A Journey Through the World of Tea

One of the greatest things that I have learned since becoming a "tea junkie", it's that tea people like to share. There are so many benefits to drinking tea, such as we all know... it's healthy, it's comforting, it's good for keeping us alert as well as relaxed. I believe one of the greatest benefits of tea is the social aspect of it. Unlike coffee, which people usually grab on the run, tea seems to make us more aware of the moment.

When friends sit down to tea an entirely different atmosphere takes over. Conversation becomes more reflective. People are not waiting for the surge or thinking about their next chore or responsibility. They tend to listen more. Ideas and creativity seems to flow freely.

As a child I grew up with southern sweet tea, brewed strong, sweetened like syrup, iced in a tall chimney glass, and garnished with a sprig of mint or a slice of lemon. My first experience buying tea was in teabags from the grocery shelf. It wasn’t until several years later that I discovered loose leaf tea when I mistakenly picked up a container of Cherry Sencha at a gift store, thinking it was filled with teabags.

I was disappointed when I opened the can and saw those tiny leaves shriveled and curled. “What shall I do with this?” I asked myself. I didn’t own a tea strainer… the strainer was the bag! I put on the kettle and tried to figure out a way to drink my tea without having to chew the leaves. Much to my surprise, when I put the loose tea leaves into the teapot, steeped it and cautiously poured it into my cup, very few of those leaves slipped through the spout. The resulting liquor was more full flavored, rich and pleasant to the palate than any tea I had previously had.

Thus began my journey through the world of tea. I couldn’t wait to try new varieties and flavors of loose leaf tea. Going to afternoon tea became one of my favorite excursions. Across the tea table my friends and I shared pleasant conversation and the wonderful pairing of fine quality tea and food.

Years later, in preparation of opening our tearoom with my dear friend, Maxine, I attended more than two dozen seminars and classes at the World Tea Expo. I learned about the business, the beverage, the food, health, and so on. An education in tea is a lifetime pursuit, and no one ever graduates.

Owning a tea business was one of the greatest experiences of my life. So after it closed, I continued my passion to dwell in the world of tea. My husband Kevin and I started this website four years ago as a place where we could share information, ideas and much more with those who, like us, love excellent tea and delicious food. And now, continuing my journey, Maxine and I have once again partnered to create Phoenix & Dragon Tea Presentations. Life is good.

We invite you to come with us on an adventure. We will embark on our journey through tea history and learn about the legends and myths regarding the beginnings of tea. We’ll visit the gardens and plantations that produce the lovely tea plants around the world. We’ll talk with the pickers and merchants. You may find yourself walking alongside a caravan of camels and horses packing the delicate tea leaves in baskets on the Tea and Horse Caravan Road. Watch your step as you come aboard one of the fastest of the clipper ships, the Sea Witch, as she makes her record-breaking 77 day run in 1847 from Hong Kong to New York.

Together we’ll set a proper tea table and prepare recipes that will impress and entice your guests. Experience the world of tea and food pairing and invite your friends to join you for a tea and chocolate or cheese tasting. Put on the kettle and have a cup as we begin our journey.

Teatime Regards,

Linda and Kevin French