Frequently asked questions
About Us
What Makes HAKU Tea Different?
HAKU is built with an obsession with quality.
Our finest craft teas are sourced directly from small family farms in Taiwan’s pristine mountain tea fields. All of our teas hold a personal connection. Each is born from years of cultivating relationships with growers and artisans — spending time on their tea farms, learning about their tea-making process, and getting to know their stories and philosophy on tea.
We also share a unique range of tea ware, partnering with artisans in Taiwan, Japan, and local artists in Canada.
Do you have a store I can visit?
We are working on it :) For now you can see our events calendar for our pop-ups and market events. We would love to see you.
How can I find out more about your teas?
All of our teas are selected and sourced by us. Each tea comes with a detailed description. Have more detailed questions? Email us at hello@hakutea.com and we will be happy to assist you.
About Our Teas
What is the ideal time to steep the tea?
Each tea we sell is unique and the specific dosage and steeping duration may differ. You can simply scan the QR code on the package, or visit hakutea.com to see preparation guidelines for each tea.
Is there caffeine in oolong tea?
All the teas we sell are 'true' teas, meaning they are made from the plant Camellia Sinensis, which contains caffeine. Each tea is unique and caffeine levels will vary depending on how the tea was grown, which cultivar was used, and how the leaf was processed. Generally, light-roasted oolong teas, like Misty mountain, Midnight amber, and Spring ripples are moderate in caffeine. Heavier roast teas such as Iron goddess skew towards the lower end of the spectrum. If you are sensitive to caffeine, try a new tea earlier in the day to see how it affects you.
What is the difference between green, black and oolong tea?
Green, black, and oolong tea are all derived from the same plant—Camellia Sinensis—but their difference lies in cultivation, harvesting technique, and manufacturing processes. Generally, green teas undergo no oxidation after the leaf is picked, oolongs are oxidized and roasted along a spectrum and, and black tea is fully or near fully oxidized.
How many times can I brew my tea?
Generally, Taiwanese loose leaf oolong teas can be brewed 4-5 times with some teas offering multiple steeps beyond that.
Do you have any caffeine free tea?
All oolong teas have some level of caffeine. We do not sell any tisanes or herbal teas.
If you are worried about excessive caffeine content, try to limit the amount of tea you brew with or start with trying oolongs with relatively lower caffeine levels, such as our Iron goddess.
Can children drink green tea?
We'll leave that up to the parents. I drank tea as a child and many children in Taiwan and Japan drink tea at school and at home.
What is the ideal water temperature for Taiwanese tea?
Each tea is unique and requires its own approach to brewing. A general rule is: 195 F or 90 C for twisted-shape oolong, 98 C for ball-shaped oolong and 208 F or 85 C for Taiwanese Black Tea.
Why is there such a wide range of prices for Taiwanese oolong tea?
The wide range in prices of Taiwanese oolong tea is influenced by quality, processing techniques, regional variations, and rarity. Higher-priced teas often result from higher grade leaves, intricate processing methods, and unique terroir. Limited production and high demand of certain teas can also significantly impact their price.
We are proud to have some of Taiwan's most highly regarded teas from exclusive terroir and revered tea artisans. Even to those new to oolong, our teas offer an exquisite taste and an unmatched level of refined enjoyment.
Can I drink oolong tea before bedtime?
All oolong tea contains some level of caffeine, which can postpone or disrupt healthy sleep. Everyone is different so if you are sensitive to caffeine, use caution.
I am new to the world of oolong tea. What tea would you recommend?
We recommend Iron goddess, Midnight amber, Misty mountain, and Spring ripples for people just getting into Taiwanese oolong tea. You can also explore a variety of terroir, tasting notes, and roast styles of Taiwanese oolong with our Discovery box.
How should I store my tea?
Taiwanese oolong tea is sensitive to light, heat, moisture, and air. Keep the tea in a cool place in an airtight, light-proof container.
Are your teas organic?
While the majority of our teas are not certified organic, our growers follow responsible farming practices for each tea we carry.