Tea Bags

Black tea brews best with water at a full boil, about 95 to 100 °C, for 3 to 5 minutes. Green tea needs cooler water, about 75 to 85 °C, for 2 to 3 minutes, because boiling water makes it bitter. Oolong takes about 85 to 95 °C for 3 to 5 minutes. Herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile and hibiscus take boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes. Use one tea bag per 240 to 350 mL cup.

A 240 mL cup of black tea has roughly 40 to 70 mg of caffeine, green tea about 20 to 45 mg, and decaf tea about 2 to 5 mg. Herbal teas such as peppermint, chamomile and rooibos are naturally caffeine-free. For comparison, the same size cup of brewed coffee has about 80 to 100 mg. Health Canada suggests most adults limit caffeine to 400 mg a day, so offering decaf and herbal options suits guests who avoid caffeine.

Tea does not spoil, but it loses aroma over time. Black tea bags stay at their best for about 18 to 24 months, and green and herbal teas about 12 to 18 months, when stored sealed. Individually wrapped tea bags keep their flavour longest, which is why hotels and offices prefer them. Store tea in a cool, dry place away from coffee, spices and cleaning products, because tea absorbs strong smells.

For an office, plan about one tea bag per tea-drinking employee per working day, roughly 20 to 25 per person per month. For hotel rooms, a common setup is 2 to 4 tea bags per room per night, usually one black, one green or herbal and one decaf. A 100-count box covers about 25 to 50 room-nights. Buying by the 6-box case or bulk-count box lowers the cost per cup.

Orange pekoe is a grade of black tea, not a flavour. The term describes whole tea leaves of a certain size, and in Canada it is used as the everyday name for a smooth black tea blend, such as Red Rose Orange Pekoe. It contains no orange. Orange pekoe is usually served with milk and sugar and is the standard black tea in Canadian diners, offices and hotels.

Shipping is a flat $16.50 anywhere in Canada and free on orders over $199 before tax. Orders are processed in 2 to 3 business days (cut-off 10:00 AM MST, Monday to Friday) and Canadian transit takes 2 to 6 business days. We also ship to the United States, with duties and taxes shown at checkout. See the Shipping page for full details.