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Coming Soon!!!! We have some super exciting news to share!!!! Our teas have been available online for years now. It’s now time to take the plunge and open up a brick & mortar location. This is something that we’ve contemplated for a few years now but just never really seriously looked for a space. As our tea selection has grown it has become necessary to move into a larger building. Yes, there’s a little happy story behind the location we selected……. grab a cup of tea and keep reading…… Last week Mel went to a quarter auction benefitting Roots With Purpose (a local organization dedicated to helping the unsheltered in our community). The auction was being held at the local Lion’s Club building which happens to be in the beautiful downtown Garner. As I drove through downtown I just could not help but have a little conversation with God….it went something like this…. “God, you know I really would love to have a little store to bring my teas to the local community. I really do love this little downtown area. It sure would be nice if there were a space available here for me.” Little did I know at the time. .....but God!!! I went on about my business, attended the quarter auction. Managed to get a good majority of my Christmas shopping done at the auction. Had a great time. When I left with my car loaded up with all my “winnings” from the night, I drove back down Main Street thinking the same thing and having that little conversation with God once more. As I looked at the row of buildings it appeared that they all had business tenants. So I just drove on thinking nothing at all was going to come of that little conversation. This was all on a Saturday night. .....but God!!! I went about my weekend not really giving this anymore thought or attention. But then, woke up Monday morning with the thought nagging me once again to reach out to my business communities to see what might be available. So I posted in a local group, CLASY (Choose Local and Small Ya’ll), on Facebook. Thinking it was a long shot. But my post was something along the lines of “hey, looking for a retail space for my tea biz. Wendell, Clayton, Knightdale, Garner, Raleigh area”. Little did I know that one little post would change the direction of my little tea biz. Within just a short time I received a phone call from Cassondra Liles. Don’t you know…….she had a space that was available NOW!!!! God is so good, all of the time. .....but God!!! I went and looked at the space on Monday. Then again on Tuesday. Then we came to an agreement and well…….Steep Right Up will soon be opening in the beautiful Historic Downtown Garner!!!! Our new home will be 111 W Main St. Ste. 200, Garner, NC 27529. We will have, of course, all of our fabulous in-house small batch hand-blended teas available. But we will also have a selection of exclusive salt-free spice blends, art from local artisans, tea accessories, and more. Our teas will also be available by-the-cup fresh brewed. Be on the lookout for tasting events, blending classes, and more!! Anticipated opening date is January 1, 2024. .....but God!!! If you’re not already following us on FB and IG go do so……we will be keeping those social media pages up to date with pictures, progress, and everything related to Steep Right Up We look forward to being an active part of the downtown Garner culture. .....but God!!!

Our GRAND OPENING TEA PARTY has been planned. Sip Sip Hurray!!!!! Here are the details (I’ll be creating an event on FB so you all can RSVP and get a reminder)….. Our FB page is: @SteepRightUpNC We’re doing something a little different for our Grand Opening. We’re so excited to be a part of the CLASY Partnership and so our Grand Opening Celebration will include a CLASY Collective event. "🎉 Friday, 2/9 – 4:30p-6p is our Kickoff Event with the CLASY Partnership. We will have a Ribbon Tying and Kickoff Toast (4:45) and of course there will be Tea samples and other treats out for everyone to enjoy. 🎉 Saturday, 2/10 – 10a-3p will be our Community Tea Party event. Everyone is invited to stop in for the festivities. 🏆 CLASY Collective Grand Prize (see below how to enter to win) 🎁 SWAG Bags (see below how to enter to win one) 🫖 Tea Tasting – we’ll have several different teas brewed for you to sample & enjoy 🎂 Food – yes, we’ll have some locally made treats for you to enjoy 🥳 FUN – any time we have a gathering of our tea loving fans it’s sure to be a fun 🎟🎟🎟🎟🎟 How do you ENTER TO WIN? 2 ways to enter 🎟 Show up on Saturday between 10a-3p and you’ll get one entry 🎟 Make a purchase while you’re here between 10a-3p on Saturday and you’ll get another entry 🎥 We will be doing the drawing for our winners LIVE on Facebook on Monday 2/12. So don’t miss out on a fun-filled Grand Opening Tea Party!!!!!

