That's a fantastic question! While they all come from the same remarkable plant, Camellia sinensis, the beautiful differences in flavor and color come down to one key process: oxidation.

• Black Tea: These leaves are allowed to fully oxidize, which develops the deep, robust, and malty flavors you know and love in classics like English Breakfast and Earl Grey.
• Green Tea: The leaves are heated shortly after harvesting to prevent oxidation, locking in their fresh, grassy character.
• White Tea: This is the most delicate and least processed of all, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and nuanced flavor.
• Herbal Tea (Tisanes): Here's the fun exception! These are not "true teas" because they don't come from the tea plant. Instead, they are infusions of other botanicals like flowers, fruits, and spices, making them naturally caffeine-free.

"Single-origin" means the tea comes from one specific geographical region. Think of it like fine wine. A tea's "terroir", its unique environment, imparts a distinct flavor that can't be replicated. When you drink our single-origin Assam or Darjeeling, you are tasting the pure, unblended essence of that specific place. It's a direct connection to the land and the artisans who grew it.

Yes, we use 100% certified organic ingredients in every blend. From the tea leaves to the flowers and spices, every component is certified organic. We blend in an ODA-certified kitchen to ensure zero cross-contamination. While our final branded packaging is still undergoing USDA certification, the ingredients inside are fully organic and pure.

We are committed to using only real, organic ingredients. We never use artificial "flavorings," sweeteners, or additives.

The beautiful aromas and tastes in our blends come directly from the botanicals themselves:

• The citrusy spark in our Earl Grey comes from pure, cold-pressed bergamot oil.
• The romantic scent of our English Rose comes from real, fragrant rose petals.
• The warming spice in our Chai comes from a balanced blend of organic cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.

When you drink our tea, you are tasting the true essence of the plants, just as nature intended.

Rooibos (pronounced "ROY-boss") is a wonderfully unique herbal infusion from South Africa. It's often called "red tea" because the leaves of the plant turn a beautiful reddish-brown color during processing.

Unlike true teas, Rooibos is not from the Camellia sinensis plant, which means it is naturally caffeine-free. It has a remarkably smooth, rich, and earthy flavor with natural notes of honey and vanilla. Because it's very low in tannins, it never becomes bitter. Explore our full Rooibos Collection to taste the variety.

Yerba Mate is a celebrated botanical from South America, made from the leaves of a species of holly tree. While it's brewed like tea, it's not related to the traditional tea plant.

Yerba Mate is prized for its natural caffeine, but many people describe the energy as more balanced and sustained than coffee, offering a "calm, focused alertness" without the jitters. The flavor is unique: robust, earthy, and toasty. It's a fantastic coffee alternative and the heart of a social ritual. See our blends in the Yerba Mate Collection.

Adaptogens are a special class of herbs celebrated for their ability to help the body "adapt" to and better manage stress. They work holistically to support your body's natural resilience and bring you back to a state of balance.

Several of our wellness blends feature these powerful herbs:

• Our Maven Blend and Body Balance teas feature Holy Basil (Tulsi) and Ashwagandha.
• Our Clean Energy and Energizer blends include Eleuthero Root and Schisandra Berry to support endurance.

Kava is a plant from the Pacific Islands with roots used for over 3,000 years in ceremonial and social gatherings. It's known for promoting relaxation without clouding mental clarity. The active compounds, called kavalactones, work on the body's GABA receptors. Research supports its traditional use for easing tension and supporting calm. We use noble kava root in our blends, which is the variety with the longest history of safe traditional use. As with any botanical, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider if you have liver concerns or take medications.

Herbal coffee is a caffeine-free alternative that mimics the rich, roasted flavor of coffee using botanicals like roasted chicory root, dandelion root, and carob. It brews dark and full-bodied, making it satisfying for coffee lovers who want to reduce their caffeine intake or enjoy an evening cup without affecting sleep. Our Herbal Coffee blend is crafted from organic ingredients and tastes remarkably close to the real thing. Brew it just like you would regular coffee, with a filter or French press, and add milk or sweetener to taste.

