Tea Students.

I was not always a tea master. I once was a young tea student. I once lived only on pizza and thought I never needed sleep. I wanted to rebel against the Man. I was not concerned with my health, thinking I could live forever (even without the health benefits of green tea and the rest of the teas).  I once had to make tea with the loose leaves that I picked myself, because I could not afford to buy them. So I know what it is like to be low on funds.

I know times are hard economically right now. Many of my students cannot afford to buy new tea every day. I will share with you the piece of tea advice that I share with them when times are hard. Are you ready to gain some tea wisdom?

Read full entry! »

Tea Ceremony to be held at Hamarikyu Gardens

Oh my diligent tea students, I am feeling quite nostalgic as I sip my organic oolong tea. The strong aroma does take me back to my younger days, and thought I continue to feel young due to the almost magical effects of tea. But that’s not what I am talking about. You see, coming up in Japan, some tea houses are going to hold what cold be the largest tea ceremony ever.

On October 25 and 26, in Hamarikyu Gardens in the Chuo Ward will play host to a ceremony that will be celebrated by something like 8,000 people. 8,000 people will be taking tea, being a part of the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony. This is quite an amazing thing, tea students. I should not have to tell you that.

Read full entry! »

What’s up you guys! Jasmine here to talk to you about something very important. It’s not about tea. Well, it is, but it’s not just about that. it is about tea, and it is about tea parties. But most of all, it’s about breast cancer.

See, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And one of the types of fundraisers people are having that I’ve been reading about are Pink Tea Parties. So I want to encourage you guys to throw a Pink Tea Party for Breast Cancer!

Read full entry! »

Hello common people.

It is no secret that a good cup of tea is one of my favorite things. They didn’t name Earl Grey Tea after me for nothing, after all. (It wasn’t a catchy name when I first told them what to call it, BTW, and a bit of resistance had to be stamped out quickly and some say viciously.)

But as much as I enjoy a good strong black tea (though I like green tea and white teas as well, and don’t let anyone tell you differently), I do also enjoy a bit of the nectar of the gods, the fruit of the vine. And in that frame of mind, I shall tell you a bit about how tea is like wine.
Read full entry! »

Greetings Students of the Way of the Tea.

Forgive me if I am slower today as I impart wisdom unto you. The path to the Perfect Pot sometimes winds in directions one does not expect.

Last night, we graduated a new class of Tea Masters. And after the big Tea Ceremony, there was a bit of celebration. And as a result, this morning, old Master Amanzi isn’t feeling that “tea makes you feel young forever” feeling I’ve taught you so much about. Not to worry however, for I shall incorporate it into today’s lesson. How tea can help with a hangover.

Read full entry! »

Hey there, Tea People!

Are you having fun reading about tea? The health benefits of tea, the different kinds of loose teas, how long to leave your tea bags in—all that stuff? Those guys seem to know what they’re talking about. I’d listen to them.

I’ve got a little something different for you. Those other stuffed shirts might like to talk about how tea is made, and the difference between white tea and black tea, loose leaf tea vs. tea bags, or whatever. Well, all I care about is how good the tea tastes.

I’m not saying hot tea isn’t already delicious. I like it as much as the next girl, of course. But sometimes, I want a little something extra. So today I’m going to tell you a little bit about something I put into my tea sometimes—milk.

Read full entry! »

Hi Loves,

It’s time we show Mother Earth a little love–and ourselves, too. How do we do that? By starting small, with your daily cup of tea.

As Teato reminded us a few weeks ago, tea leaves are just like any other fruit or vegetable. So it totally matters what farmers spray all over them in order to increase crops and profits. Pesticides that leech into the ground can contaminate water supplies and damage the soil so that little can grow there once the tea crop has been exhausted. Yes, we all love our steaming cups of hot tea, but at what price?

How can we do that to Mother Earth? And what about how those pesticides affect our own health? It’s time to show ourselves some love with organic tea. Read full entry! »

Hi Loves,

Is it Friday yet? No? Why Not? Let’s just say that Ms. Tia is anxious for the weekend to get here already because she has big plans with Mr. Great Tea Date! Surprise, surprise: it involves tea.

Friday night, Mr. GTD is coming over so I can show off my grand culinary talents. I love to cook, especially using organic vegetables and meats. I’m thankful everyday that we have such a wonderful farmers’ market nearby. So I asked my local organic tea vendor how I could use tea in more edible, as opposed to drinkable, ways. You won’t believe what he had to say!

Read full entry! »

click here to see more pictures from China.

Greetings, Tea Students.

Put down your steaming cups of tea for one second and pay attention. The information I am about to impart unto you goes beyond telling you what a tea infuser is, or how green tea helps fight cancer. I don’t want you to spit your Lung Ching across the room in shock.

Are you ready?

Read full entry! »

Greetings Tea Students;

As I sit in my Tea Monastery, sipping a flavorful cup of Masai Sunset Tea and hum a short mantra to the Oneness of Tea-ness (I chose a nice rooibos tea because I have a lot of meditating to do later, so I need the natural energy boost), my otherwise blank mind wanders back to an age-old question, that I thought perhaps I would share with you, my inquisitive tea seekers, today. Prepare your minds.

Now, those who have meditated, or even seen movies about meditation, probably know this one: what is the sound of one hand clapping? Well, that one is too easy, so I shall enlighten you as to what we say here at the Tea Shrine.

Why does a teacup have no handle?

Read full entry! »