Posts filed under 'Generaliteas'
The nice thing about being in this business is that one is surrounded by tea all day (and night) long. Anytime I want to enjoy something special, I can reach into our stores and fix up a cup.
I wouldn’t want to give that up, and once in a while I get a reminder how much tea matters and that it is far more than a beverage or a business.
The other day we received a wonderful note from a new customer about her purchase. She searched the internet for a particular tea we happen to have, so she had us send her a bit. She first had this tea while escaping from some tough times in her life along with dear friends at a seaside cabin.
As she sipped our tea it took her back to those warm and comforting memories and is a place of solace whenever life’s events begin to overwhelm her. She shared with us how important and rejuvenating that experience is for her. It was quite a touching story which we shared with our Tea Smithies here.
The same day, there were several people in the shop that had not seen one another for some time, as was evident by their greetings and embraces as they came to share tea and friendship over a warm inviting pot of tea.
All of this can be lost in the day to day activities involved in working and building a place for those teas and experiences to be enjoyed.
So to all of our families, friends and supporters, Thank You for your inspiration and sharing your love of tea and life with us.
January 6th, 2011
As I mentioned in my previous post, the business of tea in China is much more dynamic than one might think. (Or at least than I had pondered.) After all they are credited with discovering tea over 5000 years ago, and are one of the top producers in the world. And we know they continue to research the development, growing, processing, and health properties of tea.
Tea is such a vital part of the Chinese culture and economy that there are literally millions of people involved in every aspect of tea. This is part of their strength as a producer as well as a weakness for them in the world market.
Since there are tens of thousands of small tea producers and family farms in the country, they have little presence or influence in the overall market, and hence a difficult time maintaining control, consistency and establishing a distinct identity. As a result, many of their products end up as components in other products according to Mr. Jun Cai, Secretary General, Tea Section of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs.
Mr. Cai goes on to say that the outlook for small producers is not good until they can build a national identity for tea.
This is similar to brand building in other areas, such as Darjeeling and Assam in India, or high mountain oolongs from Taiwan.
Though China is the birthplace of tea, they need to continually compete in the world market with the other 150+ countries producing tea in order to maintain or grow their image and market share.
Next…How to open a tea shop….in China
It’s a BIG World…Drink it Up!
Tim
October 24th, 2010
This year I again had the opportunity to attend this event. As one would expect, the majority of the exhibitors were from China, though there was a slightly better representation from other countries this year than last. The exhibitors also seemed a bit more prepared to talk to attendees outside the region.
The attendees reflected a more international flair, for sure. I talked to visitors from Russia, Mexico, Australia, and several countries from Eastern Europe.
I really got more out of the Fair this year than last. A renewed acquaintance with a Buddhist monk whose community has a small organic tea farm just north of Taipei, and an successful meeting with Lin’s Ceramic Studio from Taiwan are bringing some exciting new offering to The Tea Smith.
Next time I will share some interesting tidbits from a couple of the seminars I attended on the state of tea in China. It is more dynamic than I would have considered it to be, given 5000 years of practice.
It’s a Big World… Drink it Up!
October 15th, 2010
You know, its’ not as though there is nothing going on in the world of tea, or at The Tea Smith. But from my lack of attention to the Teavangelist Blog, you wouldn’t know it. As a matter of fact, we have been traveling to Japan, Taiwan and China and I have negligent in sharing that with you.
So, I am renewing my dedication to blogging here, and look forward to sharing our activities, discoveries and musing with you. I will try to catch you up a bit during the next few weeks, then contribute on a regular basis.
It’s a BIG World… Drink it Up!
Tim
October 11th, 2010
When a new team member joins our company we always emphasize the importance we place on one of their duties; drinking on the job. It usually gets a smile since this is not something one is normally told at a new company.
But it is serious to us. In order to do a good job helping our customers select teas and tisanes one must be able to explain the flavors of each selection. This is no small task, as we usually have 100-110 selections at any given time. They also change by season, and when the new crops come in. I also explain that there are two things on whuch they can count; The teas we carry will all be of good quality, and they will not like some of the flavors they encounter. The key is to be able to explain the tastes and why they are of great quality.
Naturally I also spend a decent amount of time each week sampling new offerings. When asked if I get tired of this, I also just smile. Even after half a decade doing this, I still feel a little like I am just relaxing, not really working. After all, sitting around sipping on some of the finest beverages in the world is not a bad way to spend part of your work day.
I guess there are some real perqs in this business after all!
