FAQ's
PERFECT SOUTH GREEN TEA
What is green tea?
Green tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant (all tea is made from this plant). The difference in the type of tea (black, green, white, oolong etc.) comes down to how the leaves are processed after they’re harvested. To make green tea, the fermentation or oxidisation of the leaves is stopped right away and the leaves are then steamed, rolled and dried. In contrast, black tea leaves are fully oxidised.
What is the best green tea?
In our opinion, the best green tea is skilfully and lovingly grown in a prime location. It should be harvested with care and crafted using time-honoured methods. Tea should look, feel, smell and taste fresh and delicious, entirely on its own. The best green tea is also a matter of personal taste.
Why is Perfect South green tea so good?
We cannot stand crappy, bland, bitter, sub-standard old tea. We won’t drink it so why should you? We only supply the very best green tea we can find. We taste and select the best tea from the harvest and create blends that are unique and delicious. We also only offer tea from the most recent harvests to ensure freshness, and when we blend green tea we use high-quality and where possible, organic ingredients. Read about our Perfect South tea here.
Do you do other styles of tea?
Nope, we specialise in Australian green tea only. We have pure green teas containing just leaf, and also have green teas blended with other ingredients, such as roasted rice, matcha powder or organic herbs, flowers, fruits and spices.
What’s the difference between your First Harvest and Estate ranges?
Our First Harvest teas are single origin, single variety and are harvested in the first flush of spring when the leaves are at their very best. Estate teas can come from a single farm or a couple of different farms and are harvested in the second or third flush of the season.
Do you have organic Australian green tea?
No we don’t. It is very difficult to grow an organic tea that tastes good. The Australian organic green teas we tried didn’t live up to our quality and taste standards. They simply didn’t taste good enough to sell, in our opinion. Again, if we don’t drink it with enthusiasm, we don’t sell it.
Where is Perfect South Australian green tea from?
We source our tea from farms in the fertile alpine valleys region of Victoria’s High Country, which is in North East Victoria.
When does the harvest start and finish?
Harvest starts in October and continues flat out until around March, depending on how the crops are going. There are currently three harvests in the season.
Are pesticides used on the tea growing farms?
No pesticides are used. This practice (which was used minimally) was stopped in 2017. Growers have an ongoing policy of zero pesticide application. Rigorous lab testing, random sample testing of crude tea, and monthly reporting is required from farmers to maintain the policy.
Is the water used to grow the tea fluoridated?
No it’s not. Water used on the farms is taken directly from the pristine water of alpine river valleys, rather than using town water that’s fluoridated.
How is Perfect South green tea made?
Australian green tea is harvested by machine then steamed, rolled and dried. In some styles, Houjicha for example, the tea has the additional step of being roasted.
Is green tea in Australia any good compared to other places?
It’s very good. Excellent, in fact. It’s so good to grow tea here that Australia was chosen as an alternative growing region for Japanese supply. Have a read of some of our product reviews from our customers to get their thoughts on it.
BREWING AND STORING GREEN TEA
How many cups of tea can you get per pack?
The rough measure is two grams per person or per cup of water. In a 50 gram pack you’ll get about 25 cups and in a 100 gram pack you’ll get 40 to 50 cups, however this does depend on how much tea you like per serve.
How do I brew green tea?
Our brewing tips are here. Be sure to follow the recommended time on the tea label.
Can I steep / infuse the tea leaves more than once?
Yes you can steep Perfect South green tea leaves two or three times, but this will vary depending on the type or blend of tea, so test it out. If you are re-steeping / infusing the tea leaves, increase the temperature of the water to draw out additional flavour.
What is the correct water temperature for green tea?
The water temperature should be between 60° – 80°, no higher. Using a lower temperature is recommend for Shincha.
Why does green tea sometimes taste bitter?
Good green tea should not taste bitter! If it does, it’s due to poor quality leaves or production, or the tea has been incorrectly brewed. Using boiling water to brew green tea will burn the tea leaves resulting in a bitter taste. Everyone has a unique palate and will experience different things when tasting and smelling green tea and sometimes the astringency or tannins in green tea are mistaken for bitterness. We 100 per cent guarantee that our green tea is not bitter.
How do I make a stronger cup of tea?
Don’t brew the tea for longer to make it stronger. Just use more tea leaves and still brew for the recommended time.
Do you have tips for storing green tea?
Store in a cool, dry, dark cupboard in a sealed or airtight container.
How do I keep green tea fresh?
Tea doesn’t like light, heat, or air. These things deteriorate the quality of the leaf. You can keep green tea fresh by storing it in an airtight container in a dark, cool place. Some people keep their tea in the fridge, which is fine as long as the container is always sealed tightly. Tea leaf tends to absorb flavours and aromas from things around it, so you don’t want it taking on the taste of cheese or last night’s leftovers.
SELECTING THE BEST GREEN TEA FOR YOU
What style would you suggest for someone new to green tea?
Start with the more mellow styles and work up. We’d recommend Genmaicha, Sencha or Kukicha.
What green tea would you suggest for a regular green tea drinker?
It really depends on the style of green tea you like. We’d suggest trying something you’ve never tried before.
What green tea would you suggest for a coffee lover?
Dedicated coffee lovers tend to have taste buds accustomed to strong flavours so we’d suggest Shincha or something roasted like Houjicha or Wattleseed Sencha.
GREEN TEA AND CAFFEINE
Is there caffeine in green tea?
There is caffeine in green tea (in all tea, in fact). The amount varies depending on the style of tea and the processing method used.
How much caffeine is in green tea?
Amounts vary wildly and there are lots of variables. Caffeine can range from 30mg to 100mg, depending on the type of tea and how long it was infused. Caffeine in green tea is released to the body in a different way than coffee, so you won’t get a caffeine ‘hit’ or ‘jitters’ from tea. You can still get a little buzzed off tea if you drink a lot at once or brew it very strong.
Are there varying levels of caffeine in green teas?
Yes, First Harvest leaves are higher in caffeine. Leaves picked later in the harvest have less caffeine. Genmaicha has less caffeine because it’s blended with roasted rice and contains less leaf per gram. Houjicha is also lower in caffeine.
Can I reduce the caffeine in the tea?
It’s said that much of the caffeine in green tea can be flushed out in the first infusion of the leaves, however this is debated. If you’re sensitive to caffeine in tea, try infusing the tea leaves in a pot of hot water but throw out this first pot of tea, then steep the leaves properly for the recommended time. Or just pick a lower caffeine tea, such as Houjicha.
SHIPPING OR STOCKING GREEN TEA
How fast is your shipping?
We normally ship within two to four days once we’ve received payment.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping charges start from approx. $8.00 and up and vary depending on the amount of tea you order and where you’re located. We ship via Australia Post and tracking numbers are provided.
Do you ship overseas?
Yes we do via DHL International. Prices vary depending on the amount of tea you order and where you’re located. Tracking numbers are provided.
Why isn't there a copy of my invoice in my delivery?
We don’t like wasting paper, so we don’t included a printed invoice in your delivery. Your invoice is your order confirmation which is emailed.
Can I please become a Perfect South stockist?
Yes! Please get in touch via our become a stockist link.