Stash Tea began its journey in 1972, operating out of a Portland, Oregon, Victorian house. Originally focusing on supplying bulk herbs and spices to natural food stores, the brand quickly transitioned into the world of specialty tea. Today, the catalog represents a massive collection of blends that cater to every possible palate, from the traditionalist who seeks a robust English Breakfast to the adventurous sipper looking for dessert-inspired herbal infusions. As a certified B Corp, the company maintains high standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This commitment ensures that every tea bag or loose-leaf tin reflects a dedication to ethical sourcing and sustainable business practices. Exploring this selection reveals a deep understanding of botanical science and flavor layering, making it a primary resource for anyone looking to expand their tea cabinet with high-quality, accessible options.
Navigating the Stash Tea catalog provides an educational look at the diverse world of Camellia sinensis and herbal botanicals. The brand is particularly well-known for its bold flavor profiles and innovative combinations that often push the boundaries of traditional tea blending. Whether the goal is to find a morning stimulant or a soothing evening ritual, the variety of black, green, white, oolong, and herbal teas offers a comprehensive spectrum of choices. Each product entry provides specific information regarding ingredients and flavor notes, allowing consumers to make informed decisions based on their dietary preferences and taste profiles. The catalog serves as a guide for both novice drinkers and seasoned connoisseurs, highlighting the nuances of different tea-growing regions and the intricate processes involved in drying, fermenting, and scenting tea leaves. This focus on variety and quality has cemented the brand’s reputation as a leader in the specialty tea industry.
The Diversity of Black Tea Blends
The black tea section of the catalog is a testament to the brand’s ability to balance tradition with modern flair. One of the most famous offerings is the Double Bergamot Earl Grey. While a standard Earl Grey relies on a subtle hint of citrus, this version amplifies the bergamot oil to create a deeply aromatic and punchy experience. It is a favorite for those who find traditional blends too muted. The catalog also features a robust English Breakfast, which is a blend of high-grown Ceylon and Assam teas, providing a malty, full-bodied cup that stands up well to milk and sugar. For those seeking something more exotic, the Chai selections are extensive. The Double Spice Chai, for instance, incorporates a higher concentration of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and cardamom, offering a warming sensation that is perfect for cooler climates.
Regional Black Tea Origins
Understanding the origin of these teas helps enthusiasts appreciate the flavor profiles. The Assam teas featured in the catalog come from the low-lying plains of Northeast India, known for producing leaves that result in a dark, rich liquor. In contrast, the Ceylon teas sourced from Sri Lanka offer a brighter, more brisk quality. The catalog clearly distinguishes between these origins, helping readers choose a tea based on their desired intensity. The inclusion of Nilgiri teas, which are grown in the Blue Mountains of Southern India, provides a fragrant and smooth option that is often used in iced tea preparations due to its clarity and lack of clouding when cooled.
Green and White Tea Innovations
Green tea enthusiasts will find a wide array of options ranging from traditional Japanese styles to flavored Chinese varieties. The catalog highlights the difference between steamed and pan-fired green teas. Japanese-style teas, like the Premium Green, are typically steamed to preserve the vibrant green color and grassy, vegetal notes. These are ideal for drinkers who enjoy a fresh, oceanic flavor profile. On the other hand, Chinese-style green teas are often pan-fired, resulting in a toastier, slightly nutty character. The Jasmine Blossom tea is a standout, where the tea leaves are scented with fresh jasmine petals multiple times to ensure a lasting floral aroma that persists through several infusions.
Matcha and Specialty Powders
The rise in popularity of Matcha has led to its prominent placement in the catalog. Stash offers both ceremonial and culinary grades of Matcha, catering to those who wish to perform a traditional tea ceremony as well as those who want to incorporate the powder into smoothies or baking. The catalog provides instructions on the proper whisking technique to achieve the characteristic frothy layer. Additionally, the inclusion of flavored Matcha, such as vanilla or mint, provides an entry point for those who might find the intense umami flavor of pure Matcha a bit daunting at first.
Herbal Infusions and Fruit Teas
For those who prefer to avoid caffeine, the herbal section of the catalog is exceptionally deep. These blends, often referred to as tisanes, do not contain leaves from the tea plant but instead use a mixture of herbs, flowers, roots, and fruits. The Lemon Ginger blend is a staple, combining the zesty brightness of lemon with the spicy undertone of ginger root. It is frequently sought after for its soothing properties. Another popular choice is the Wild Raspberry Hibiscus, which produces a vibrant red liquor with a tart, berry-forward flavor that is equally delicious hot or iced. The catalog emphasizes the natural sweetness of these blends, many of which require no additional sweeteners.
The Role of Rooibos and Honeybush
Rooibos, also known as red bush tea, originates from South Africa and is a significant part of the herbal collection. It is naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants. The catalog features pure Rooibos as well as flavored versions like Vanilla Rooibos or Chai Rooibos. Because Rooibos is low in tannins, it never becomes bitter, even with long steeping times. Honeybush, a relative of Rooibos, is also featured for its slightly sweeter, honey-like aroma. These South African botanicals provide a satisfying, full-bodied alternative for those who miss the weight of black tea but want to avoid the stimulant effects of caffeine.