Welcome to the Library Index. Click on an article title below to learn more about the teas we carry. Please note that we are currently working on all of these articles so please be patient. If there is something specific you’d like to know about our teas please feel free to ask so that we can include it here. History of Tea Types of Tea Black Dark/Pu’erh Oolong Green Purple White Yellow Herbal Tisanes Matcha How is tea “graded” ​Tea Storage How to Brew Tea Brew Vessels Western/Modern Iced Tea Caffeine Content Tea Terminology Tea Tasting Fun Facts

Tea grading and types is a process used to evaluate and classify tea leaves based on various factors such as leaf size, appearance, aroma, flavor, and sometimes origin. The grading system can vary depending on the type of tea and the region where it's produced, but here's a general overview of how tea is typically graded: Leaf Size: One of the primary factors in tea grading is the size of the tea leaves. This can range from large whole leaves to smaller broken leaves or even finer particles. The size of the leaves can affect the flavor and strength of the brewed tea. Appearance: The appearance of the tea leaves, including their color, shape, and uniformity, is also important in grading. Tea leaves are often visually inspected for qualities such as color consistency, presence of tips (bud-like structures), and overall cleanliness. Aroma: The aroma of the dry tea leaves and the brewed tea is another crucial aspect of grading. Teas with a strong, pleasant aroma are often considered higher quality. Flavor: The flavor profile of the brewed tea is perhaps the most critical factor in grading. Teas are evaluated based on their taste, complexity, balance, and aftertaste. Factors such as sweetness, bitterness, astringency, and fragrance contribute to the overall flavor profile. Origin: In some cases, the region where the tea is grown and processed can influence its grade. Certain tea-growing regions are renowned for producing teas of exceptional quality, and teas from these regions may command higher grades. Processing: The method of processing the tea leaves, including factors such as oxidation (for black tea), roasting (for oolong tea), or steaming (for green tea), can also impact the grade of the tea. Tea grading systems can be highly complex and vary significantly between different tea-producing regions, such as China, India, Sri Lanka, and Japan. Each region may have its own unique grading standards and terminology. Additionally, some tea producers and sellers use proprietary grading systems to classify their teas based on specific criteria. Based on the information above, here are some common grades used for different types of tea: Black Tea: OP (Orange Pekoe): This grade often denotes whole leaf black tea with a slightly wiry appearance. Contrary to what the name might suggest, "Orange Pekoe" doesn't refer to orange flavor but rather to a specific grade of leaf. BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe): This grade consists of broken tea leaves, which can brew stronger and faster than whole leaf teas. FBOP (Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe): Similar to BOP but with a higher proportion of tips or buds, which can enhance flavor and aroma. FOP (Flowery Orange Pekoe): Similar to OP but with more tips, resulting in a lighter and more aromatic brew. FTGFOP (Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe): This grade indicates a high-quality black tea with a high proportion of golden tips, resulting in a rich and flavorful brew. Green Tea: Gunpowder: This grade refers to tightly rolled green tea leaves that resemble small pellets, which can unfurl during brewing. Sencha: A common grade of Japanese green tea, characterized by its long, flat leaves and fresh, grassy flavor. Dragonwell (Longjing): A premium grade of Chinese green tea with flat, jade-green leaves and a subtly sweet flavor. Oolong Tea: TGY (Tie Guan Yin): This grade refers to a type of oolong tea produced in Fujian Province, China, known for its floral aroma and smooth, fruity flavor. Dong Ding: Another popular grade of oolong tea, typically from Taiwan, known for its creamy texture and sweet, floral notes. White Tea: Silver Needle (Baihao Yinzhen): This grade consists of young tea buds covered in silvery-white hairs, resulting in a delicate and sweet brew. White Peony (Bai Mudan): A grade of white tea made from young tea buds and leaves, resulting in a slightly stronger flavor than Silver Needle. Pu-erh Tea: Raw/Sheng Pu-erh: This grade refers to pu-erh tea that undergoes minimal processing and can age over time, developing complex flavors. Ripe/Shou Pu-erh: This grade refers to pu-erh tea that undergoes accelerated fermentation to mimic the aging process, resulting in a smooth, earthy flavor. There is certainly a lot that goes into the grading of tea leaves. But this is the simple basics of how it's done.

