Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 August 1887 — Japan Tea. [ARTICLE]

Japan Tea.

“Japan tea is not a favorite in these days,” said a grocer. “Ten rears ago a rage in its favor set in, and’ the Japanese tea was called /or on all sides. But it fell out of public favor as rapidly as it came in. Wh v ? It had not enough of merit to Keep it in. The first lots we ot from J apan were choice in quality, because the growth was small and great attention was paid to its culture, with hopes for the future. But the demand increased in a few jumps, care was abandoned by tlie growers and tlie only object sought was to fill the orders. Consequently the Japanese tea that found its wav to the American market was a sorry lot Tea lovers soon found it but, and the Chinese stimulant was taken again and found much better. Not only were the old and tough leaves of the tea plant picked at all times of the year, instead of the young green ones of tin spring sea on, but wisteria leaves were mixed in with them. When the Japan tea first came here the dried leaves' had a delicate olive tint and were long and wiry. Now they are broken and range in color from black to yellow, the result of artificial colorings with various blues, gypsum, and soapstone. Cleveland Herald.