Matcha is a powdered green tea from Japan made by shade-growing tea plants for weeks before harvest. This shading increases chlorophyll and amino acids, creating that vibrant green color and earthy-sweet flavor. Unlike steeped tea where you discard the leaves, you consume the whole leaf as powder, gaining the full spectrum of nutrients and a sustained, focused energy. Matcha represents centuries of Japanese tea ceremony culture. Every whisk connects you to that tradition.

Oolong tea occupies a fascinating middle ground between green and black teas in terms of oxidation, typically around 25 to 75 percent. This creates remarkably complex flavor profiles with notes ranging from fruity and floral to rich and toasted depending on the origin and processing. In Chinese tea culture, oolong has been celebrated for centuries as the choice of connoisseurs who appreciate depth and subtlety. Each infusion reveals something new, inviting you to taste different flavor dimensions in a single session.

Pure teas and herbs are naturally gluten-free, and our loose-leaf teas contain no added gluten. However, some of our blends include botanicals that may affect those with specific sensitivities. We process multiple blends in the same facility, so trace cross-contact is possible. Always check the ingredient list on each product page for specific details. If you have severe allergies, please contact us before ordering so we can help you choose with confidence.

We offer complimentary U.S. shipping on all orders over $70. For orders under $70, shipping is calculated based on weight and destination at checkout. We ship from Oregon, ensuring your tea arrives fresh and fast.

Most orders ship within 1-2 business days. Once the carrier picks up your package, standard delivery within the U.S. typically takes 3–5 business days. You will receive a tracking number via email as soon as your label is created. You can also check your Order Status at any time.

We stand behind every tea we blend. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer hassle-free returns within 30 days of delivery. You can exchange for a different tea or request a refund to your original payment method. We just ask that the tea remains unopened to ensure quality. Contact our team with your order number, and we'll take it from there.

Absolutely! Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and a link to monitor your package in real time. You can also log into your account on our website and check the status of all your orders. Most of our teas ship within one to two business days, and you'll see that tracking information right away.

Currently, we ship within the United States only. We're based in Salem, Oregon and focus on serving our community and the broader US market. If you're outside the US and interested in our teas, please reach out to our customer service team. We love connecting with tea lovers around the world and may be able to suggest alternative options.

Yes, we can help! If you need to modify or cancel your order, contact us as soon as possible. Orders that haven't shipped yet can usually be changed or cancelled free of charge. Once your tea has left our warehouse, we won't be able to modify it, but you'll still have our 30 day return policy to work with. Please reach out right away if you need to make changes.

Brewing loose-leaf tea is a simple ritual with a beautiful reward. While every tea has its own ideal temperature and time, here is the classic method that works for most of our teas:

1. Measure Your Leaf: Start with about 1 - 1.5 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea per 8 ounces (1 cup) of water. You can adjust this to make your tea stronger or lighter to suit your taste.
2. Heat Your Water: Heat fresh, filtered water to the recommended temperature for your specific tea. This is crucial,delicate green teas can be burned by boiling water!
3. Steep for the Right Time: Pour the hot water over your leaves in an infuser or teapot and steep for the recommended time.
4. Enjoy: Remove the tea leaves to prevent over-steeping and enjoy your perfectly brewed cup.

For specific brewing instructions for each tea, always check the product's page, like for our classic English Breakfast.

A great rule of thumb is to use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of water.

However, this can vary based on the tea's density. For light, fluffy teas with large leaves, like our White Peony, you might use a heaping tablespoon. For dense, tightly rolled teas like our Gunpowder Green, a level teaspoon is plenty. Part of the joy of loose-leaf tea is experimenting to find the perfect strength for your personal taste!

Yes, absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of high-quality, whole-leaf loose tea is that most can be steeped multiple times. Each infusion will reveal a slightly different layer of the tea's character.

Teas from our Connoisseur Collection, especially our Oolong and Jasmine Pearls, are famous for their ability to yield multiple flavorful infusions. You'll often find the second or third steep to be even smoother and sweeter than the first. Just be sure to increase the steeping time slightly for each subsequent infusion.

There is nothing better than a glass of freshly brewed iced tea! For the best flavor, we recommend the "hot brew, flash chill" method. It locks in the flavor without it becoming cloudy or diluted.