The caffeine content in tea can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type and quality of the tea, the processing method, when and where it was harvested, and brewing parameters such as water temperature, water type, water amount and quality, and steeping time. You get the picture, right? Here's a general overview of the caffeine content in each type of tea (all amounts below are based on an 8-ounce cup and may vary based on many factors): Black Tea:  Black tea typically contains the highest amount of caffeine among all types of tea (aside from Pu'erh), ranging from 40 to 70 milligrams. Pu'erh Tea:  Pu-erh tea can contain varying amounts of caffeine, depending on factors such as the age of the tea leaves and how they're processed. On average, pu-erh tea contains around 30 to 70 milligrams. Oolong Tea:  Oolong tea falls somewhere between green and black tea in terms of caffeine content, with an average of 30 to 50 milligrams. Green Tea:  Green tea generally contains less caffeine than black tea, with an average of 20 to 45 milligrams. White Tea:  White tea typically contains less caffeine than black or green tea, with an average of 15 to 30 milligrams. Guayusa:  Guayusa tea, derived from the leaves of the Ilex guayusa tree native to the Amazon rainforest, is known for its high caffeine content. Typically contains about 70 to 100 milligrams of caffeine. Yerba Maté: Yerba Maté is known for its relatively high caffeine content compared to other herbal infusions. Typically contains about 30 to 80 milligrams (yes, this is a very wide range).. Yaupon Tea:  Yaupon tea, made from the leaves of the yaupon holly plant (Ilex vomitoria), contains caffeine, although the exact amount can vary. Contain approximately 30 to 80 milligrams. Herbal Tea:  Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, are caffeine-free or very low in caffeine since they are made from herbs, spices, fruits, or flowers rather than Camellia sinensis leaves. However, certain herbal ingredients like Yerba mate, yaupon, and guayusa can contain caffeine, so it's essential to check specific blends if you're looking for a caffeine-free option. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the actual caffeine content can vary based on several factors. Additionally, factors such as brewing time and water temperature can also affect the caffeine extraction during brewing. If you're sensitive to caffeine or looking to reduce your intake, you can opt for decaffeinated versions of tea or herbal infusions.

The Western/Modern method for brewing tea is a straightforward approach that involves steeping loose tea leaves in hot water for a specific period to extract flavor and aroma. Here's a general overview of the steps involved: Boil Water: Start by heating fresh, cold water in a kettle or on the stovetop. The temperature of the water will depend on the type of tea you're brewing. For black tea, water at a full rolling boil (around 200-212°F or 90-100°C) is typically used. Green tea and white tea generally require slightly cooler water temperatures, around 170-185°F (75-85°C). See our Brew Guide below for temperatures used for other types of tea. Preheat Teapot or Mug: While the water is heating, preheat your teapot or mug by rinsing it with a little hot water. This helps to maintain the temperature of the brewed tea. Measure Tea Leaves: Measure the appropriate amount of loose tea leaves based on your personal preference and the type of tea. As a general guideline, use about 1 to 2 teaspoons (or 2-4 grams) of tea leaves per 8-ounce cup of water. Weight is the better option for measuring tea leaves as some teas don't quite fit into a teaspoon (White Silver Needle for example). Add Tea Leaves: Place the measured tea leaves into the preheated teapot or mug. Pour Hot Water: Once the water reaches the desired temperature, pour it over the tea leaves in the teapot or mug. Use enough water to fully submerge the tea leaves and cover them completely. Steep: Allow the tea leaves to steep in the hot water for the recommended amount of time. The steeping time can vary depending on the type of tea and your personal preference. As a general guideline: Black Tea: 3 to 5 minutes Green Tea: 2 to 3 minutes White Tea: 2 to 3 minutes Oolong Tea: 3 to 4 minutes Herbal Tea: 5+ minutes Strain or Remove Tea Leaves: After the steeping time is complete, strain the tea leaves from the brewed tea using a tea strainer or remove the infuser if you used one. Serve: Pour the brewed tea into cups and serve hot. You can enjoy the tea as is or add milk, sugar, honey, or lemon according to your preference. Keep in mind that steeping tea leaves at too high temperature or for too long can, and will, create a bitter cup that will require more sweetener to create a palatable brew. We recommend following package recommendations for steeping. And adding more or less tea leaves to adjust for desired strength rather than increasing temperature or time. Remember to adjust brewing parameters such as tea quantity, water temperature, and steeping time based on your taste preferences and the specific characteristics of the tea you're brewing. Experimenting with different brewing techniques can help you find the perfect cup of tea for your palate. Most of all, we hope you will enjoy your tea experience and experiment to find the way that YOU enjoy taking tea!!

