What’s the Tea?
It’s been weeks since I had even a drop of iced coffee after I switched over to strictly tea. I’ve been sleeping better instead of staying up until all hours of the morning, jittery and exhausted. Not to mention my skin has been glowing! (Though, let me have an honest moment. I wanted to treat myself because I was doing so well so I stopped by a Dunkin’. Only to end up purchasing the nastiest, sweetest iced coffee I had in a long time. The sign was clear as day: no more cheat days.) I’ve been craving new experiences, since it’s the only way to be sure of what it is I truly like or dislike, so I booked a solo “tea journey,” at the T Shop.
The tasting took about an hour and fifteen minutes and within that time I traveled to China, Korea and Taiwan though not literally. (Because if we’re talking superpowers, I would definitely choose teleportation. Immortality is overrated.) When I arrived I was expecting to have different teas sat in front of me and for me to drink them at my leisure but what I got was a very intimate experience, to which I am grateful. (I will be going again!) The tea expert was so kind, and throughout our time together she explained the difference between the teas, commented on the flavor profiles, and the effect each tea had on the body all mixed in with stories about her life and her travels to different tea farms in Asian.
The tasting process was very meticulous. The hot water is poured into a cup then poured out and next the tea leaves are put inside and covered so that the heat will bring out the fragrance. I was prompted to smell each set of tea leaves, some more aromatic than the others. After the tea is rinsed with hot water, you are poured at least five (in my case up to seven) brews of the tea to taste and discuss the difference. Finally, the leaves are placed in front of you on a small saucer so you feel, smell and observe the differences.
(I took great notes.)
First up, I tried Li Shan Reserve from Tai Chung, Taiwan, an oolong tea that honestly was my least favorite of the bunch but still pretty good. According to the tea expert, whose name I wish I had asked, the farmers in this region take serious pride in their leaves, each swearing they harvest the absolute best tea. The first cup was decent, the second bolder in taste while the third cup was strongest in flavor. I had at least six cups of this brew, each getting lighter in color but still bold in taste. Visually, this tea reminded me of spinach and made me a little hungry. (I did not eat breakfast this morning.)
Hadong Hwang Cha tea from Hadong, Korea was up next and though it is seen as “old fashioned” in its region, it gave me one of my favorite brews by far! During her travels the tea expert and her family met the farmer of this tea. She described him as someone who was serious about which leaves he wants included in his teas, even going so far as to only have him and his wife be the only harvesters because quality is that important to him. Caramel colored and bold in flavor, it wasn’t as bitter on the first or second brew as it was in the third, fourth and fifth. (The second brew was amazing, no honey necessary! Not that they had any honey or sugar to give…)
The final tea I tried was 2007 Harmony Raw Puerh from Yunnan, China, which is harvested from twelve mountains and blended together. It was my favorite overall! An aged tea passed from “grandfather to grandson,” most leaves having to be at least 20 years old to be considered aged enough to pass down. (16 years ain’t bad.) It’s definitely a tea you drink on a cold, winter morning because it literally warmed my entire body up and the warmth lingered in my chest just right up until I left. The first brew was a dark honey color and very bitter and as the tasting went on it became slightly less bitter but more flavorful. I had seven brews of this tea and currently, the bitterness lingers in my mouth and my tongue is burnt. Not too bad!
Overall, I’m looking forward to going back just to stop by for a cup or to take another tea journey and try another three of the many variations. I drank enough tea for generations of my family and quite honestly, will be going back for seconds and thirds.
