the way of tea

“tea is not a product, it’s a practice. what the Asians call the ‘Way.’ …no pleasure is simpler, no luxury cheaper, no consciousness-altering substance more benign.” -james norwood pratt

for me, tea is more than a drink–it’s an experience. it’s true that the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant are a treasure worldwide…as a beverage, medicine, industry, and art. history lives on that little plant–it has played a large role in the political, financial, and social stories of the world. whether we realize it or not, to drink tea is to imbibe the spirit of rich cultures from all over the globe. (see a history of tea here.) no wonder tea is second only to water as the preferred beverage worldwide.

personally, i am in a love affair with tea. i do not go a single day without multiple cups, usually of varying types, and almost always prepared with as much attention as you would devote to a souffle. i genuinely savor the experience as much as the flavor.

yes, i have become a tea snob – i would prefer water to a cheap and tasteless brew. i’m “roughing it” when i have to resort to a tea bag and not loose leaf while i am out. (i always carry several individual bags of the good stuff in my purse.)

more than just the sensual pleasure of the smooth taste, soothing warmth, and comforting ritual, my enjoyment comes from an understanding and appreciation for the history, culture, art, and way of tea. it’s an experience i love to share.