Tea varieties > Info > Gourmet teas from around the world

Gourmet teas from around the world

The mention of tea usually brings one of three settings to mind. The first is that of the noble Chinese individual sitting on the floor at a low table delicately sipping at a cup of tea, as if it were a precious and vital drink. The next is the British royalty, sitting on the deck of a castle-like building overlooking the city, holding a cup of steaming tea with the aura of royalty. Lastly, there is the American country setting, with a southern gentleman kicking back on the front porch with a sparkling glass of cold tea, his faithful dog at his feet. All of these mental images seem to have one thing in common, and that is a sense of relaxation. Tea in any form seems to represent calmness.

Today, tea has become an everyday average drink, as it is affordable and available in the basic form of black tea at the average supermarket or even service station. Now, it seems that it has become just another average drink, no more cultured than that of a can of soda. Nevertheless, there are still a few individuals who relish the concept of tea, in much the same way that the cigar smoker enjoys a fine Cuban or the wine entrepreneur loves a good vintage Cabernet. These individuals realize that there are a wide variety of teas, far beyond that of the quickly produced tea that you buy at your local shopping center. These people know how to enjoy a fine glass of tea.

The first rule of drinking tea is to go beyond the cheap tea that you are used to. Do a bit of research online and find out the different types of tea. There are actually many different kinds, each for a different palette. Try every one, but make sure that the setting is right before you do.

When it comes to settings, the ideal environment for truly enjoying a fine glass or cup of tea is actually quite intricate. First, find a peaceful setting. To really enjoy the experience, you need to make certain that there are no distractions. That means find a place where the phone won’t ring, no one will disturb you, and that you can relax. It is always nice to have a nice song playing in the background, something that is soothing and requires no concentration. Also, it is nice if there is a very beautiful scene before you to look at, a beach or the countryside, something that instills a sensation of awe. Then, when all is perfect, it is time to partake of your tea.

When drinking the tea, do not simply gulp it down. Enjoy the sensation; tease your sense of taste a bit. Initially, take a small sip. Don’t swallow it right away. Allow it to sit on your tongue just a bit. Then swallow. Before you take your next drink, savor the flavor of the tea. Spend a moment just concentrating on nothing more than the taste and the images that it brings to mind. Then, take another sip. Make every drink something to remember.

The true tea aficionado will always make sure that every aspect of his or her tea drinking experience is a memorable one. Quite the opposite of popular opinion, anyone can be an entrepreneur of fine teas. All it takes is the willingness to try new kinds and the ability to be willing to make the experience more than just a drink.

Resources for Tea sets and Tea varieties

Enhancing your tea experience
Pure pekoe tea
Types of tea
Sassafras tea
Tea party checklist
Tea party customs