The first step in tea and wine tasting is to examine the visual aspects of the beverage.  For tea, you want to start by looking at the unprepared leaves themselves, determine if they appear to be fresh or old, and note the quality before brewing.  Then, you form visual impressions of the brewed cup of tea, especially focusing on the clarity, color, and presence of sediment.  This visual evaluation is almost the exact same for wine tasting, as you look for the clarity, color, and sediment in the glass before drinking to form impressions of the overall quality.  In both instances, having a white background for the liquid to be compared against is helpful, and white interior tea cups are most often used in the tasting process; in contrast, since wine is sampled from an appropriate glass, a paper towel is often held up to the glass for easy comparison.

As for the aroma, tasters of both beverages always make sure to mention the scent profile they gather, as scent and taste work hand in hand.  Tea connoisseurs sometimes put their nose directly in the unprepared tea leaves to evaluate the aroma, and they also consider the fragrance produced by the prepared brew.  Likewise, wine tasters sample the aroma of their subjects by putting their nose at the top of the glass and make note of the various nuances they sense from the smell alone.

Lastly, the actual tasting process for both tea and wine considers all aspects of the beverage’s evolution when being consumed.  The process starts with drinking either tea or wine in a way that makes sure the whole tongue is covered by the liquid, because the tongue has varying taste buds that sense different aspects of flavor.  Therefore to get the best impression, the liquid must be moved through the whole mouth.  Some connoisseurs of both tea and wine decide to spit out their sample once they have evaluated the flavor of the beverage, though I think this step is probably most important for wine tasting, as tea is not likely to leave you intoxicated after a few samples.  The final step in examining the overall taste of both tea and wine is to note the finish of the beverage and how the taste evolves after being consumed.

The overall experience from doing a tea or wine tasting definitely has its differences, but the process itself is not vastly contrasted between the two.  Quality is the main factor in both realms, and the visual impression, aroma, and evolution of taste are all factors that must be considered to effectively review tea and wine.  Though there are many specifics of tea tasting left to be mentioned, understanding the general points of the process can help in your own evaluation of different tea or wine varieties.

To find excellent loose leaf teas to sample and enjoy, visit our catalog, and order a fine variety that is shipped directly to your door.

The most common benefit we see from green tea is a high content of antioxidants, which aid in cancer prevention and the neutralization of free radicals. Before further research was conducted, many experts and consumers assumed that, because black tea is dried and fermented unlike green tea, it loses cancer-fighting properties. This myth has now been abated by further research and has established that black tea does have a high content of polyphenols, or antioxidants, just like green tea, and therefore, can also help in fighting the development of cancer cells. Though this fact can seem surprising at first, we should remember that all tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, and the true difference in the varieties has to do with when they are picked and how they are processed, not their biological composition. It actually makes sense, then, that black tea would have many of the same natural properties as green tea that contribute to good health.

Black tea is also great for cardiovascular health, as it promotes optimal function of blood vessels and reduces the presence of bad cholesterol, or LDL. In improving blood flow, the benefit gained is a lessened risk of heart attack or stroke, which is amazing, considering this benefit comes from simply drinking black tea consistently. Furthermore, black tea can slow the absorption of blood sugar into the body, leading to a reduced risk of diabetes with regular consumption. Another interesting fact is that black tea promotes good dental health, as tea contains fluoride that can prevent cavities.

Lastly, black tea contains a significant amount of caffeine and thus helps in boosting the metabolism just as green tea or coffee does. Raising your metabolism directly correlates with personal weight loss, and though green tea has held bragging rights regarding this benefit for many years, we are now finding that black tea can serve the same purpose and also provide an excellent early morning beverage. With all the health benefits to be gained from drinking a cup of strong, flavorful black tea, why hesitate in selecting it over a cup of green tea? Overall, tea, no matter how it is processed, is a healthy beverage to enjoy, so feel free to indulge!

To find your new favorite black tea, visit our catalog for an amazing selection of premium, loose leaf varieties.

As an articulation of the regimented and formal lifestyle once prevalent in Japan, the haiku emerged in its current form in the late 19^th century.  It is composed of three lines, each carrying the syllabic pattern of 5-7-5, respectively.  Just as metered verse was utilized by William Shakespeare to give a rhythmic flow and structure to his prose, haiku also uses its own unique, strict form in a way that is ideally balanced and recognizable, but exposes the philosophy behind the art form.  Haiku is deliberately simple to awaken the reader’s spirituality and self-reflection by describing a passing moment in nature that can be celebrated by the individual.  The poem itself is also unrhymed and asymmetrical, which is believed to be a Zen-like expression, as symmetry is a formed and humanized concept that does not accurately reflect natural beauty.

The Tea Ceremony is another example of a Zen-like tradition that is articulated in Japanese culture, as the impermanence of the gathering is emphasized, and the ritual is strongly structured, but meditative.  Asymmetrical objects are placed sparsely throughout the tea room, and purposefully off center, to allow reflection and appreciation of their beauty.  The haiku is sometimes used in tea ceremonies to accompany the ritual as the philosophy behind both is based in the same ideals of peace, thought, and personal insight.  Much like a natural, pure cup of tea can lead its drinker to ponder the hidden complexity and depth, a haiku can be savored and contemplated in the same way for a spiritually satisfying experience.

Join us in our Zen quest by participating in Teaflection’s weekly haiku competition where we fuse our love of haiku, tea, and reflection with a bit of fun!

