Love loose tea and I am fortunate to have a bunch of Asian grocery stores in the area where all kinds of tea are available. I really like the white tea and the green teas. And water temps are important for these more delicate teas.

I am a tea junky...and let me tell ya that the BEST website to learn about tea has to be www.adagio.com so many teas out there, so much to learn about...like, brewing & steeping at just the right temp and time....that alone can make or break a pot of tea! Their 20z sampler tins are the greatest way to experience NEW things at a great price!
I just can't say enough good things about adagio. I have been a loyal customer for about 8 years+

I buy my loose tea from Harney & Sons they are great to deal with and have a large selection .You can call them at1 800 tea time or www.harney.com.I must drink decaf and their darjeeling is a very good decaf black tea.My daughter buys many of their herbal teas and loves them I am more of a black tea person.I buy a pound at a time.

The Stash Tea Company has some very good loose tea and you can order from their online site. Kelela

If you live near a food coop I suggest checking out their teas and talking with folks there as you may be surprised by the extensive knowledge of both the workers and shoppers when it comes to natural and organic food and herbs & teas. Good luck.

I was introduced to Red Rose tea many years ago in Canada and like it best of all.

I can only reply to the white tea part. White tea is made from just the baby tea leaves.

I went to a local Chinese market and bought a huge bag of Jasmine tea on sale last year. I pour some in a container to use, and keep the rest sealed in a dark, cool spot. I can't remember the price but it was very inexpensive, and is a very smooth tea. I usually will add two bags or a smaller strainer of another flavor to the pot of jasmine just to switch it up.

You can buy the metal tea balls inexpensively. Fill the large one half full with jasmine, the small one with whichever blend you prefer and let steep in a full pot for 3-5 minutes. Some teas will list the temperature, I think 130 F is a good temp that is hot enough to steep the tea, but not too hot which will make it bitter.

This is a great way to use the expensive and incredibly tasty teas (for example the ones I bought at Teja tea in Beaverton, OR at the mall -- love the "almond biscotti") and still save a little money.

A friend brought me a gift from Harrods in England one time. It was their Darjeeling and Earl Gray tea. I love it and you can order it online. A little expensive but worth it.

We have Teavana at Barton Creek Mall here in Austin. There are some really good blends there. I take my air tight cans with me for refilling.