First things first: not all teas are actually tea. Camellia sinensis is the plant behind green, black, oolong, and white tea. These contain caffeine and tannins. Anything else (like rooibos, chamomile, hibiscus, etc.) is technically a tisane or herbal infusion. It may be labeled “tea,” but it doesn’t come from the tea plant.

Reading Between the Leaves: How to Decode Your Tea

Adagio Teas July 02, 2025

Think you know what's in your teacup? Learn how to decode tea labels like a seasoned pro and never get steeped in confusion again.

Whole green cardamom are small seed capsules with papery outer shells. They have ridges running along their length and taper at either ends. When fresh, and quality-dried, they are green in color and somewhat plump. The capsules are triangular in cross-section, and when opened reveal 15-20 small black-brown and intensely aromatic seeds.

DIY: Craft Your Own Holiday Tea Blends

Adagio Teas December 07, 2023

This holiday season, warm up to the magic of DIY Holiday Tea Blends! Dive into a world of aromatic spices, fragrant herbs, and sweet dried fruits as we guide you through crafting your very own festive infusions. Discover the joy of creating personalized holiday teas that will delight your taste buds and add a dash of warmth to your winter gatherings.