Tea Grotto Blog

Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa, translates as “beautiful island” which it most surely is. A sub tropical gem south of Japan and mainland China it has a climate which lends itself naturally to the cultivation of fine tea. The central mountains form the backbone of terrain where gracious hillsides are terraced with stands of camellia senensis and assamica. Lush, emerald greenfoliage adorns the mountain slopes and embraces the tea plants in their forested homes.

The world’s most treasured jade green oolongs grow high up on these slopes, prized for their unique, floral fragrance, lingering, smooth aftertaste and distinct appearance; tightly semi-rolled balls from whole, hand-picked leaves. The higher up on the mountain the more valuable the tea. Teas with names such as Ali Shan and Tung Ting, partially oxidized tea (15%-30%), are served by tea farmers to domestic and international tourists in a large living room style section of their home on tables made from the roots of giant Cypress trees. These amazing tables hold tea trays that water can be poured liberally over to purify, warm, and infuse small tea cups, a large gaiwan and tea leaves. The gaiwan is filled between a third to half full with the leaves and allowed to steep about one minute. Infusion after infusion is sipped and enjoyed in this manner allowing each person to smell, taste, and watch the tea transform. This process invites us to both enjoy and determine which tea suits you best and then to purchase. If you get the chance try some of these oolongs the next time you go to the Tea Grotto or ask the friendly folks there to order some if they are not in stock! These are some of my favorite teas in the world. I hand carried a gift if Ali Shan back from taiwan and had to learn to brew it right and now It is one of my favorite brews.

Lhasha Tizer
co-author Tea Here Now
http://www.teaherenow.com

I am fresh from traveling to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, and the center of Chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. We also visited Taiwan the heartland of many of the world’s finest and rare Oolong teas. Impressed by so many alluring sights and sounds what has remained with me most is the friendliness and generous hospitality of our tea hosts.

In our book Tea Here Now chapter 8, Sharing Tea: the essence of hospitality, captures and expresses this quality that we derive from tea drinking:

“Showing sincere friendliness, generosity , and consideration for all who enter our world is the hospitality of tea. The word “hospitality“ derives from the same root word as “hospital,“ originally a place of shelter and rest for travelers. Whether we offer tea to a weary traveler or invite a guest to a fancy tea party, the act of opening our hearts and homes to another touches the essence of our humanness. The sharing of tea provides nourishment, creates comfort, and puts all at ease.“

Whether we were served a frothy, green bowl of Japanese matcha in the ceremonial tea room by a fellow chajin or a hearty cup of Japanese hojicha with sweets in a wabi-style teahouse, or when we visited the tea farmers at Tung Ting mountain and sipped fragrant jade green oolong tea with them our experience was the same—tea creates a bond of friendship between us. So potent was this experience that now when I sit to have my morning cup of tea I remember the smiling faces and gracious gestures of these wonderful tea friends.

Perhaps for part of your New Years resolution you will give yourself the gift of shared tea time. The next time you prepare to drink a cup of tea consider if you would better appreciate it with an other? Join them for an outing to The Tea Grotto or for a spontaneous drop-in to your home. Bring joy to life with tea!