Frequently Asked Questions

We curate a comprehensive selection of premium Chinese teas from all major regions. Our collection includes green teas like Dragon Well and Gunpowder, white teas such as Silver Needle and White Peony, oolong varieties ranging from light to heavily oxidized, dark roasted pu-erh teas both raw and aged, and rare specialty blends. Each tea is sourced directly from trusted growers and arrives fresh to ensure optimal flavor and quality. Whether you are a beginner or a connoisseur, we have selections suitable for every palate and brewing preference.

Proper storage is essential for preserving tea quality. Store your tea in airtight containers away from direct sunlight, heat, and strong odors. Keep tea in a cool, dry place—ideally between 50-70°F with humidity below 60%. Glass jars with sealed lids, ceramic containers, or specialized tea tins work excellently. Avoid storing tea in the refrigerator or freezer as temperature fluctuations can damage the leaves. Different teas have varying shelf lives: green teas are best consumed within 6-12 months, while pu-erh can improve with proper aging over many years. We provide storage guidance with every purchase to help you maximize your tea's lifespan.

We offer a full range of brewing essentials designed to enhance your tea experience. Our collection includes traditional gaiwan cups for gongfu-style brewing, cast iron teapots for heat retention, glass brewing vessels for visual appreciation, bamboo whisks for matcha preparation, and precision tea scales for consistent measurements. We also stock infusers, strainers, tea trays with drainage systems, water kettles with temperature control, and tasting cups. Each accessory is selected for durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you prefer Western-style brewing with a simple infuser or traditional gongfu techniques with multiple specialized tools, we have everything needed to brew tea perfectly.

The primary difference lies in oxidation levels. Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation—the leaves are heated or pan-fired shortly after harvest to prevent oxidation, preserving their green color and fresh, grassy flavors. Oolong tea experiences partial oxidation ranging from 20-90%, creating complex flavor profiles that can be light and floral or deep and roasted depending on processing method. Green teas typically offer delicate, vegetal notes with natural sweetness, while oolongs present layered flavors with more body and complexity. Both are excellent choices, each with distinct brewing requirements and flavor characteristics. Oolongs generally offer more re-steeping potential and can be brewed multiple times with improving flavor, while green teas are often best enjoyed as a single infusion.

Brewing excellence depends on four key factors: water temperature, steeping time, tea-to-water ratio, and water quality. Green teas require cooler water (160-180°F) for 2-3 minutes to avoid bitterness, while oolongs need 200-212°F for 3-5 minutes. Black teas and pu-erh prefer hotter water and longer steeps. Use approximately one teaspoon of tea per 8 oz of water, adjusted to personal preference. Always use filtered water free from chlorine and minerals that can mask delicate flavors. We include detailed brewing instructions with each tea selection, and our staff can provide personalized guidance based on your specific purchase. Temperature-controlled kettles, available in our accessories section, make achieving perfect water temperature effortless.

Yes, we are based in Bulgaria and proudly serve customers throughout the country. We offer reliable shipping within Bulgaria with competitive rates and fast delivery times. Orders are carefully packaged to ensure tea arrives in optimal condition, with proper insulation and protective wrapping to preserve freshness and prevent damage during transit. For customers outside Bulgaria, we can discuss international shipping options on a case-by-case basis. To arrange shipping or discuss your specific location, please contact our team directly at [email protected] or call +359 981 561 700. We ensure every package meets our quality standards regardless of destination.

Pu-erh is a fermented tea from Yunnan Province in China, known for its earthy, rich flavors and unique aging properties. It comes in two main types: Sheng (raw), which is compressed and ages naturally over time, and Shou (ripe), which is artificially fermented to achieve aged characteristics quickly. Unlike other teas that decline in quality with age, quality pu-erh can improve significantly over decades, becoming smoother and more complex. Pu-erh offers excellent re-steeping potential—often producing 8-12 quality infusions from a single brewing session. The flavor profile ranges from sweet and fruity in younger sheng to deep, woody, and smooth in aged examples. Many tea enthusiasts view pu-erh collecting and aging as a rewarding long-term hobby. Our pu-erh selection includes both young raw and well-aged examples suitable for immediate enjoyment or future appreciation.

