How To Spot a Quality Tea – Part 2: Silver Needles

Silver needle leaves

In our last episode of Talking Tea we began to explore the elements of a quality tea with Shunan Teng of New York City’s Tea Drunk. As examples of what to look for in choosing tea, Shunan selected two historically famous teas from China. We began in our last episode by looking at Gua Pian, a green tea, and now we chat with Shunan about Bai Hao Yin Zhen, also known as Silver Needles, as we continue discussing how to spot a quality tea.  Read the full show notes

How To Spot a Quality Tea – Part 1: Gua Pian

TT Gua Pian

This week on Talking Tea we return to Tea Drunk in New York City to chat with Shunan Teng, founder and owner of Tea Drunk, about tips and tricks for identifying quality teas. As an example of what to look for in choosing tea, Shunan selects a Gua Pian, a historically famous green tea from China.   Read the full show notes

Baozhong: Born in China, Rooted in Taiwan

FarmerChen 42

We’re continuing our exploration of Taiwanese oolongs this week with a focus on one of the most celebrated of Taiwanese teas, Baozhong. Shiuwen Tai, of Seattle’s Floating Leaves Tea, gave us such a fantastic and comprehensive intro to Taiwanese oolongs in our last episode that we had to invite her back to give us some more in-depth knowledge, and we asked Shiuwen to talk about Baozhong because, well, it’s one of our favorite oolongs.  Read the full show notes

Teatulia: A New Model of Tea Farming in Bangladesh

Perspective Exhibition

This week on Talking Tea we chat via Skype with Chris Olsen of Teatulia, an organic tea producer based in Bangladesh founded on principles of social responsibility and sustainability. 

You may be familiar with the unique flavor profiles of Teatulia’s teas and blends, and Chris and I discuss the influence of the Bangladeshi terroir on the complex flavors and aromas of some of Teatulia’s award-winning teas. But what most impressed us at Talking Tea was the positive impact Teatulia has made on the environment and society surrounding its tea garden.  Read the full show notes

Beyond The Tea Leaf: A Conversation With Tea Author Linda Hewitt

TT tasting cup

For our first episode of Talking Tea, we chat via Skype with Linda Hewitt, author of The Japanese Tea Ceremony And The Shoguns and other works on tea history and customs. Linda shares her reflections on how tea, and the rituals surrounding it, create much-needed space for relationship-building and contemplation.   Read the full show notes