Loose Leaf Teas

Discover the Richness & Elegance of Our Selection

"I am Arnaud, founder of Le Comptoir de Toamasina, and I want my teas and infusions to take your taste buds on a journey. Discover the perfect alternative for connoisseurs seeking savings and escape."

AS

I am Arnaud Sion

Founder of Le Comptoir de Toamasina — Tea & world flavor specialist since 2010

Trained in botany, every tea in this selection carries the same high standard as my vanillas or peppers: a verified origin, an identified terroir, and an aromatic profile that I personally tasted before offering it to you. Over 50 references to take your taste buds on a trip.

Palette of Flavors

Over 50 references: from black tea to green tea, including single-origin grand crus and signature flavored creations.

Tailored Formats

Choose your ideal size: 80g discovery pouches or bulk economical packs (400g to 500g) for true tea lovers.

Arnaud Sion Expertise

Rigorously selected in the field to delight your senses, combined with the convenience of online shopping.

Awaken your senses with our exclusive selection of loose leaf teas. Le Comptoir de Toamasina offers over 50 exceptional teas and herbal infusions, carefully chosen to take your taste buds on a voyage across the world's finest tea gardens.

Discover our loose teas: the ideal alternative combining high aromatic quality with value. Buy your tea at Le Comptoir de Toamasina and experience a midsummer night's dream in every single cup.

The Origins of Tea at Le Comptoir de Toamasina

Discover the exceptional origins of our teas. Tea is first and foremost an invitation to travel, a special moment to awaken your senses. Tasting an infusion selected by us means embarking on an aromatic odyssey across the globe.

China

Millenary birthplace of tea culture. A philosophy where drinking tea cleanses and refines the spirit.

Japan

Famous for its exceptional green teas and the ritual precision of the tea ceremony.

Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Renowned for golden-hued teas influenced by monsoons, offering a vibrant freshness.

India

Assam for bold, full-bodied notes, and Darjeeling, rightly nicknamed the "champagne of teas".

South Africa

The kingdom of Rooibos, a naturally caffeine-free infusion with sweet fruity and soothing notes.

What is Tea? (Camellia Sinensis)

Second only to water as the most consumed beverage worldwide, tea is a noble drink enjoyed for over 5,000 years. Buying tea means acquiring a millenary story shaped by trade routes and Asian traditions.

Botanically, all real teas come from a single plant: Camellia Sinensis. There are three main botanical varieties: var. sinensis, var. assamica, and var. cambodiensis.

The Color Shades of Tea

It is the processing method and oxidation level of the leaf that determine the final color of the tea liquor:

White Tea

Delicate, young buds and shoots with minimal oxidation (10-12%).

Green Tea

Heat-dried without oxidation to preserve its vibrant vegetal freshness.

Oolong Tea

Semi-oxidized (up to 70%), offering a woody and floral balance.

Black Tea

Fully oxidized, robust, with intense malty notes.

Pu Erh

Exceptional post-fermented tea with deep, dark, earthy accents.

How to Choose Loose Leaf Tea?

To select the infusion perfectly suited to your preferences, rely on these simple criteria:

1

Tea Family: Black (bold & full-bodied), Green (fresh & vegetal), White (soft & light), Oolong (subtle & complex).

2

Leaf Quality: Prefer whole leaves and higher grades that guarantee rich aromatic oils.

3

Origin Terroir: Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon, Fujian, or Japanese harvests, each garden has its altitude character.

4

Flavor Profile: Single-origin pure teas or flavored creations (citrus, floral, vanilla, adventure spices).

5

Tasting Moment: Energizing for mornings (Black/Chai Tea) or relaxing for evenings (Rooibos/White Tea).

Full-Bodied vs Subtle Tea:
• Full-bodied teas: Assam or Yunnan black teas with malty and woody notes. Perfect for morning wake-ups.
• Subtle teas: White or green teas (Sencha, Bai Mu Dan) with delicate floral and marine notes. Ideal for moments of calm.

Brewing Tips & Art of Tasting

Preparing tea requires precision and respect for the leaf. Water that is too hot or an overly long steep time can compromise delicate aromas.

Parameter Recommendation
Ideal Dosage 2g per cup (approx. 10 to 12g per liter of water)
Water for Green & White Teas Gentle simmering water controlled at 80°C
Water for Black & Oolong Teas Hot water heated between 90°C and 95°C
Steep Time 3 minutes on average (adjust to taste)

Tea at the Table (Food & Tea Pairings)

Fish & Seafood

Perfect pairing with a crisp Darjeeling or a lightly smoky Lapsang Souchong.

Vegetarian Dishes & Spices

Pairs ideally with a generous Chai Tea or a woody Oolong.

Fresh Cheeses & Goat Cheese

Enhanced by the lively fresh notes of Sencha or Gunpowder green tea.

Aged & Blue Cheeses

Match with the full-bodied strength of Assam Black Tea or high-altitude Yunnan.

Everyday Wellness Benefits of Tea

Green Tea

Rich in antioxidants and catechins.

Black Tea

Theine boost and cardiovascular comfort.

White Tea

Preserved anti-aging softness.

Matcha

Concentrated green detox power.

Rooibos

Caffeine-free, ideal for evening relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Loose Leaf Tea

What water temperature should I use for different tea varieties?
We recommend around 80°C to protect green and white teas from bitterness, and between 90°C and 95°C to unlock the full structure of black, dark, and oolong teas.
What is the right loose tea dosage per cup?
The standard dosage is 2g of whole leaves for a 20cl cup, or about 10 to 12g per liter of filtered water.
What is the difference between a full-bodied tea and a subtle tea?
Full-bodied teas (Assam, Yunnan) feature malty notes and brisk astringency. Subtle teas (Sencha, Bai Mu Dan) reveal a light, smooth, floral profile.
Why choose loose leaf tea over industrial tea bags?
Loose leaf tea consists of high-quality whole leaves that expand freely during steeping, releasing a far superior aromatic bouquet without tea dust.