Are you new to the wonderfully wide world of loose leaf tea? Are you confused by some of the terminology you are hearing and seeing? Does it all seem to be overwhelming? Let me help you with that. Tea time should be stress-free and a fun experience. Below are just a few of the terms you may come across as you visit tea shops, tea rooms, and read tea blogs and books. This is not an exhaustive list of terms and it is in no particular order but will get you started. If you would like to see something added here just drop us a line! Infusion: The process of steeping tea leaves in hot water to extract flavor and aroma. Steep/Steeping: The act of letting tea leaves soak in hot water to brew. Tea Varieties: Different types of tea, such as black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea. Tea Grades: Classification of tea based on factors like leaf size, appearance, and quality. Caffeine Content: The amount of caffeine naturally present in tea, which can vary depending on the type of tea, quality of tea, temperature of water, length of steeping time, and the amount of tea leaves used. Flavor Profile: The taste and aroma characteristics of a particular tea, including notes like floral, fruity, earthy, or nutty. Origin: The region where tea is grown and produced, which can influence its flavor and quality. Brewing Parameters: Factors such as water temperature, steeping time, and tea-to-water ratio that affect the flavor and strength of brewed tea. Tea Accessories: Tools and equipment used for brewing and enjoying tea, such as teapots, tea strainers, tea infusers, and teacups. Tea Bag: A small, porous bag containing tea leaves, typically used for brewing individual servings of tea. Tea Leaves: The processed and dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant used to make tea. Terroir: The environmental factors, including soil, climate, and altitude, that contribute to the unique characteristics of tea grown in a specific region. Health Benefits: Potential health-promoting properties associated with drinking tea, such as antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins. Tasting Notes: Descriptive terms used to describe the flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel of brewed tea, similar to those used for wine tasting. Single Origin vs. Blends: Distinction between teas made from leaves grown in a single location versus blends that combine leaves from multiple regions. Decaffeinated Tea: Tea that has undergone a process to remove or reduce its caffeine content. Tea Culture: Cultural practices, customs, and traditions related to the consumption of tea around the world. Tea Gardens/Estates: Plantations or farms where tea is cultivated and harvested. Tea Etiquette: Guidelines and norms governing the proper behavior and manners when drinking tea, often varying by culture. Tea Pairings: Recommendations for pairing specific teas with food items to enhance the dining experience. Sustainability: Practices and initiatives within the tea industry aimed at promoting environmental conservation, fair labor practices, and social responsibility. Loose Leaf Tea: Tea leaves that are sold loose rather than in tea bags, allowing for more control over the brewing process. Tea Infuser: A device used to hold loose tea leaves during steeping, often in the form of a mesh ball, basket, or spoon-shaped strainer. Tea Blend: A mixture of different types or varieties of tea leaves, herbs, spices, or botanicals, often created to achieve a specific flavor profile. Herbal Infusion/Tisane: A beverage made from steeping herbs, flowers, fruits, or other plant materials in hot water, distinct from true tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Tea Ceremony: A formal or ceremonial ritual involving the preparation, serving, and consumption of tea, often associated with traditional tea-drinking cultures such as Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) or Chinese tea ceremony (gongfu cha). Tea Master: An expert in the art and techniques of tea cultivation, processing, brewing, and appreciation. Tea Merchant/Retailer: A business that specializes in selling tea, including loose leaf tea, tea bags, tea accessories, and related products. Tea Subscription: A service that delivers curated selections of tea to subscribers on a regular basis, often tailored to their preferences and interests. Tea Sampler: A collection of different teas in small quantities, allowing consumers to sample and explore a variety of flavors and types. Tea Drunk: A colloquial term used to describe the euphoric or intoxicated feeling some people experience after drinking a large quantity of tea, often attributed to caffeine or other compounds in tea. Tea Blog: A website or online platform dedicated to discussing, reviewing, and sharing information about tea, including topics such as brewing techniques, tea varieties, health benefits, and tea culture. These terms cover a wide range of aspects related to tea, from its cultivation and processing to its cultural significance and consumption.

