Tea FAQ – The Great Mississippi Tea Company
Q: What makes The Great Mississippi Tea Company different from other tea brands?
A: We’re not just a brand—we’re a working tea farm. All of our teas are 100% USA grown and sustainably grown here in Brookhaven, Mississippi. We don’t use pesticides or fungicides on our tea, and many of our teas have been internationally recognized for outstanding flavor. From the field to the cup, we grow, process, and ship directly from the farm, so you know exactly where your tea comes from.
Q: Is your tea really grown in the United States?
A: Yes. Every tea leaf in our core collection is grown and manufactured here in the U.S. on our farm in Brookhaven, Mississippi. When you see “100% USA grown tea” on our site, that’s exactly what you’re getting—American-grown Camellia sinensis, harvested and processed on our own land.
Additional products such as fruit or spices may be sourced from other areas. We try to source from the USA first and then if we cannot may source from other countries.
Q: What types of tea do you process in Mississippi?
A: From one Mississippi farm, we produce a surprising range of teas:
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Black tea – including our flagship Black Magnolia
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Green tea – like Mississippi Queen and Mississippi Mint
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Yellow tea – Mississippi Sunshine
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Oolong tea – Mississippi Belle
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Specialty blends & flavored teas – such as Clairee’s Chai, Mississippi Mud (chocolate & hazelnut), peach teas, and seasonal favorites
All of them start with US-grown tea from our farm; some are then blended with carefully selected ingredients for added flavor.
We also collaborate with Down Home Mushrooms to bring to you a flavorful selection of mushroom teas.
Q: Are your teas organic or pesticide-free?
A: While we are not currently certified organic, our teas are grown without pesticides or fungicides. We focus on sustainable growing practices and a transparent supply chain—you’re always welcome to visit the farm and see how your tea is grown and processed.
Q: What is Black Magnolia tea, and why do people talk about it so much?
A: Black Magnolia is our best-known tea and the most purchased tea in our store. It’s a 100% Mississippi grown black tea, lightly oxidized for a balanced, smooth cup with notes often described as sweet potato, molasses, honey, and stone fruit. It won 1st place in the Tea of the United States Awards (non-commercial division), and has been featured by specialty tea retailers as one of the finest American-made black teas available. Our Black Magnolia, black tea has an extra leaf in the pluck, giving it a hint of floral notes.
Q: How much caffeine is in your teas compared to coffee?
A: All “true” teas (black, green, oolong, yellow) naturally contain caffeine, but typically less caffeine per cup than coffee. Black teas usually have the most caffeine, followed by oolong, then green and yellow teas. Exact amounts vary by tea and brewing style, but many tea drinkers find they get a gentle lift without the jitters they experience from coffee.
Q: Do you offer low-caffeine or caffeine-free options?
A: Yes. If you’re looking to cut back on caffeine, try:
Q: How do I brew your black and green teas for the best flavor?
A: A good starting point:
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Black teas (like Black Magnolia, Mississippi Mud)
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Water: just off boiling (around 200–212°F)
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Time: 3–5 minutes
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Green & yellow teas (like Mississippi Queen, Mississippi Sunshine)
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Water: a little cooler (around 170–185°F)
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Time: 2–3 minutes
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Always adjust to taste—if your tea tastes too strong or bitter, use slightly cooler water or a shorter steep time; if it’s too light, steep a little longer or add a few more leaves.
Q: Which of your teas are best for iced tea?
A: Many of our teas make incredible iced tea. Customer favorites include:
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Black Magnolia – for a smooth, complex iced black tea
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Clairee's Chai – flavorful with a hint of spice
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Grilled Southern Peach or Peach Tea – for a classic Southern sweet-tea vibe
To make iced tea, brew a stronger “concentrate” (using more leaf or a longer steep), then pour over ice and dilute to taste.
Q: Are there health benefits to drinking your tea?
A: Tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant has been widely studied for its potential benefits, including heart health support, improved focus, and being a naturally low-calorie, unsweetened beverage option. We can’t make medical claims or offer personal health advice, but if you’re looking for a warm, flavorful drink with less caffeine than coffee and no added sugar, our US-grown teas are a great daily choice.
Q: Can I visit the tea farm in Mississippi?
A: Yes! We love showing people how American-grown tea is made. Our “Tour & Stay” options and farm tours allow you to walk the fields, see our state-of-the-art processing facility (certified by the FDA and the Mississippi Department of Health), and taste the teas right where they’re grown. Check the “Tour & Stay” section of our main website for current tour offerings and booking details.
Q: Do you offer wholesale US-grown tea for cafés, shops, or restaurants?
A: We do. We supply wholesale USA grown tea to retailers and food-service partners who want a truly farm-to-cup story for their customers. If you’re interested in carrying our teas, visit the Wholesale page on our main site or email us at info@greatmsteacompany.com for more information.
Q: Do you ship tea outside Mississippi?
A: Yes, we ship from the farm via USPS to customers across the United States. We can coordinate international shipping—just email us for details. All orders are typically shipped within three business days of your order.
Q: How long will my tea stay fresh, and how should I store it?
A: Properly stored, your tea should taste great for many months. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from light, moisture, and strong odors (not over the stove or next to spices). Reseal the bag after each use or store the leaves in an airtight container. Because we’re a small farm and seasonally run out of tea, many customers like to stock up while their favorites are in season.
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