Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1887 — Japan Tea. [ARTICLE]

Japan Tea.

* Japan tea is not a favorite in these days,” said a grocer. “Ten years ago a rage in its favor set in, and' the Japanese tea was called for on all sides. But it fell out of public favor as rapidly as it came in. Whv? It had not enough of merit to keep it in. The first lots we got from Japan were choice in quality, because the growth was email 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 the growers, and the only object sought was to fill the orders. Consequently the Japanese tea that found its way to the American market was a sorry lot. Tea lovers soon found it out, 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 the spring season, 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.