Here are some fun tea facts for you to enjoy: Tea Time Origins: The concept of "afternoon tea" originated in England in the early 19th century when Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, began having tea and snacks to curb hunger between lunch and dinner. It soon became a fashionable social event. Tea Bags Invention: Tea bags were invented by accident in the early 20th century by Thomas Sullivan, a New York tea merchant. He initially sent samples of tea to customers in small silk bags, which they mistakenly brewed whole. The convenience caught on, leading to the creation of the modern tea bag. Tea and War: During World War II, tea was considered an essential commodity and played a vital role in boosting morale among soldiers. The British government even provided tea rations to troops to ensure they had a comforting cuppa wherever they were stationed. Tea and the Titanic: One of the beverages served on the Titanic was tea. In fact, the last meal served to passengers before the ship's tragic sinking included tea, and it's said that survivors in lifeboats were grateful for the hot tea they were given to keep warm. Tea Leaves Fortune Telling: Some cultures practice divination or fortune-telling using tea leaves, a practice known as tasseography or "reading tea leaves." The pattern of leaves left in the cup after drinking is interpreted to reveal insights about the drinker's future. Tea and Zen Buddhism: The Japanese tea ceremony, known as "chanoyu" or "sado," is deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism. It emphasizes mindfulness, tranquility, and harmony, with every aspect of the ceremony carefully choreographed to create a meditative experience. Herbal Infusions: Not all "teas" are made from Camellia sinensis. Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, are made from steeping herbs, flowers, fruits, or spices in hot water. Popular herbal infusions include chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos. Tea and Health: Tea is rich in antioxidants, such as catechins and flavonoids, which have been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved brain function, and lower cholesterol levels. Tea and Guinness World Records: The largest cup of tea ever made was brewed in 2014 in Shanghai, China. It measured over 8 feet in diameter and held a whopping 10,000 liters of tea! Tea and Space: In 2015, the International Space Station (ISS) received a special delivery of tea leaves as part of an experiment to study how plants grow in microgravity. It marked the first time tea was grown in space! Tea and Traditions: In Morocco, tea is a symbol of hospitality and is traditionally served in a ritual known as "Moroccan mint tea." It involves pouring tea from a height to create froth and is often flavored with fresh mint and sugar. Tea and Royalty: Queen Elizabeth II reportedly drinks Earl Grey tea with a splash of milk and no sugar. Earl Grey is a popular black tea flavored with bergamot oil, named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Tea and Evolution: The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, is believed to have evolved in the region that is now southwest China and northeast India. Over thousands of years, it spread to other parts of Asia and eventually to the rest of the world. Tea and Creativity: The concept of a "tea break" has inspired many creative thinkers over the years. Charles Dickens, for example, was known to take regular breaks for tea while writing, and it's said that he even had a special set of tea cups and saucers reserved for these occasions. Tea and Fashion: Tea has influenced fashion trends throughout history. In the 18th century, tea gowns were popular attire for informal gatherings, featuring loose, flowing designs that were comfortable for lounging and socializing. Tea and Literature: Tea has been celebrated in literature for centuries. One of the most famous literary references to tea is found in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," where the Mad Hatter's Tea Party is a whimsical and memorable scene. Tea and Relaxation: Tea has long been associated with relaxation and stress relief. Many people enjoy winding down at the end of the day with a soothing cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or lavender, to help promote restful sleep. Tea and Art: Tea has inspired artists around the world, from traditional Japanese tea ceremonies depicted in paintings to contemporary