 This
guide will take you around the world and back again. Experience six of
the purest teas grown in the most famous tea regions. Taste for
yourself the range of flavors that come from the leaf of the Camellia
sinensis. This plant has refreshed and encouraged people for 5,000
years.
Try the teas in the sample case and rate each tea. Try to identify its appearance, aroma, astringency, body, and tastes.
Appearance: This is the look of
the dried leaves. Are they of consistent color, size, and shape? After
the leaves have been infused, have the colors and shapes changed?
Aroma: This refers to the scent
of the infused cup of tea, and the brewed leaves. Each provides
delightful fragrances. Sniff both the leaves and tea prior to drinking
to liven your senses.
Astringency: This is the effect
the tea has in your mouth. If your mouth puckers, the tea is very
astringent. If this is unpleasant to you, re-steep the leaves briefly
and try again.
Body: Is the tea thick in your mouth? Is the liquor full or watery?
Tastes: Look for tastes such as
grass, honey, rose, nuts, berries, or fruit. Often you will taste
something as you take your first sip, something else as you swallow the
tea, and a final flavor on your tongue after finishing the tea.
After you complete this tour of tea, reuse the containers and the box
as your personal tea travel kit. Make sure you consume the tea within
several weeks as the aluminum tins are not airtight and tea will
degrade if left for too long. |
