that during this process, large amounts of caffeine is baked right out of the leaves! Dr. Oolong has seen first hand the stalagmites hanging from the ceilings in baking rooms. Pure caffeine!

Some great baked oolongs you may be familiar with include Royal Courtesan (gui fei), Ti Quan Yin, and Tung Ting. All are known for their depth of flavor and ability to hold up well to multiple steepings.  The time and attention that goes into making oolong teas is nothing short of impressive. Here at Zhi, we are truly grateful to the Taiwan tradition of care and creativity in giving the world some of the most remarkable teas on the planet!

The vast majority of the tea baking is only done in Taiwan under the supervision of, or by, the tea master himself. Only recently have a few handful of ambitious oolong fanatics have undertaken the challenge to bake oolongs in the United States. Solid training is necessary to do this, along with much trial and error. The advantage of this is the ability to create custom batches of tea. (Can you tell where this is going?

Yes, Dr. Oolong has thrown his tea leaves in the proverbial fire and has started baking oolongs in Austin. Stay tuned for small artisan custom batches of baked oolongs from Zhi Tea, coming soon.

Every year, more and more customers are looking for higher quality tea. When Zhi was founded in 2007, specialty tea was just beginning. Today, two out of three homes have tea in their pantries (and we love when it’s Zhi tea

But how does one start their relationship with tea?

In their article “Loving the Learning, “Fresh Cup magazine researched America’s growing tea culture and interviewed several tea retailers to talk about how to share tea education.

They found that while tea might be intimidating at first, simplicity and enthusiasm will be the shop owner’s tools to connect with their customers.

It’s Dr Oolong’s opinion that for beginning tea drinkers, experience trumps education. Do you agree?

Happy spring, tea lovers.

Today, I wanted to talk about Brandy Oolong.

Known for its unique flavor profile and creamy body, Brandy Oolong is quickly growing in popularity among oolong lovers.

Unique toTaiwan, this heavily oxidized oolong could initially be mistaken for a black tea; but at about 85% oxidation, it indeed is an oolong. Although Brandy Oolong can come from several different cultivars or varietals, the resulting liquor is dark amber with aromatic notes of roasted sugar and stone fruit. We love the mouth feel on this tea! It is so smooth and complex and has a great sweet finish. Some people experience a subtle camphor taste as well.

The Taiwanese are quite creative and diligent in creating new teas. One particular cultivar known as Ruby 18 (which is great for creating Brandy Oolong) took decades in testing before being released to farmers for planting. It was worth the wait. Ruby 18 is a unique hybrid of anassam and an indigenous varietal.

Brandy Oolongs, while still pretty rare in the US, can be a great alternative to black teas.  Zhi is quite excited about this new tea choice in the growing stable of Taiwanese Oolongs.

See “Jeffrey’s Personal Stash” if you are curious and find all Zhi’s ”Oolongs” at zhitea.com.

Here at Zhi Tea, we know that Earth Day is every day. Our customers do, too, and we love them for it. There are so many ways to show one’s appreciation for nature, and having a cup of tea is one of them.

Tea’s wonder is steeped in ancient traditions and the planet’s biodiversity. The cultivation and use of the tea plant is a testament to man’s relationship with the natural world. Over the centuries, the demand and appreciation for tea has grown. While that is a wonderful thing, it also brings to light many choices that have to be made to be a good steward of the art of tea and the environment in which it thrives. 

Committing to a standard of excellence is possible when committing to organic tea. Earth-friendly practices are possible every step of the way when considering planting, nurturing and harvesting of tea on the numerous plantations all over the world. All of Zhi’s teas are curated according to these values. Choosing organic tea allows one to know that he is enjoying a pesticide-free product and aligning with agricultural standards of sustainability and purity. And, it tastes great too!

When given a chance to “Pause, Reflect, Connect” this Earth Day, we hope you do so with a cup of Zhi tea. Together, we celebrate our connection to the planet’s wisdom and beauty as we strive to be ever mindful of her gifts. Happy Earth Day, tea lovers! – Dr. Oolong