1. Brew it Strong: Use double the amount of tea leaf you would for a hot cup (about 2-3 teaspoons per 8 oz of water).
2. Steep as Usual: Steep the tea in hot water for the recommended time.
3. Flash Chill: Immediately pour the hot, concentrated tea over a full glass of ice. The ice will melt, diluting the tea to the perfect strength.

Teas with bright, bold, or fruity flavors are fantastic for this method. Our Mango Ceylon and Citrus Hibiscus are two of our absolute favorites from the Iced Tea Collection.

This is a wonderful question, and the truest answer is: it's entirely up to you! However, we do have some recommendations to guide your experience.

We always suggest trying a new tea plain first to appreciate its unique, nuanced flavor. For many of our more delicate teas, like those in our Connoisseur Collection, milk and sweetener can easily overwhelm their subtle character.

That said, some teas were born to be enjoyed with milk and a touch of sweetness! Robust, malty black teas like our English Breakfast are the classic choice. And of course, our entire Chai Collection is designed to be brewed strong and served as a creamy, sweet latte. Oat and almond milk are fantastic dairy-free alternatives that complement the spice beautifully.

Proper storage is the key to protecting the flavor and aroma of your beautiful loose-leaf tea. The four enemies of tea are light, air, moisture, and strong odors.

Our reusable tins are specifically designed to protect your tea from the first three of these. We recommend storing your tins in a cool, dry place away from any strong smells, like a kitchen cabinet or pantry. Avoid storing your tea in the refrigerator or freezer, as this can introduce moisture and damage the delicate leaves. When stored correctly, your tea will remain vibrant and fresh for a very long time.

Tea doesn't spoil the way food does, but it does lose flavor and aroma over time. Properly stored loose-leaf tea will taste its best within 12 to 18 months of purchase. Black and oolong teas hold up longest. Green and white teas are more delicate and are best enjoyed within a year. Herbal blends vary depending on the ingredients. You'll know your tea is past its prime when the aroma fades and the brew tastes flat. Store it in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture to get the most life out of every leaf.

Matcha is whisked, not steeped. Start by sifting about one half teaspoon of ceremonial grade matcha powder into a bowl. Add two to three ounces of hot water around 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a bamboo whisk to gently whisk in an M shape until the powder dissolves and creates a smooth, vibrant green liquid with a slight foam. It's a meditative ritual that transforms preparation into part of the experience.

A London Fog is a cozy, creamy drink made with Earl Grey tea, steamed milk, and a touch of vanilla. It originated in Vancouver coffee shops and has become a beloved alternative to coffee-based lattes. To make one at home, steep a strong cup of Earl Grey for four to five minutes, then add warmed and frothed milk with a splash of vanilla extract. The bergamot in the Earl Grey pairs beautifully with the richness of the milk. We blend our London Fog Latte specifically for this drink, with lavender and vanilla notes already woven in.

Milk tea is one of the most comforting drinks you can make, and it's simple with good loose-leaf tea. Start by brewing a strong cup of black tea, using about 1.5 teaspoons per 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for four to five minutes so the flavor holds up against the milk. Then add your preferred milk, warmed or cold, to taste. A touch of honey or sugar rounds out the sweetness. Our Assam and Chai are especially wonderful for milk tea because their bold, malty character shines through beautifully.

Golden milk is a warming drink rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, built around turmeric and often blended with ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. The golden color comes from curcumin, the active compound in turmeric. To make one at home, steep our Turmeric Spice or Turmeric Lemon Ginger blend strong, then stir in warmed milk and a touch of honey. The black pepper in many turmeric blends helps your body absorb curcumin more effectively. It's a beautiful evening ritual, especially in colder months, and a caffeine-free way to close out the day.

Loose-leaf tea offers superior flavor and quality because the whole leaves unfurl fully during steeping, releasing their complete complexity and essential oils. Tea bags typically contain smaller leaf fragments and dust, which steep faster but deliver less nuanced flavor. Loose-leaf tea is also more sustainable and economical over time. Once you experience the depth of a proper cup of loose-leaf tea, you'll taste the difference immediately.

