Hello, everyone,
While googling, I've found this site:
https://secure.worldsourceintl.com/index.htm. They seem to have a huige
selection of teas. Does anyone know of them and if they are reputable?
Thanks.
Shen

Shen wrote:
> Hello, everyone,
> While googling, I've found this site:
> https://secure.worldsourceintl.com/index.htm. They seem to have a huige
> selection of teas. Does anyone know of them and if they are reputable?
> Thanks.
> Shen

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

Dominic T. wrote:

> I'm not sure how you found this via Google, because I have never seen
> it in my many searches...

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.

Oh Jeez wrote:
> Dominic T. wrote:
>
> > I'm not sure how you found this via Google, because I have never seen
> > it in my many searches...
>
> 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:
> Hello, everyone,
> While googling, I've found this site:
> https://secure.worldsourceintl.com/index.htm. They seem to have a huige
> selection of teas. Does anyone know of them and if they are reputable?
> Thanks.
> Shen

Shen wrote:
> Hello, everyone,
> While googling, I've found this site:
> https://secure.worldsourceintl.com/index.htm. They seem to have a huige
> selection of teas. Does anyone know of them and if they are reputable?
> Thanks.
> Shen

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

www.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 asked for a sample of the same.
Truthfully, I don't rememebr what the search was for - I think for a
tea mentioned recently on this list - it may have been zhong guo cha?
Anyway, I was amazed at the quantity and array of the tea available and
thanks for all the info.
Shen

Dominic T. wrote:
> Shen wrote:
> > Hello, everyone,
> > While googling, I've found this site:
> > https://secure.worldsourceintl.com/index.htm. They seem to have a huige
> > selection of teas. Does anyone know of them and if they are reputable?
> > Thanks.
> > Shen
>
> 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
>
> www.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.


"Shen" > wrote in message
ups.com...
>I asked for a sample of the same.
> Truthfully, I don't rememebr what the search was for - I think for a
> tea mentioned recently on this list - it may have been zhong guo cha?
> Anyway, I was amazed at the quantity and array of the tea available and
> thanks for all the info.
> Shen
>
> Dominic T. wrote:
>> Shen wrote:
>> > Hello, everyone,
>> > While googling, I've found this site:
>> > https://secure.worldsourceintl.com/index.htm. They seem to have a huige
>> > selection of teas. Does anyone know of them and if they are reputable?
>> > Thanks.
>> > Shen
>>
>> 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
>>
>> www.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
>

Anna wrote:
> 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?


Dominic T. wrote:
> Drinking: Dragon Tears

Phyll wrote:
> What is Dragon Tears?
>
>
> Dominic T. wrote:
> > 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:
http://www.theteatable.com/Merchant2..._Code=rareteas

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.


Dominic T. wrote:
> Phyll wrote:
> > What is Dragon Tears?
> >
> >
> > Dominic T. wrote:
> > > 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:
> http://www.theteatable.com/Merchant2..._Code=rareteas
>
> 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

"Phyll" > writes:

> 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?

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
---
Lew Perin /
http://www.panix.com/~perin/babelcarp.html

Phyll wrote:
> 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.
>
>
> Dominic T. wrote:
> > Phyll wrote:
> > > What is Dragon Tears?
> > >
> > >
> > > Dominic T. wrote:
> > > > 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:
> > http://www.theteatable.com/Merchant2..._Code=rareteas
> >
> > 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

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

Dominic T. wrote:
> Phyll wrote:
> > 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.

> 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

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:
> 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

Phyll wrote:

> 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.


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