web site found - Zhong Guo Cha

I'm not sure how you found this via Google, because I have never seen it in my many searches... but I will say on initial glance they have a lot going for them. I'm at work right now, but I will look into them further and do some scouring to find out who owns this business, where it is based, and any other info I can and report back. The prices seem middle to high in some places... but I really have to look into it further.

I'll get back on this later.

- Dominic

Yes, it's truly astonishing that Shen was able to find something via Google that has heretofore eluded you, Dominic!

That said, the design of this site indicates in many ways that these people are web neophytes, so although I know nothing about their products, I counsel caution.

Wow, how terribly helpful... Since I spend an inordinate (See I used a big word too... that means I is smart) amount of time online and search for different tea vendors quite frequently, yes, I was surprised that I had not seen this one before. I still can't seem to get Google to spit out this website no matter what I type, Shen what was your search query?

I didn't mean it in a pompous ass kinda way, but if that is how you took it, oh well. Life's tough, then you die.

- Dominic

Am I the only one who can't seem to open this page?... o_O

-Drew

Shen wrote:

OK Shen, here is some info for you and anyone else interested:

Zhong Guo Cha

175 Burr Hill Rd. PO Box 933 Killingworth, CT 06419 United States Phone: 860-663-1399 Fax: 860-267-0219 snipped-for-privacy@zgc-wsi.com

They are registered for a booth at the 2007 World Tea Expo (6/9/07-6/11/07) in ATL, GA. Their booth seems to be huge, which means someone is putting up some fairly big bucks to get noticed.

The Website was registered in Aug, 2004 and it was created with MS Frontpage for them by "Plastic Design Hong Kong Ltd"

It is hosted by xdf.net Makara, John xdf.net LLC PO Box 33 New Britain, CT 06050-0033 US 8606121047 fax: 8606121048

The domain is registered until 2014 which also makes it seem pretty legit and show that they have plans of sticking around. Their SSL certificate (secure website cert.) is valid and good for over 2 more years.

Beyond all of this if you click on their "Tea Events" link at the bottom of their page you will find they must have a Brick and Mortar store in Killingworth , CT and offer some great tea tasting opportunites for FREE and invite folks to bring a friend.

overall I have to say that the site and company seems very legit, their prices (based on a couple quick checks) seem to be fair if a little high, and I have not seen their shiping charges. I did register for a free sample, and if I receive it I plan on making an order for a few of their greens and their Dan Cong.

Hope that helps... I haven't had a chance to research the business owner or registration yet because I'm home and don't have access.

- Dominic

I sent for a sample of their tea and got a very nice note from them. They asked several questions about the type of tea that I like and where I heard of their site. He said that they would like to send me some additional samples. My feelings are that I will buy tea from them. I like the fact that they took the time to reply to my email personally and not some form mail. I am not very knowledgeable about tea, but do know what I like. I have learned lots from reading the groups postings. Anna

Here is part of the final email from them.

(I select the teas myself in Asia, and we pack them ourselves in China. We have a US and a Hong Kong office, as well as our packaging location in China.

I travel to the famous growing regions, and select suppliers that I feel are good reliable companies to work with. I then buy from them, and we package in China.

I hope we can develop a tea relationship. I believe you will be pleased with the quality of the teas.)

The email was signed by Phil Parda.

I actually received an email such as this as well, and was very impressed. I emailed Phil back and I am awaiting his reply, but I can say that at this time I am very pleased and may have found a new vendor.

I explained to him that I will fairly evaluate my experience and the tea ( a couple of his offerings) and post it here. I think his prices are fair and his selection is very good, the information on the site is great and while it seems that Phil Parda is mainly a businessman he has experience as an importer/exporter and has given numerous talks and tastings and goodwill ventures to spread the word of quality tea and benefits. He seems to be coming from the right place in his tea business and if the quality is good it is definitely a vendor I can support. My only negative comment is that it appears the shipping is fixed at $6.00 which is a bit high for some orders.

- Dominic Drinking: Dragon Tears

What is Dragon Tears?

Dom> Drinking: Dragon Tears

They are a very high grade green tea (two leaves and a bud) rolled with jasmine petals into a ball, and one of my favorite teas. It is a very subtle jasmine scent due to the actual petal and not artificial scent/flavor being used and the green tea is amazing in it's own right. It is a perfectly balanced tea and very enjoyable. Here is a link of a photo:

I have never and would not order from that above link, it was just the first one I found. It is somewhat expensive, but easily worth it in my eyes. It is like a mini-artistic tea that actually tastes good and does not involve thread, plastic, artificial additives or any of that. Highly recommended unless you do not enjoy the subtle jasmine scent.

- Dominic

Oh, it's "Dragon Pearls", which is the literal translation from Long Zhu (or Mo Li Long Zhu = Jasmine Dragon Pearls), which is what this tea is called in China. These vendors, sheeesh...they think they can rename everything as they want for marketing purposes...Shui Xian "Narcissus"??? Greek tea?

Information on teas is quite opaque already for non-Chinese readers/speakers...this is just adding to the confusion.

Sorry for the rant...I love this jasmine pearl tea too. I drink it quite often. Thank you for the clarification, Dominic.

Dom> > What is Dragon Tears?

I take your point in general, but Shuixian isn't an example of modern marketing; it's one of the oldest cultivars used for oolong.

/Lew

Actually, Dragon pearls and Dragon tears are different depending on who you are buying from. Dragon tears are April/May picked green tea with fresh jasmine and delicately handled so as to leave the "fuzz" on the tea leaf and perfectly unfurl to two leaves and a bud.

Dragon pearls can tend to be lower quality. But you are correct that with some vendors they are interchangable.

- Dominic

Another trade name for this style of tea is Phoenix Eyes. I prefer the white tea all bud version minus the Jasmine scent. I say bud because what unfurls is the slender bud which looks like a needle without the fuzz.

Jim

Dom> > Oh, it's "Dragon Pearls", which is the literal translation from Long

Okay, Shen: I am a part-time tea purveyor myself, and I have met and done tea with the owner of the company, and I can vouch for both the owner and the teas he carries. As a person in a shop I found his reluctance to quote wholesale prices as a bit off-putting so we do not carry his teas in our shop. That being said his tea is top-notch from what I have tasted. His high quality loose pu-erh is to die for, as is the premium; some of the best loose pu-erh I have tasted, and I would put it up against the famous Rishi Pu-Erh Wang any day (the premium, that is). His oolongs were also very good. Dicey for a shop owner, but for an online supplier his quality warrants the price. Be safe, Have fun! Bill

Sorry for coming late to this post.. I met Phil -the owner- and his sister at the Tea Expo this past spring, and was very impressed Phil's knowledge and love for high quality tea, especially puehrs. They were very friendly and I felt I could deinfitley trust them to provide good advice and teas. I dont have a retail store currently but if I were to set one up I would consider working with ZGC.

:) Tiffany

tea junkie wrote:

Phyll, Shuixian (literally "water fairy") is the putonghua name for the narcissus flower. It's completely legitimate to call Shuixian tea "Narcissus".

I take your point about vendors in general, but this one is innocent of your charge in this particular instance!

Toodlepip,

Hobbes