A few simple tools elevate your tea experience beautifully. A quality infuser allows leaves to unfurl freely while steeping. A glass teapot lets you watch the brew develop, which is especially lovely with flowering teas and green teas. We offer a curated selection of infusers and teapots designed to bring out the best in our teas. These aren't just practical. They become part of your daily ritual.

The caffeine content in tea can vary, but we've organized our teas to make it easy to find your desired energy level. Here’s a general guide:

• High Caffeine: Robust teas designed to give you a strong, steady lift. This includes our entire Black Tea Collection and our Yerba Mate blends.
• Medium Caffeine: For a gentle, focused energy without the jitters. Our Green Teas, White Teas, and Oolong Teas fall into this category.
• Caffeine-Free: Perfect for any time of day or night. Our entire Herbal Tea Collection and Rooibos Teas are naturally caffeine-free.

For specifics, you can find the caffeine level listed on each individual product page.

A typical cup of coffee contains 95 to 200 mg of caffeine, while tea ranges from about 25 to 75 mg per cup depending on the type. Black tea sits at the higher end, green tea in the middle, and white tea at the lower end. Herbal teas and rooibos are naturally caffeine-free. The key difference is how the caffeine works. Tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that smooths out the caffeine release, giving you alert focus without the spike and crash that coffee often brings. Many people find tea provides sustained, calm energy throughout the day.

That's an important distinction! The difference comes down to whether the plant ever had caffeine to begin with.

• Caffeine-Free means the plant never contained caffeine. This applies to all of our Herbal Teas and Rooibos Teas. Botanicals like Chamomile, Peppermint, and Rooibos are naturally without caffeine.
• Decaffeinated means a process was used to remove most (but not always all) of the caffeine from a plant that originally contained it, like black or green tea.

At Yerba Buena Tea Co., we prefer to focus on teas that are naturally caffeine-free rather than those that have been decaffeinated, so you can enjoy a pure, unaltered cup.

Kava has been used in Pacific Island cultures for over 3,000 years to promote deep relaxation and restful evenings. The kavalactones in kava root interact with your body's GABA receptors, which play a key role in calming the nervous system. Our Good Night blend combines kava with chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower to create a powerful bedtime ritual. Many customers tell us it's the last thing they drink before the best sleep of their week. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you're taking sleep medications.

Detox teas are herbal blends crafted to support your body's natural cleansing processes. They typically feature ingredients like dandelion root, ginger, lemongrass, and green tea, all of which have long histories in traditional herbalism for supporting digestion and liver function. Our Detox blend draws from these traditions, combining organic herbs that work gently with your body. Detox tea is not a magic fix, but as part of a healthy routine it can be a comforting daily ritual that supports how you feel from the inside out.

Yes, we have a collection of Immunity & Wellness Teas specifically crafted to be your best friend during seasonal changes. These blends feature botanicals traditionally used to support the body's natural defenses.

Our Elderberry Immunitea is a delicious, fruity blend with elderberry and echinacea for overall support. For more targeted respiratory comfort, our Sneeze Ease is a potent, clarifying blend with echinacea and eucalyptus.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Choosing organic tea is a simple act that has a wonderful ripple effect. For you, it means you can be confident that the tea you're steeping is pure, clean, and free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Beyond your cup, organic farming practices are also much better for the environment. They help promote healthier soil, conserve water, and support biodiversity in the beautiful tea gardens where our ingredients are grown. It's a holistic approach to quality that we're deeply committed to.

You'll notice a standard disclaimer on our functional wellness blends, such as Good Night and Healthy Pregnancy, that reads:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This is a legally required statement for all herbal supplements in the United States. While the botanicals we use have been cherished in traditional herbalism for centuries, this disclaimer clarifies that our teas are intended to support a healthy lifestyle and are not considered pharmaceutical drugs. We always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Rooibos has been a staple of South African wellness traditions for generations. It's naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, including aspalathin, which is found exclusively in rooibos. Studies suggest these antioxidants may support heart health and help manage oxidative stress. Rooibos is also gentle on the stomach, making it a wonderful choice for anyone sensitive to the tannins in true teas. Its mineral content includes calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Whether you drink it for the health benefits or simply for the smooth, naturally sweet flavor, rooibos is a rewarding cup.

