Yamamotoyama Tea

While dyed-in-the-wool tea connoisseurs would probably never stoop to using any tea that comes in bags, the folks at Stash Tea have done a splendid job packaging their green tea line in a smart and pleasing manner for the rest of us.

Each box features a different photo of a Japanese cast-iron teapot set against a richly coloured background that suggests the flavour of the tea. The Ginger Tea box, for example, is a peachy pickled-ginger hue. Kudos to the package designer for minimizing what could have been a stereotypical use of Japanese script. A one-paragraph history of Yamamotoyama teas adorns the back of the box — probably marketing hyperbole, but a nice touch, if only to remind us how long people have been enjoying tea! Inside, the teabags are individually sealed in foil-lined envelopes that are colour coordinated with the box. The lining keeps the tea bags from becoming stale (notch above the usual paper envelope). From a design standpoint, this packaging should be getting awards. Let’s hope the studio that put this together had the wherewithal to submit their work to the major design magazines.

I credit this wonderful stuff with helping me steer clear of colds all winter. Okay, maybe it was a placebo effect, but those smart people at Stash Teas have managed to make a kick-ass combination here. With the proliferation of flavoured black teas on the market (I mean who wants to drink butterscotch tea!), it’s nice to see a really successful green tea blend. This is far superior to any ginger/black tea blend that I’ve ever had, because the mild flavour of the green tea really lets the ginger stand out. Steep for four minutes, and enjoy a cup of hot and spicy goodness. Or, come summertime, steep for about an hour in cold water for a super-refreshing iced tea.

I’m definitely going to check out Yamamoto’s other green tea blends, as well as their ’special occasion’ unflavoured green tea.

GINGER TEA approx. $2.50 / box of 20 tea bags