Steaming cup of deep red Chai tea on a white coaster, with loose leaf tea and branded pouch displayed on a light surface, by Yerba Buena Tea Company.

The Tea Journal

Deepen your connection to the leaf. Explore expert guides on organic ingredients, the science of steeping, and the stories behind our Oregon-blended teas. Your resource for sipping with intention.

Real Bergamot vs. Flavoring: What Makes a Great Earl Grey?

Real Bergamot vs. Flavoring: What Makes a Great Earl Grey?

Does your Earl Grey taste like soap? It shouldn't. Discover the difference between synthetic flavorings and real cold-pressed Italian Bergamot oil, and find out why our organic blends taste like fresh citrus, not perfume.
Comparison of beverages showing coffee beans, loose leaf black tea, and organic yerba mate to illustrate caffeine levels.

Tea vs Coffee Caffeine: The Real Energy Chart

Trying to quit the coffee jitters? We break down the exact caffeine levels of Coffee vs. Yerba Mate vs. Tea to help you find the perfect fuel for your day.
Comparison of black tea leaves versus organic herbal tea ingredients like hibiscus and peppermint.

Tea vs. Tisane: What is the Difference? (And Why We Love Both)

Technically, "Herbal Tea" isn't tea at all, it's a Tisane. We explain why this botanical distinction matters for your caffeine levels and your brewing technique.
Gradient of organic tea leaves showing the difference between white, green, oolong, and black tea processing.

Types of Tea: How One Plant Becomes Five (Plus Herbal)

Green, black, white, oolong, pu-erh. Five teas, one plant. The difference is in the craft, specifically how long the leaf is allowed to oxidize before heat stops the process. Here is what that means for your cup.
Side by side comparison of organic Ashwagandha root and Kava root used in Yerba Buena Tea Co. wellness blends.

Ashwagandha vs. Kava: Which Stress-Relief Herb Do You Need?

One builds resilience over time; the other offers immediate relief. We break down the difference between two powerful stress-busting roots: Ashwagandha and Kava.
Unlocking Deep Sleep: Why We Blend Kava Root with Chamomile

Unlocking Deep Sleep: Why We Blend Kava Root with Chamomile

Tired but wired? Discover why we blend potent Kava Root with soothing Chamomile to help quiet a racing mind and support deep, restorative sleep.
What Are

What Are "Natural Flavors" in Tea? (And Why We Don't Use Them)

Why does some tea taste like candy? We pull back the curtain on the mysterious ingredient listed as "Natural Flavor" and explain why we refuse to use it in our organic blends.
Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags: Why

Loose Leaf vs. Tea Bags: Why "Whole Leaf" Tastes Better

Is loose leaf really worth the effort? We break down the difference between the "dust" found in grocery store tea bags and the premium whole leaves we use in Oregon. Learn why switching to loose leaf is the biggest upgrade you can make for your health and palate.