Black teas deliver sustained energy with higher caffeine content and deep, invigorating flavors. Our Clean Energy and Energizer blends combine teas with focused botanicals for a purposeful lift. Matcha provides calm focus thanks to L-theanine, an amino acid that works alongside caffeine to support concentration without jitters. Yerba mate offers yet another kind of lift, rooted in South American tradition. Explore the different options and notice how each affects your clarity throughout the day.

Several herbs have been used for centuries to ease muscle tension and support recovery. Turmeric, celebrated in Ayurvedic tradition, contains curcumin which has been widely studied for its soothing properties. Ginger supports circulation and comfort after physical activity. Our Muscle Ease blend combines these and other botanicals chosen specifically for post-workout support. Peppermint and chamomile teas can also help muscles relax after a long day. A warm cup after exercise is one of the simplest recovery rituals you can build.

Yes, we offer thoughtfully blended teas for expectant and nursing mothers. Our Healthy Pregnancy blend combines herbs traditionally used to support wellness during this special season. Our Nursing Care Tea is crafted for postpartum nourishment. We also offer the Expecting Mothers Box as a curated introduction. That said, pregnancy and nursing are unique journeys, so please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimen. We're here to support your choices with honesty and care.

Green and white teas are celebrated for their antioxidant content, which supports skin health from within. Our Skin Glow blend combines green tea with botanicals chosen for their beauty-supporting properties. Rose and hibiscus have long histories in beauty rituals across Persian, West African, and South African traditions. Rooibos brings its own antioxidant richness from the South African fynbos. Skin health comes from hydration, consistency, and whole wellness. A beautiful cup of tea becomes part of a beautiful routine.

Yerba Buena Tea Co. was born from a teacher's heart and a lifelong passion for tea. For ten years, Hannah Sandau, was an elementary school teacher who used the ritual of tea for focus and calm. She noticed friends and family were curious about loose-leaf tea but found it intimidating.

Hannah realized she could use her passion for education to make the world of artisan tea accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our Oregon-based company is named for "the good herb," a native mint plant that nods to our region's agricultural wisdom. We're here to help you discover the comfort, connection, and ritual of a truly great cup of tea. You can read more on our Our Story page.

"Yerba buena" translates to "good herb" in Spanish. It refers to a family of aromatic mint-like plants used in traditional healing and cooking across Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Philippines. The name carries centuries of herbal wisdom. We chose it because it captures everything we believe about tea: that plants connect cultures, that simple herbs carry deep stories, and that what's in your cup should be genuinely good. Our company is rooted in that same spirit of sharing good herbs with good people.

Tea is a thread connecting cultures and communities, and we honor that with a simple, threefold commitment:

• To Quality & Craft: We source only 100% certified organic, small-batch teas to ensure the purest flavors. To deepen her craft, our founder Hannah is actively pursuing certification as a Tea Sommelier through the World Tea Academy.
• To Community & Education: We want to take the intimidation out of tea. Through education and approachability, we help you discover what you love and learn how to brew it with confidence.
• To the Planet & Our Partners: We are committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing, from supporting the farmers who grow our teas to offering reusable and recyclable packaging. We believe what's good for the earth is good for the soul.

Yes, we love partnering with cafes, restaurants, and retailers who share our passion for high-quality, organic tea. We've streamlined our wholesale process to make it as easy as possible. You can view our complete wholesale catalog and place an order directly through our portal on Faire.

Visit our Wholesale Page to learn more.

We absolutely do! Gift cards are the perfect present for tea lovers and a thoughtful way to introduce someone new to loose-leaf tea. You can choose any amount, and they work toward any tea, blend, or accessory on our site. Your recipient gets a personal invitation to explore our collection at their own pace. It's a gift that keeps giving, one cup at a time.

We love hearing from you! You can reach our team through the contact form on our website, or email us directly with any questions about teas, orders, or anything else. We aim to respond within one business day. You can also find us on social media if you'd like to share your favorite brew or get tea recommendations from our community. We're a small team, and every message matters to us.