The main difference between herbal teas and other, true tea varieties is the plant from which they originate, as all tea (no matter what color describes it) comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, herbal teas are actually made from the leaves, roots, and flowers of other plants and added to boiling water to create an infusion. Based on the medicinal results for which you are searching, you can use various tisanes to relieve discomforts and ailments, or simply enjoy the unique and diverse flavors created by the highly contrasting infusions.

For example, a personal favorite of mine in the herbal tea sector is red ginseng tea, though it is definitely not because of the taste. The flavor is distinct, but a bit too earthy and astringent to be wholly enjoyed for its flavor profile. However, the reason I have grown to love red ginseng tea is because of the burst of energy and clarity that results from drinking it, as well as the profound benefits it bestows upon the immune system.

Thankfully though, not all teas that are good for you have to necessarily be unpleasant. Blackberry and raspberry teas have a wonderful aroma and taste while aiding the digestive system. Other delicious teas that are great for stomach issues are ginger tea, which alleviates nausea, and chamomile for its soothing properties.

If you are looking for a great tisane to help with headaches, poppy tea and rosemary tea are excellent sources of relief, and St. John’s Wort can ease any accompanying stress and anxiety. There are even tisanes that help clarify skin, like dandelion tea, which also provides general detoxification benefits. With the plethora of options available, there is an herbal tea to accommodate any discomfort or illness an herbal supplement can pacify, so the next time you feel a headache or stomach ache coming on, try a delicious tisane infusion, and enjoy the relief.

For a great selection of fragrant and soothing herbal teas, visit our catalog of premium, gourmet varieties.

Even though it is technically a species of holly, Yerba Mate is still classified as a tea, but a surprising fact is that this super-beverage is actually healthier than green tea. Because of its high caffeine, vitamin, and mineral content, Yerba Mate is a nutritious drink that can boost your metabolism, sharpen your concentration, and prevent cancer cell formations, which is a function carried out by antioxidants. No wonder energy drink companies are now adding Yerba Mate to their products!

To prepare your very own, delicious cup of Yerba Mate, sans the gourd, you can make a beverage called “Mate Cocido,” which is prepared in the same way as conventional tea, with a few alterations. First, you want to put the Yerba Mate in a tea ball infuser and rinse it with cold water before preparation. Then, you steep it in water that is hot, not boiling, as it produces a bitter taste if the temperature is too extreme. Then, simply sweeten with sugar or honey—you can even add milk if you like. To make your Yerba Mate experience authentic, make sure to enjoy this beverage with friends and family, and keep the South American tradition of hospitality surrounding this beverage alive.

If you need your very own Yerba Mate, make sure to visit  our catalog, and order a 1/2lb or 2lb bag.

However, there is a way to curb some of the negative effects caffeine, nicotine, and processed foods have on your body. Though we all know that Green Tea is an energizing, healthy beverage that is full of antioxidants, what many do not know is that simply replacing your daily coffee with Green Tea, or having just one day a week where you only drink Green Tea, gives you wonderful detox benefits, without any of the usual hassle. This is one of the reasons many fad dieters love green tea! It boosts the metabolism, helps the digestive system, and even promotes dental health (who knew?).

So what reason do we all have for not trying an extra-simple green tea detox at some point in the next week? None! I encourage everyone to give it a try and let us know if you can feel a positive difference from your green tea infusion.

If you’re reading this, you probably know that you’re not supposed to boil your tea water, but you may not have a good grasp on precisely what temperatures are best for your different tea varieties. The unoxidized leaves that are used in white, yellow, and green teas are brewed at lower temperatures. The partially and fully oxidized oolong and black teas require higher temperatures to break down  their more complex molecular structure and release their full flavor. Below are some general guidelines for water temperature based on the variety of tea you’re drinking.

• White Tea: 149 to 158 °F
• Yellow Tea: 158 to 167 °F
• Green Tea: 167 to 176 °F
• Oolong Tea: 176 to 185 °F
• Black Tea: 210 °F
• Herbal Tea: 210 °F
• Pu-erh Tea: 203 to 212 °F

image via House of Sims

In southwest China, in the Xishuangbanna prefecture, there are six mountains — famous mountains, in fact. For a variety of reasons, tea cultivation has decreased dramatically or even ceased completely in some parts of these mountains. The tea trees here are old and wild. Camphor trees have grown among them, affecting their flavor. Like many nations, the natural forests of China are diminishing, and the trees that make up these old forests are a treasured gem — a gem that is perhaps most highly treasured by tea connoisseurs of a certain ilk: those that drink pu-erh tea.

Pu-erh tea is a unique, rare tea that grows from old, wild trees of a certain large-leaf variety. When bought, date and region of cultivation are noted, much like wine, because pu-erh, unlike other teas, can be aged. While many will sell pu-erh that has grown on a plantation, the authentic variety comes from the old, wizened trees of the forest. Due to economies, nature, and culture, the major tea growing plantations have changed numerous times throughout the history of China, and what were once known as the six famous mountains have since lost that honorary title; however, for the pu-erh connoisseur, these mountains are still of high esteem. Their names are:

• Gedeng — “leather stirrup”
• Mansa — “seed sowing bag”
• Mangzhi — “copper cauldron”
• Manzhuan — “iron brick”
• Yibang — “wooden clapper”
• Youle — “copper gong”

Image via tellytom

• The Harney & Sons’ Guide to Tea: an accessible introduction to refining your tea palate from one of the premier names in tea
• The Story of Tea: part culture, part history, part drinking guide — a great introduction
• The Classic of Tea: one of the first definitive writings on tea — 8th century
• The New Tea Companion: one of the most comprehensive connoisseur’s guides
• Chado the Way of Tea: A Japanese Tea Master’s Almanac: a guide to Japanese tea ceremony

img via rogue drone