Tea

written by Sara Shacket

Tea can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. It can be shared or enjoyed alone. At its essence, it’s only leaves and water. But whether you’re enjoying a tea bag or expensive loose leaf tea, there is a story behind your cup- culture and mastery of everything from the plants to the growing region to the pluckers and processors.

Tea for me is a moment to pause, to enjoy something outside of my hectic day. It can be a few minutes of sipping from a mug, or a more formal ritual with meaningful teaware. I’ve made dear friends and international connections through a simple cup of tea.

Tea started as a part of my daily life, gathering and sipping with family at an early age. It developed into a hobby when I started studying the many different types of teas, tea cultures, and growing regions. There is always something to learn no matter how much you already know. Then there are the rituals of preparing the tea, enjoying the tea, and experiencing the tea. You can get deep into learning or keep it simple. There are so many ways of personalizing the tea experience to it your own. I am forever a student of tea, always discovering new things that ignite my passion for flavor and ritual.

Learning about tea can start at any time. All you need to begin are some leaves, water, and a brewing vessel. I’ve travelled to learn about tea culture, but it’s also something learned through books and experimentation. You can start by simply brew some leaves, seeing how they taste and trying some other types. Where you go from there is totally up to you.