It’s a Big World…Drink It Up!
August 25th, 2008
It is a fact that about 80% of the tea consumed in the US is iced. We see the trend in the stores as the consumption of cold drinks inreases, and the purchase of loose tea focuses on those that do well on ice.
In spite of the fact that other cultures avoid iced teas, I notice that I will drink more flavored teas during the summer as well. (Summer Companion and Tropical Paradise Rooibos come to mind.)
It is really interesting to see that different flavor components come out when a beverage is served cold rather than hot. So today as it warmed up I grabbed a Blacksmith Blend which is one of my favorite everyday drinkers. The blend has enough strength to satisfy, and yet stay smooth.
Many consmuers have resigned themselves to most iced teas tasting rather flat and indistinguishable, so it is a lot of fun to introduce new customers to teas that have more taste than they have come to expect from bags left in the sun to brew.
All this reminds me that I will be in big trouble if I don’t remember to bring some tea home for the weekend!
Enjoy!
July 2nd, 2008
I make it a point in the morning to relax and enjoy my first pot of tea before I look at what is going on in the ‘real’ world. As a retailer, I am naturally concerned about how this rocky economic landscape will affect the sales of tea and tea related accessories. Retail sales in general are weak, so what about tea?
So far tea has been holding its’ own and then some. Sales for the first two months of the year have been brisk. Not that I have any real explanaiton for this, or know if it will continue.
I wonder if people realize that tea is one of those affordable ‘luxuries?’ For one thing, tea is inexpensive. I enjoy wine, but cannot afford to drink the top wines in the market. The price of tea however makes even those top offerings within the reach of most everyone. Also, you can open up a pouch or tin of tea, and drink it over several months. Wine does not do well 3 months after the bottle has been opened.
Tea is also is an inexpensive way to improve your health. A few cups of green tea a day has been shown to have multiple benefits. Tea is also a good alternative to many of the other beverages we consume daily.
So hopefully tea will be recognized as an enjoyable way to improve your health, and treat yourself well.
It’s a Big World…Drink it up!
March 6th, 2008
Oolong teas are among my favorites, so when we sold out of our Rou Gui a month or so ago, I was resigned to the fact that I may need to wait until next spring to enjoy this again.
Fate smiled on me though, as we received a sample from another of our friends a couple of weeks ago. I wasted no time in cupping this oolong tea and was immediately struck by the aroma of cinnamon for which this tea is noted. The aroma translates nicely in the taste of the tea as well. It is smooth, slightly floral, with a cinnamon flavor that makes this a complex and exciting tea.
I only hope that we have enough to hold us until the spring crop!
Enjoy!
January 25th, 2008
I notice that just like many of my patrons, I tend to drink many of the same teas on a regular basis. Though we have about 100 varieties on the shelf, I gravitate towards some comfortable favorites. Every once in a while after I make a tea for a customer that I have not tasted for a while, I sip some of the same. A little light goes off in my head, and I remember why we have this in our selection!.
It was that way this morning. I looked at our tea wall for something bold, and ‘rediscovered’ our Khongea Golden Bud Assam. As soon as I opened the tin, the full smooth aroma told me that I selected the perfect tea with which to start my day. It has the strength and bold taste I need to get going, but is full of golden tips which makes it very smooth.
New Year’s resolution: Add variety to the day; Drink a different tea every day!
Enjoy!
January 11th, 2008
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. This has become an important holiday for many. If you don’t think so, just skip getting your significant other a gift or card and see what happens. I did this one year, thinking we could save a little money at the time, and I get reminded of my lapse of good judgment on a regular basis!
Consider tea as the replacement for flowers and chocolates as the quasi official gift for Valentines. Think about it for a moment. Flowers are beautiful, but they sit on a counter and die after a few days. Chocolate is great, but it gets hoarded by the recipient (at least in our house!) Tea however offers several distinct advantages.
First of all, it is economical, so you can give without breaking the bank. (Yes I know my ‘thriftiness’ shows up again!) It lasts for months, so is a reminder of your thoughtfulness and generosity. Many of the teas are visually attractive, especially those with flowers in them. But most importantly, tea is meant to be enjoyed and shared with others. If done right, we slow down a moment, and spend time with each other while waiting for the tea to infuse, then while drinking we converse and enjoy one another’s company. What better gift for Valentine’s Day than one that will allow us to spend time with those that are special!
So next time you get to vote on this (or act) consider a gift that is really special, your time over a special tea that you chose!
February 7th, 2007