Tea-dom (June 22, 2006)

So while researching about some different teas that I'd not known in the past, I stumbled upon this interesting site on Japanese Tea Ceremonies, and various Asian teas.

I had known before that Japanese and Chinese peoples were intense about their ceremonies, and I've always respected that. Having read as much today, I must say that respect has gone up even more. =) I had not known about everyone entering into the tea room through a crawl-space...to all enter as equals...and in Chinese ceremonies I never took notice to the emphasis on the consistency in flavors...pouring in one constant course. It's pretty impressive...
Here are three teas that really stood out in mind:

"Budding Flower"

Display tea scent-laden with Magnolia and is hand-tied into appealing tight tea buds that embodies globe amaranth and chrysanthemum flowers. "It has the sweet aroma and astringency of green tea. It is a fool-proof tea to prepare." Nice thing about this one is you can steep it and add additional water as necessary. Even after a few hours of infusion, it is said these will not become bitter of over-steeping.

"Woven Heart"

Another hand-tied tea, with "intricately braided tea buds that contain globe amaranth flower. It has the sweet aroma and astringency of green tea." This one will also stay aromatic and flavorful after hours of infusion.

"Jian Shang Tian Hua" ("Add Flowers to the Brocade" )

"This competition "display" tea has been fashioned into intricate miniature hats, meant to be enjoyed not only for its taste, but for its appearance as well. Inside are a string of immature plum blossoms culminating in a tea flower that floats to the surface. This tea is made from quality spring-picked leaves and is a fool-proof tea to prepare. Simply place an entire hat in a glass, add hot water and enjoy. An 8-12 oz. wineglass will show the tea at its best, and is ideal for savoring its pale golden liquor. Jian Shang Tian Hua can be enjoyed throughout a meal, simply adding additional hot water as needed. It won't become bitter from over-steeping, even after several hours of infusion."

Anyways...I was really impressed with these teas...I'd never heard of them before!