Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Here we answer a handful of common reoccurring questions from our customers.
About SESA
Q: Where are you located?
A: SESA is a source-to-cup beverage lab and kitchen, born and growing in Austin, TX.
Q: Where do you all source your teas?
A: At SESA we take pride in offering specialty teas and blends that are sourced directly from skilled growers and reliable partners across the globe. Some of the key ingredients in our wellness products are grown and sourced locally. Our specialty teas are often made in small batches using hand crafting techniques. Our ingredients are sustainably cultivated and ethically sourced.
Q: What makes your tea specialty?
A: Our specialty teas are defined by the highest quality of the dry tea leaf, the aroma of the dry leaf, the color and clarity of the tannins from the tea, the flavor and mouthfeel of the teas, and the appearance and aroma of the brewed products. We meticulously discover, connect, source, import, test, roast, brew, blend, and pack our products with patience, joy and care. Each cup we serve is a testament to our commitment to freshness, robust flavor, and sustainable practices. Our tea blends are all hand made in house in tailored batches at the SESA beverage lab and kitchen facility. By working directly with partner farms we ensure the utmost care for our products, processes, and the people involved.
About Tea
Q: What are the health benefits of drinking tea?
A: Our teas and tea blends embody an ever growing list of health-promoting properties harnessing the plants’ superpowers which continue to be researched and analyzed. Tea's antioxidant prowess fortifies the immune system, bolstering its defense to maintain health. Naturally occurring plant compounds have been researched to potentially offer a range of health-enhancing qualities to positively impact energy levels, heart health, digestive function, sleep quality, and a myriad of other aspects of well-being. Tannins may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help remove harmful microbes from the body.
Q: Are some teas better than others?
A: Every product we offer has varying levels of benefits and profiles and flavors that offer unique experiences. Each variety can also change in flavor based on the preparation process. Different tea varieties possess distinct benefits. Some examples include black tea that increases alertness, green tea’s restorative properties also help with weight management, while herbal teas facilitate relaxation and revitalization. We encourage you to discover what benefit and flavor aligns most for you throughout the day to continue to guide you on the path to well-being. We are also delighted to support you on the journey so please reach out with questions you may have.
Q: What is the caffeine content of the products?
A: Our products have varying levels of caffeine. These are our caffeine categories listed below.
On our product pages, you'll find the caffeine rating for each tea. Here are our caffeine categories:
Caffeine-free and No Caffeine
contains 0 mg of caffeine per cup
Low caffeine
contains 1-19 mg of caffeine per cup
Medium caffeine
contains 20-39 mg of caffeine per cup. In the world of tea, our medium selection still means that you won't be getting the high caffeine content of a cup of coffee.
High caffeine*
contains 40+ mg of caffeine per cup.
A reminder that even with the higher caffeine still is less caffeine than Coffee.
Coffee contains an average of 140 mg of caffeine per cup.
Ordering and Handling Tea
Q: How many cups of tea does one package make?
A: Each tea and tea blend varies in number of servings due to the portion of the preparation and the size of the package. Our intention of each variety is to prepare about 20 to 30 servings depending on the size of your cup, your preparation and strength of brew you prefer.
Q: Do you offer more sizes?
A: Our most popular size, the daily ritual, is currently offered. For any other requests please contact us while we make more options available for purchase.
Q: I've had some of your other products served in my favorite cafe, how can I purchase them to make at home?
A: In addition to our product offerings, we often work exclusively with wholesale customers to develop custom blends and brews. We only offer these services on a wholesale level, therefore, some of our products will only be available either in wholesale quantities or exclusively at certain of our partners locations for you to have that unique experience with them.
Q: What is your return & exchange policy?
A: Due to the intrinsic nature of our products and our commitment for safe handling of consumables we unfortunately are not able to accept returns. We want you to be delighted with your purchase, so we encourage you to reach out if you have any questions about our products prior to or after your purchase and before you open and prepare the products.
Q: Do you all offer order pick up?
A; Pick up is complimentary, and shipping costs are calculated at checkout. For optimal pricing, we advocate utilizing ground shipping. Please choose your preferred option for pick up at checkout.
Q: Why does my tea taste different from my favorite cafe that serves it?
Please keep in mind that our products are made from all natural agricultural ingredients therefore seasonal variances are expected that result in the visual, aroma and taste differences from batch to batch.
Q: How should I store my tea?
A: For optimal freshness, ensure you store your tea in a cool, dark environment, shielded from light, humidity, and pungent odors. An airtight container is highly recommended to preserve the products integrity and quality.
Q: What is the difference between your loose-leaf tea and tea bags?
A: Most of our products are packed as whole loose-leaf teas to offer a higher quality, more flavorful experience. Our loose-leaf tea also allows the leaves to fully unfurl and release their flavors and aromas.
We offer select products in brew bags when ingredients are necessary to be extra evenly blended and there is no compromise to the quality of product and flavor to help our customers maintain an even profile for their brew.
Q: What is the best way to brew the perfect cup of tea?
A: Brewing the perfect cup depends on the type of tea and how you enjoy it. We suggest you start with fresh, filtered water for each brew. Then you want to be sure to heat the water to the appropriate temperature and steep for the recommended time. We offer preparation suggestions for each tea on our website or packaging.
Wholesale Partnership Program
Q: Do you all offer discounts to larger volume orders?
A: Yes we offer wholesale ordering for our Wholesale Partners. We are always delighted to meet and work with new companies that are interested in and want to share and spread the similar values of quality and integrity.
Q: What is the minimum order to purchase productS?
A: The minimum order quantity varies depending on the product. Just let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll give you all the details.
Q: Do you all help us choose what products to add to our menu?
A: There are many ways to build a menu. Once we get to know our partners and learn about their goals we provide suggestions and recommendations to best support each unique need. Please contact us to start your journey to set up a time to connect and build your goals.