Decaffeinated Tea Options
Maintaining the flavor profile of a tea while removing the caffeine is a technical challenge that the brand addresses through the CO2 decaffeination process. This method is preferred because it does not use harsh chemical solvents like ethyl acetate or methylene chloride. The catalog includes decaffeinated versions of its most popular blends, such as Decaf Earl Grey and Decaf English Breakfast. This ensures that drinkers who are sensitive to caffeine can still enjoy the complex flavors of premium tea at any time of day. The process preserves the integrity of the tea leaf, allowing for a cup that tastes remarkably similar to its caffeinated counterpart.
Commitment to Sourcing and Sustainability
A major highlight of the catalog is the brand’s status as a certified B Corp. This designation is not easily earned and requires a rigorous assessment of the company’s impact on its workers, customers, community, and environment. The catalog details the efforts made to source ingredients ethically, often working directly with farmers to ensure fair wages and sustainable agricultural practices. This transparency is vital for modern consumers who want to ensure their purchases support positive global change. The packaging also reflects this commitment, with many tea bags being compostable and the boxes made from recycled materials.
Non-GMO Project Verification
In addition to B Corp status, many of the teas in the catalog are Non-GMO Project Verified. This means the ingredients are tracked from seed to finished product to ensure no genetic engineering has occurred. For health-conscious consumers, this certification provides an extra layer of trust. The catalog clearly labels which blends meet these criteria, making it easy to filter choices based on personal health standards. This focus on clean ingredients extends to the natural flavors used in the blends, which are derived from real fruits, spices, and botanicals rather than synthetic chemicals.
Essential Tea Accessories and Tools
To achieve the perfect brew, the catalog offers a selection of teaware designed for both functionality and aesthetics. From simple mesh infusers for loose-leaf tea to sophisticated ceramic teapots with built-in strainers, the tools provided cater to various brewing methods. The catalog also features double-walled glass mugs, which allow the drinker to appreciate the color of the tea while keeping the beverage hot and the exterior cool to the touch. For those who enjoy tea on the go, travel infuser bottles are a prominent feature, allowing for easy steeping during a commute or outdoor activity.
The Importance of Water Temperature and Timing
The catalog serves as an educational resource by providing specific brewing instructions for each type of tea. It explains that boiling water can scorch delicate green and white tea leaves, resulting in a bitter taste. Instead, it recommends lower temperatures—typically between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit—for these varieties. Conversely, black and herbal teas require a full boil to extract the deep flavors and beneficial compounds. Steeping times are also clearly defined, ranging from two minutes for green tea to five minutes or more for herbal infusions. Following these guidelines ensures that the nuances of each blend are fully realized in the cup.
Gift Collections and Sampler Packs
For those looking to share the experience of specialty tea, the gift section of the catalog is filled with curated sets. These samplers often group teas by theme, such as a “Wellness Kit” featuring ginger and turmeric blends, or a “Global Explorer” set that includes teas from various world regions. These packages are an excellent way for beginners to discover their preferences without committing to a full box of a single flavor. The catalog also offers seasonal collections, such as holiday-themed teas with notes of peppermint, cinnamon, and chocolate, which are popular during the winter months.
Customizing the Tea Experience
The catalog encourages experimentation by suggesting ways to customize each cup. For example, it might recommend adding a slice of fresh lemon to a cup of Moroccan Mint tea or a splash of milk to a bold Assam. By providing these serving suggestions, the brand helps consumers see the versatility of their products. This approach turns a simple beverage into a customizable ritual that can be adapted to suit different moods, seasons, or dietary needs. The inclusion of recipes for tea-infused lattes and iced tea cocktails further expands the utility of the catalog.
Health and Wellness through Botanical Blends
Many consumers turn to the catalog specifically for its wellness-focused offerings. Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, echinacea, and elderberry are featured prominently in blends designed to support immune health or digestion. The catalog provides information on the historical uses of these botanicals, though it maintains a careful balance by not making unsubstantiated medical claims. Instead, it focuses on the sensory experience and the traditional role these plants have played in various cultures. The “Wellness” line is particularly popular for those looking to integrate more functional ingredients into their daily routine in a delicious and convenient way.
In summary, the Stash Tea collection offers an expansive and well-curated journey through the world of specialty botanicals and traditional teas. By prioritizing ethical sourcing, innovative flavor combinations, and consumer education, the catalog serves as a reliable guide for anyone looking to enhance their daily tea ritual. From the bold citrus notes of their signature Earl Grey to the soothing properties of their herbal infusions, there is a blend to satisfy every preference and occasion. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and quality ensures that every cup is not only flavorful but also responsibly produced. To explore the full range of flavors and find the perfect blend for your needs, visit the Stash Tea Catalog and discover why this Portland-born brand remains a staple in the global tea community.