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Hu-Kwa Tea

Regular price
$40.00
Regular price
Sale price
$40.00
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brewing-information Description

One of Mr. Wendell’s first teas, Hu-Kwa is a uniquely crafted black tea from the island of Formosa and is considered by many tea connoisseurs to be the benchmark against which all other Lapsang Souchong style teas are measured.

Offered by the Mark T. Wendell Tea Company for over a century, our Hu-Kwa signature tea gains its distinctive flavor and smoky tang from the burning pinewood over which it is fired during the final drying process of the tealeaf. Distinctive with its smoky flavor and aroma, the dry leaves have an almost amber-brown coloration.

When brewed, Hu-Kwa signature black tea produces deep red liquor and a surprisingly mellow cup. Since this signature tea is cultivated in varying terroir from the smoky Lapsang Souchong black teas commonly produced in mainland China, it has a taste and character all its own.

In 2017, Mark T. Wendell's signature Hu-Kwa tea placed third overall in the Lapsang Souchong category at the annual Global Tea Championship! In each event, judges cup hundreds of teas blindly and score the teas based on the analyses of dry leaf, liquor color, aroma, flavor, and mouth feel, as well as overall harmony.

brewing-information  Brewing Information

Brewing Tips: In order to enjoy the unique flavor of your HU-KWA Tea, we recommend brewing using the instructions perfected by Mr. Wendell! Firstly, bring cold, filtered water to a rolling boil (205-212° F). Using one rounded teaspoon of loose tea or one teabag for each cup required, pour the boiling water over the tea leaves. Allow your HU-KWA Tea to steep for 5-5 ½ minutes. 

Stir, and let the tea settle for about one-half minute. Once the ideal brewing time has been reached, the leaves should be removed to prevent further steeping. HU-KWA Tea is best appreciated when drunk. Milk or too much sugar compromises its delicate flavor. A little cream goes well but sugar should be used sparingly.

How Much Tea Do I Need?

1 pound of loose leaf tea will make approximately 160 cups of brewed tea

8 ounces of loose leaf tea will make approximately 80 cups of brewed tea

4 ounces of loose leaf tea will make approximately 40 cups of brewed tea

Size
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    Customer Reviews

    Based on 4 reviews
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    E
    Elisabeth O'Sullivan
    The best!

    Hu-Kwa from MTW is one of my favorite teas of all time, smoky yet elegant. Think of it as Lapsang Suchong’s more soignée cousin! And it should go without saying that it always arrives perfectly fresh and beautifully packaged.

    J
    J McCall

    Famous tea, and fabulous

    C
    Charlotte Phillips

    Best tea ever!

    C
    Carlos Adame

    Special taste

    marktwendell

    Why Mark T. Wendell Tea Company?

    • Highest Quality Teas

    • Healthy Products

    • Superior Customer Service

    • Family Business

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take for my order to ship?

    We strive to ship orders within 2-3 days of receipt. However, due to the handcrafted nature of our products, combined with inventory limitations, some orders may take longer to ship. If there is a significant delay in shipping your order, we will contact you directly with details.

    Are your teas cultivated naturally? Are they Organic?

    All our teas are sourced from tea estates, suppliers and importers that we have personally worked with for decades and many for generations! We only purchase teas that have been cultivated naturally, devoid of pesticides and growth agents.

    Teas that have the term “Organic” in the products name have gone through additional certification by the country or origin and USFDA. Even though all our products are natural, we are unable to list them as Organic unless they have gone through these steps. Sometimes, this certification can be costly and time consuming for growers. Each country has different regulations, so many sell the teas to us without this extra labeling.

    How long does tea stay fresh?

    If sealed properly and stored away from extreme hot/cold temps and moisture, tea will stay as flavorful as the day you bought it, even after 18 months.

    How long should I brew my tea?

    Tea brewing times and water temperature can vary between tea varieties. Please consult this link to find the best method for your tea!