Appreciation Comes With Education

Tea is much more than the latest health trend. It is an experience of a refined art with a rich history. One sip reflects an intimate relationship between humankind and nature. The forces of the earth and the heavens create the proper growing conditions for tea leaves, then it's up to humankind to relate with the natural environment and harvest the leaves when the time is right. In ancient times, reputable astrologers and meteorologists planned the tea harvest. Today, we rely on the skills of the tea master to plan the plucking of the tea leaves and to begin the finished product that is tea. The tea master's skill is to work with the forces of nature to provide us with a wonderful, yet incomplete, work of art. As we receive the tea master's pride, we must also work with the forces of nature to ensure that the interactive art of tea is realized.

Each tea has a unique character, interesting preparation method, and fitting teaware for its type. An awareness of these facts and introducing yourself to the art of tea as a gourmet discipline, in form and philosophy, is a great start to creating a unique experience.

To observe this art, we must develop a disciplined skill that requires a sense of timing, thoughtful teaware, and a familiarity with the elements of water and fire. The purest water must be heated to the proper temperature and applied to the tea master's work. Proper timing, the tea master's skill, the appropriate teaware, and the harmony of elements result in the art of tea. One sip of thoughtfully prepared tea reflects this intimate relationship between humankind and nature. The many forms of quality tea available in America have glorious histories and interesting preparation methods. Each provides a wide range of natural and distinctively delicious alternatives to the largely artificial beverage choices Americans have today.

Interest in premium tea in all quarters is reaching new highs. Some of this is the natural evolution of sophisticated consumers who have discovered the joys of great beverages - fine wines, craft brewed beers, specialty coffees, and the like. Tea represents another beverage, which offers a world of discovery in both knowledge and experience. For many, coffee has been the gateway beverage. Tea offers a different taste experience, as well as a different emotional experience. Where coffee has become the "on the go" beverage for a fast paced world, tea demands a moment or two of time, and thus offers some respite from the hectic pace so many of us are caught up in.