As we announce the introduction of three new teas to our Original line, I thought it would be fun to pull back the curtain of Research & Development and share a behind-the-scenes peek at just what inspired us to launch these new products.

In September, when we first started thinking about new teas for 2006, it seemed like one request kept popping up on the top of the list: Ginger Tea. It had become a customer favorite in a previous product line, and many, including a number of our own ginger-loving employees, were disappointed when we discontinued the product line last year. (In fact, some here in the office became so desperate for Ginger Tea that I had to hide my remaining R&D supply to make sure that it didn’t disappear!) So, it was clear from the start that a new Ginger Herb Tea was in order. We began with our existing recipe but gave it a few updates as part of the Original line.

But we didn’t want to stop with only one new tea...

We love green tea, and we know that many of you do too. That’s why we’re so excited that our Chinese growers are now making a great-tasting  Gunpowder Green Tea that can be packed in a teabag. While the smaller, cut leaves might be a change of pace for some diehard gunpowder drinkers, the uniform size guarantees consistent quality and flavor from one cup to the next. With its distinct, handcrafted flavor, the tea was a natural addition to our product line. As a Fair Trade Certified™ product, a premium will go directly to the smallholders in the Jiangxi Province who are using the funds to finance higher education for village children, educate members about organic agriculture methods, and invest in new tea-processing equipment.

White Jasmine Tea, also a Fair Trade product, is exciting for me because is demonstrates that new “flavors” can still be achieved through creative thinking and skillful blending. The response to our Fair Trade White Tea the first of its kind in a teabag, has been overwhelmingly positive, so we thought it would be great to add another offering. (Not exactly sure what white tea is? Check out One Plant, Many Teas.) During a team brainstorm, we discussed creating a cross over blend that combined the benefits and flavor of white and green teas but with a special character all its own. After a few more minutes of discussion and a few test blends, we had a concept that wowed everyone who tasted it: joining our white tea with a small amount of elegant jasmine green tea for added appeal.

So, while these three new products might seem like an eclectic mix of teas to release together, we’re confident that within the array of flavors, at least one will appeal to your palate. (Well, hopefully more than one!)