Dear sweet Tea Apostles;

I do so appreciate your attention and care as you study the many aspects of the Way of Tea. I know that in my constant instruction and general testiness when it seems you don’t know why rooibos tea is called red tea, and other basic facts that you should certainly know by now, I sometimes forget to tell you that I am proud of you. My heart sometimes swells up like a used teabag at the thought of how much you continue to grow.

Forgive me if I am overly sentimental. I seem to be out of my morning black tea today, and I am missing it a bit, feeling a bit emotional.  I do so love black tea, you know. I love its brisk flavor, so rich and strong. I love every kind of black tea, from the flowery and fruity teas like Crimson Rose and Passion Fruit, to the spicy and nutty taste of the Masala Chai and Cinnamon Spice.

How much do you know about Black Tea?

Read full entry! »

Greetings Tea Students. I, Master Amanzi, have opened my giant Book of Tea Knowledge today so that I could impart unto you some valuable information about the leaf teas that come from Japan. So go get put your tea bags in some hot water, and spend the next three minutes steeping in enlightenment.

In Japan, 97% of the tea they drink is locally grown and processed. This is unsurprising, since tea has been popular there for centuries—long before the Western world was exposed to it. Almost half of Japan’s entire tea production is picked in the Shizhuoka region at the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Green tea is the least processed kind of tea, and may easily be found in all over the country. But if you would like to expand your tea consciousness and learn a little bit more, please continue.

Read full entry! »

Part 7: Herbal Tea

You are no doubt anxious to complete your lessons on the different types of tea. You have studied hard, I have no doubt, and know all that I have shown you and more about the previous types I have explained to you: white tea, green tea, oolong tea,  black tea, rooibos tea, and yerba tea. Now it is time to finish your journey.

The final type of tea is herbal tea.

Herbal tea, like yerba mate and rooibos, are not actually types of tea since they are not made from the leaves of the tea bush. But while these other two are made from specific plants, herbal tea is basically any kind of tea not made from tea leaves. Herbal teas are actual infusions made from other plants, such as leaves, flowers, roots, or seeds.

Read full entry! »

Part 6: Yerba Tea

As you all continue your journey down the Path of the Perfect Pot of Tea, I, Master Amanzi hope to guide you with my vast knowledge of the Way of Tea.

We have already dealt with the four kinds of actual tea:  white tea, green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. We have also discussed rooibos tea. This brings us to another cousin of the tea family: Yerba Tea.

Yerba tea, also called mate, is a Central American drink that is made from a type of holly plant that grows in that region. Because yerba isn’t made from tea leaves it’s not considered tea, but is prepared in the same way and is often served as an option in tea circles.

Read full entry! »

Part 5: Rooibos Tea

As you may know, on your path to Tea Enlightenment, I, Master Amanzi have offered you many tea tips. Most recently, I have been explaining about the different kinds of tea. I have told you about the four types of tea: white tea, green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. Since these are actually made from tea leaves, technically, these are the only kinds of tea. But there are other tea-like beverages that are called tea. Since the Way of Tea is open to all, I will explain a bit about them as well. Today we shall talk about rooibos tea.

As I have said, rooibos tea, also called “red tea” or “redbush tea,” isn’t actually tea at all. Rooibos,  (pronounced “roy-boss”), is Afrikaans for “red bush;” it’s made from the leaves of a legume bush that grows in South Africa. It is prepared just like tea and is thus considered a member of the tea family, but since it is not from Camellia Sinensis leaves, it could at best be considered a distant cousin.

Read full entry! »

Greetings Commoners. The Earl of Grey has bothered to notice your existence today. On previous occasions, I have explained to you how to make good iced tea, what makes tea so healthy, and other juicy tidbits of my tea wisdom. Well, hold your tea bags, because I’ve got something for you today.

Many people think a cup of tea is just something to have in the morning. Which isn’t wrong. But tea is a delicious afternoon drink as well. And tastes great in the evening. What I’m saying is that tea is a delicious beverage for any time of day. As long as you do it right.

Read full entry! »

Part 3: Oolong Tea

Greetings Tea Lovers and Students of the Way of Tea.

I, Master Amanzi, prompted by one of my newest apprentices, have elected to briefly describe  the differences between the different kinds of tea. While most have an understanding of the difference between iced tea and hot tea, or why to use loose tea rather than a tea bag, few understand the difference between a white tea and a black tea, for example.

I have already told you a bit about white tea and green tea. Today, let me explain to you a little bit about  oolong tea.
Read full entry! »

Part 2: Green Tea

As you may recall, I, Master Amanzi, have decided to help clear up some confusion about the different types of tea. As my once-exiled student pointed out to me, it is not clear the difference between green tea and oolong, or what exactly makes an herbal tea herbal (and not actually a tea at all—but we shall address that later.)

I have already explained to you about white tea, which is one of the more rare and expensive teas. Today, I shall impart a bit of knowledge unto you about green tea.
Read full entry! »