In the vast world of tea, where the choices are endless, finding the right brand that stands out for its commitment to quality and organic sourcing can be a challenge. Enter iTeaworld, a distinguished organic tea company that has gained recognition for its exceptionally high-quality loose tea leaves. They wanted everyone to experience and learn about Chinese culture through their tea leaves. You’ll be able to build your knowledge and culture by trying their affordable samples, before buying your ultimate favourites. 

A Bit About iTeaworld

They are a company that focuses on sustainability. They have been in the industry for 15 years with more than 6000 mu wild tea teas, and over 2000 old tea trees that are 100 plus years. 

iTeaWorld ensures no pesticides, chemical fertilizers, synthetic auxins, etc. are in their products, and claims that customers will experience safe and high-quality organic teas. They have eco-friendly packages that can be recycled.

The Classic Tea Collection Box

We had the pleasure of sampling some of iTeaworld’s black and oolong flavoured loose tea leaves. We chose the Classic Tea Selection as my partner loves black tea and I love oolong tea so this was the perfect combo! We were surprised at how many sachets were stuffed inside the elegant box – 8 different flavours and 2 of each so we could share our experiences together.  

They were generous to gift us 2 boxes so I gave a box to my parents as they are just as avid tea lovers as us. My Mum loved the packaging of the box in her own words, ‘The package has a modern look with a lighter colour.  Unlike the old style with red and green.  The names of iTeaworld are appealing young generation.’  

Each sachet had instructions on the back on how to steep the tea, the kung fu method – 

To prepare for your tea, soft water or mineral water is best, white porcelain teacup with cover and 3-5g of tea. The ratio of tea and water 1:20 and 1:30. The temperature of hot water is 90-95 Celsius.  

1. Clean and heat the teacup before use.  

2. Once the teacup is heated, place the tea leaves inside. The first brew should be very short, around 3 seconds, and then discarded. This initial brew is meant to wash the tea leaves. 

3. The second brew should steep for about 10-15 seconds.  

4. For each subsequent brew, increase the steeping time by approximately 10 seconds.  

Stated by to the company, their teas can be brewed up to 7-10 times, but I have personally only tried up to 4 brews this time. I don’t have a gaiwan, but I brewed my tea using this method with a regular kettle, these are our thoughts: 

Oolong Tea

MINNAN NARCISSUS – The tea had a fragrant smell, and a nice flavour and slight sweetness towards the end. 

Dahongpao, (smelt bitter) has a lovely amber colour, was smooth and delicate in flavour and had no bitter aftertaste like most Chinese teas I’ve had in the past. I prefer my teas stronger so I steeped it in for longer than the packet advised.  

Tie Guanyin (smelt like leaves/cooked veg) – has a woody aroma, and I noticed that the tea leaves curled more than the Dahongpao. I steeped the leaves for longer, the colour slowly turned a pale yellow and we were amazed by how big the tea leaves grew!  

Fenghuang Dancong – pale yellow colour, bitter smell, when opening the packet it had a natural smell. A fruity beginning with a bitter finish, which reminded me of a hoppy beer. If you like your teas cooler I would highly recommend adding ice to this tea as it helped lessen the bitter flavour but still has the floral delicious taste and of course, it’s very cooling with ice cubes. 

Black Tea

Lapsang Souchong 

Floral aftertaste brandy-like colour, it tasted comforting and even more refreshing when ice is included and had less of a bitter finish. I highly recommend this tea!  

Wild Souchong Black Tea 

It smelt of forestry, earthy and charcoal aromas, pale yellow, woody, hints of mushroom, tasted more authentic with a bit of bitter finish and reminded me of autumn. 

Yunnan  

The smell wasn’t as prominent as the others, however, it was much stronger in taste in comparison and it felt more familiar to what we are used to. I didn’t enjoy this flavour hot but once cooled down the flavours weren’t so pronounced.  

Yingde  

Rich in flavour with floral aromas, sweeter than the other teas, like cherry liqueur notes but also a bit bitter.  

Conclusion

We found the process informative and we loved the packaging! With simple instructions to follow, a great way to enjoy something new! We were grateful for this opportunity and has given us confidence to try more loose tea leaves.

Our favourites were the Lapsang Souchong and Fenghuang Dancong. Lapsang for its bold aromatic flavours and sweet aftertaste and Fenghuang for its honey and fruit like flavours which both makes a delightful cup of tea. They left me with a lasting impression, demonstrating the diversity and artistry that can be found in the world of fine teas.  

We highly recommend trying iTeaworld whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of fine teas, Iteaworld is a name that deserves a prominent place in your collection.  

A great Christmas gift for your loved ones this Christmas!  

Don’t miss out on iTeaworld’s Christmas sale – 20% off everything until December 17th, 2023. Use the code XMAS at checkout!

*Disclosure: The products in this review was provided by iTeaworld on a complimentary basis.