FAQ

1. Where are the teas from?

We source the finest teas from India only, especially from Assam.

2. What is meant by ‘Single Origin tea’? What is ‘Pure Tea’?

Single Origin means the tea was 100% grown on one tea estate. The challenges with Single Estate tea are practicality and consistency. 

‘Pure tea’ refers to any tea made from a single type of plant. 

3. Are the flavors natural?

Meshka Teas are made with 100% natural ingredients. We do not use any artificial flavors or preservatives.

4. Where do you source your ingredients from?

All our ingredients are sourced within India, from various places such as Assam, Darjeeling, etc.

5. Are the teas vegan and low calorie?

All our teas are vegan, low in calories, flavorful, and healthy.

6. What is the allergy advisory for your teas?

Allergy advisories are specific to each product, and differ as per the type. 

7. Who is a Tea Sommelier? What does she do?

A Tea Sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable expert on tea tasting. He / she will have a thorough understanding of tea and its history, processing methods and preparation. His trained palate is sensitive to the numerous flavor profiles of tea and that helps him match them with different foods to recommend tea and food pairings.

8. How long should I brew my teas?

Tea should be brewed for 2-3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. By this time it will lose some heat and would be approximately 80-90 degrees, which is the required water temperature for lighter teas.

Tea is best consumed six minutes after it has been brewed.

9. How much of tea leaves do I put for one cup of tea?

We recommend using 1 teaspoon, i.e. 2 grams per cup of tea.

10. What is so special about ‘Assam Tea’?

Assam Tea is known for its taste and flavor whereas Darjeeling Tea is known for its aroma. If you're a fan of black tea, with its brisk flavor, full-body, and rich color, Assam tea might be the tea for you.

11. What does Assam It taste Like?

Assam tea has a deep, rich, full-bodied flavor with malty, earthy, and spicy notes. It's moderately bitter and astringent, both of which will vary based on how long the tea is steeped.

12. What is your policy on animal testing?

None of our products are tested on animals.

13. What is the caffeine content in one cup of tea?

The caffeine content in one cup of Tea is anywhere between 50 mg to 120 mg.

14. What is the correct temperature for brewing our tea?

When in doubt, use cooler water. Whereas teas can be ruined by water that's too hot, they are rarely hurt much by water a few degrees too cold. 

15. How to Brew Black Tea?

Some delicate black teas (like First Flush Darjeelings) require lower brewing temperatures of around 180 F to 190 F. However, most black teas can be brewed between 200 F and 212 F.

When warming water in a pot, it will have small bubbles (between 4 mm and 8 mm) and a moderate to a large amount of steam when it is between 190 F and 200 F. By the time it has reached 212 F, it will have very large bubbles, with no small bubbles remaining.

16. How does tea flush affect taste?

Tea plants need sun, water and soil to grow. During winter time plants in tea gardens lay dormant. As the spring approaches and they get more sun and better weather conditions in general, they start slowly growing until they are ready for the first harvest. This means they had enough time to collect most nutrients.

When exposed to more sun, tea bush will grow faster and will be ready for another harvest much sooner than the first spring flush. However, they will contain fewer nutrients too. This will influence the flavor of the tea.

17. What is First Flush Teas?

Premium teas are also often classified by Flush, or the time of year when tea leaves are plucked. Each Flush is determined by the geography and climate of the region where the tea is grown. First Flush is defined as the very first plucking of a tea plant's harvest season.

18. What is Second Flush Teas?

From early summer throughout the monsoon, between May to June, the tea leaves are picked when the tea leaves have absorbed the maximum rain water and are characterized as well-rounded and mature. Tea brewed from these leaves is less astringent and more improved than the first flush. The liquid is bright and has a muscatel character. Second flush tea leaves are dark color and more they mature, stronger is their aroma.

19. Do you know what you are drinking?

In a nutshell, dark color strong brews are obtained from tea leaves of second flush and light color with an astringent flavor brews are obtained from first flush leaves. 

20. How should Tea be stored, once the packaging is opened?

The tea should only be stored in an airtight container away from direct sun-light for long lasting and consistent quality.

ORDERS & DELIVERY

1. What do I get inside the pack/box?

Each pack includes a foil pouch containing the tea.

2. Do you ship outside India?

Yes, we offer worldwide international shipping. Visit meshkatea.com to shop in USD.

3. Where can I buy your tea from a store?

You can find a list here of restaurants, cafes, hotels, etc. where our teas are served and retailed. Alternately, you can purchase the teas on our website, and we offer worldwide international shipping.

4. Can I pay cash on delivery?

Cash on Delivery is accepted for orders within India. Cash on Delivery is offered for orders with an invoice value of up to Rs. 3000 only.

5. What is the total weight of the box?

Every product is different in quantity, please check the individual packs for specific information.

6. What is the minimum number of tins that I need to order?

We do not have a specified minimum number of units for an order. However, we offer free shipping within India for order values above Rs. 1500.

7. How long do you take to deliver once ordered?

Our delivery time frames are as under: Within India: 5 to 7 working days once the order has been shipped. International delivery: upto 2-3 weeks.