Teastyle

History

Tea originated in China around 2737 BCE. According to ancient Chinese legend, Emperor Shen Nong discovered it by accident. Leaves from a wild tea tree blew into his pot of boiling water, creating a refreshing drink he declared to have medicinal properties. Tea became a significant part of Chinese culture and spread to Japan in the 9th century. It was integrated into various spiritual practices, including the Japanese tea ceremony. In the 16th century, Portuguese and Dutch traders brought tea to Europe. It became especially popular in England during the 17th century. This is signficantly thanks to Catherine of Braganza, Portuguese wife of King Charles II. The British East India Company established tea plantations in India and Sri Lanka because of the growing demand in Europe, making tea more accessible to everyone. Today, tea is enjoyed all over the world, with many different types and traditions across a variety of different cultures with their own unique interpretations. From Chinese green tea to British afternoon tea and Indian chai, it remains a popular and beloved drink.

Proper Tea Tasting

It is important that before buying tea you are informed on proper tea tasting procedure. For a proper tasting set you will need a tasting bowl and a small cup with a lid, handle, and groove on the rim. 1 tsp of leaves per person and almonds or pumpkin seeds to neutralize the palate between teas if tasting multiple are also needed.

Tea tasting steps

  1. Examine the dry leaf for shape, color, size and initial fragrance. Place 1 tsp of tea leaves for each cup. Add 3/4 cup of water per tsp of tea leaf. At the approproate temperature, cover with the lid. Leave to steep depending on the type of tea.
  2. Remove the lid and listen to slight popping of the tea as it unfurls its leaves
  3. Lift the lid and hold the cup to your nose to get an idea of how the tea will taste
  4. Strain into tasting cups. Examine the wet leaves and the aroma
  5. Examine the color of the tea. Inhale, then quickly take a slurp so the flavors travel to all the taste receptors on the tongue. Examine how the tea feels to identify its "mouthful".

Click the image below to visit a tea recommendation article.

PNG of a mug with tea