Gongfu brewing is a traditional Chinese method emphasizing mindfulness, technique, and repeated infusions. It uses small amounts of tea with a higher leaf-to-water ratio in small vessels like gaiwans or small teapots, with short steeping times of 5-30 seconds followed by quick pours. This method highlights subtle flavor nuances and allows tea leaves to be brewed multiple times—often 5-8 infusions or more—with flavor evolving beautifully through each pour. Gongfu is more than just a brewing technique; it is a meditative practice that slows you down and encourages appreciation of tea's complexity. The ritual involves precise movements, proper vessel handling, and genuine presence. While it requires more equipment and time than Western brewing, practitioners find the deeper flavor exploration and contemplative experience deeply rewarding. We offer complete gongfu starter sets and detailed guides to help newcomers learn this beautiful tradition.

We prioritize quality and purity in our sourcing practices. While not all our selections carry formal organic certification, we work exclusively with growers who follow sustainable, traditional cultivation methods with minimal chemical inputs. We personally vet each supplier to ensure ethical harvesting practices, fair worker treatment, and environmental stewardship. Our teas come directly from source—eliminating middlemen and ensuring freshness while supporting tea farmers fairly. Many of our suppliers maintain family tea gardens passed down through generations, using knowledge accumulated over centuries. We clearly label any certifications our teas carry and provide detailed sourcing information with each product. If organic certification is particularly important to you, we maintain a dedicated selection of certified organic options. Contact our team for specific sourcing details about any tea in our collection.

Start by exploring different categories to discover your preferences. Green tea offers fresh, delicate flavors perfect for newcomers seeking a gentle introduction. Oolong provides more complexity and body without the intensity of dark teas, making it an ideal bridge between light and strong profiles. Black tea and pu-erh appeal to those who enjoy robust, warming flavors. Consider starting with a sampler set containing small amounts of various styles—this allows exploration without large financial commitment. We recommend beginning with simpler brewing methods using a basic infuser or strainer before exploring gongfu techniques. Visit our tea selection guide which includes detailed tasting notes and recommendations based on flavor preferences. Our team welcomes calls at +359 981 561 700 to discuss your taste profile and suggest starting selections. Many customers discover their favorites through patient experimentation and community recommendations.

Proper care extends your equipment's lifespan and ensures pure tea flavor. For glazed ceramics and glass, rinse with hot water immediately after use to prevent tea staining and residue buildup. For porous unglazed clay teapots, avoid soap—instead use hot water and a soft brush, allowing them to air dry completely. Never soak wooden or bamboo accessories in water for extended periods. Cast iron teapots benefit from occasional seasoning with a light oil to maintain their finish. Store all equipment in a dry location away from strong odors that can be absorbed by porous materials. Descale kettles periodically if using hard water—a vinegar and water solution works effectively. For stubborn stains on glass or ceramic, soak briefly in hot water with baking soda. We provide detailed care instructions with each accessory purchase. Proper maintenance preserves functionality and the aesthetic beauty that makes tea preparation such a pleasurable ritual.

Customer satisfaction is paramount. If you receive damaged tea or if a selection does not meet your expectations, contact us within 14 days of purchase to arrange a resolution. We can offer exchanges for different teas or refunds depending on the situation and product condition. Please reach out to [email protected] or call +359 981 561 700 with details about your experience. We take all feedback seriously and use it to improve our curation and sourcing. Most quality issues arise from shipping damage, which we work to minimize through careful packaging. If you are uncertain about a selection before purchasing, our team happily provides recommendations via email or phone to increase the likelihood of satisfaction. Building long-term relationships with our customers matters more than any individual transaction.