tea-themed artworks. Tea stains have even been used as a medium for creating intricate designs and illustrations. Tea and Endurance: In certain cultures, such as Tibet and Mongolia, butter tea (also known as "po cha" or "suutei tsai") is a traditional beverage made with tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. It's prized for its energy-boosting properties and ability to help people endure harsh climates. Tea and Friendship: Sharing a cup of tea with friends or loved ones is a time-honored tradition that fosters connection, conversation, and camaraderie. Whether it's a casual chat over afternoon tea or a heartfelt conversation over a pot of tea at home, tea has a way of bringing people together. We hope you have found these fun facts to be intriguing and that they have helped to capture your imagination and sparked an interest in the wonderful world of tea. We will add to this list from time to time as we come across interesting tidbits. Feel free to share if you have an interesting and fun fact about tea in the comments below.

Tea tasting events, also known as tea tastings or tea parties, are gatherings where participants sample and evaluate various types of tea. These events can be informal gatherings among friends or organized tastings led by tea experts or enthusiasts. Here's an overview of the typical process of a tea tasting event: Selection of Teas: The organizer selects a variety of teas to be sampled during the event. This may include different types of tea (such as black, green, oolong, white, and herbal), teas from different regions or estates, flavored teas, or specialty blends. Preparation: The teas are prepared in advance according to the recommended brewing parameters for each type of tea. This may involve measuring out the appropriate amount of tea leaves, heating water to the correct temperature, and steeping the tea for the recommended duration. Some tea tasting events hosted at local tea shops may prepare the teas in front of guests in order to demonstrate the proper brewing methods. Presentation: At the beginning of the event, the teas are presented to the participants, either individually or arranged in a tasting flight. The organizer may provide information about each tea, including its type, origin, flavor profile, and brewing instructions. Presentation may vary depending upon the venue, host, and space available. Tasting Protocol: Participants are instructed on how to taste tea properly. This typically involves observing the appearance of the dry and steeped leaves, inhaling the aroma of the brewed tea, and sipping the tea slowly to fully appreciate its flavor and mouthfeel. Discussion and Evaluation: As participants taste each tea, they may engage in discussions about their observations, preferences, and impressions. They may discuss the appearance, aroma, taste, and overall experience of each tea, sharing their thoughts and opinions with the group. Note-Taking: Participants may take notes during the tasting to record their observations, including details about the appearance, aroma, flavor, and any other characteristics of each tea. This can help them remember their favorites and compare different teas later. Palate Cleansing: Between tastings, participants may cleanse their palates with water or plain crackers to remove any lingering flavors and prepare their taste buds for the next tea. Exploration of Pairings: Depending on the theme of the tasting event, participants may explore tea and food pairings, such as pairing specific teas with complementary snacks or desserts to enhance the tasting experience. Q&A and Discussion: Throughout the event, participants may have the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and engage in further discussion about tea-related topics with the organizer or other attendees. Conclusion: At the end of the tasting event, participants may have the opportunity to purchase their favorite teas or tea-related products, exchange contact information, and reflect on the experience before departing. Overall, tea tasting events provide an enjoyable and educational opportunity for participants to explore the world of tea, broaden their palate, and connect with fellow tea enthusiasts. It is also a fun social event that is perfect for a girls night out, mom & me event, or even a date night. Steep Right Up is happy to host private and public tea tasting events. Just drop us a line and we'll get it on the calendar.