Author: Meena Kumar

Monday, July 13, 2015

Chinese Tea Sampling

Tea is prepared in the ceremonious way and presented in most Asian cultures.Its like wine did u know that! High end tea when brewed the right way gives out different notes. It has sweet,smooth, floral, fruity, smoky, robust, astringent, bitter even aged ones. Tea can be served as dessert too. The same leaves can be brewed up to times and the flavors get milder each time.

As far as I am concerned, coming from the state of Kerala where plantations are plenty its no surprise that I have been the most religious Indian tea drinker for years I  may even roll in splitting head ache without my daily cup of tea in the evening :))).... I was not ready to even try any other tea until this summer without milk and sugar, cold oh no... but  everything changed suddenly as my daughter started liking iced tea. When I received this set for sampling I decided to go for it. I must say to my strong spice abused palate these teas were such a respite. It was soothing ,flavorful and aromatic unlike anything I was expecting. My teen was all game for it and was ready to give her honest opinion.We tried one tea each day. All the ones u see here contain tea leaves and boiling water only.

So please sit back and enjoy my Chinese tea experience.


We tried Huang Shan Mao Feng Green Tea on Day 1. The moment I poured boiling water the dried leaves came back to life.It was visually appealing and tasted very good. Clean, sweet and refreshing. The flavors were subtle and floral. We enjoyed every sip of it.


On Day 2 we tried the Keemun Black Tea. It was very good and  a delight to drink. The flavor was earthy ,fruity and smooth full bodied almost robust tea.

Guang Dong Phoenix Dan Cong Oolong Tea on Day 3. It is slightly towards the bitter side and has to be steeped quickly. It has a sweet potato -ish scent and look at the shade of orange! Tell me if u can say no to the beautiful leaves unfurling inside. 



White Peony (Bai MuDan) Tea came on Day 4. Oh what a delight to sip this mellow, sweet scented tea. It gave a very pleasant feel.The tea is low in caffeine and high in antioxidants.


Raw Pu-erh Mini Tuocha was tried on Day 5.It was full of flavor ,sweet and mild tea. The tea comes in individually wrapped greenish brown small cakes.

Anddd.. finally here is the online tea company TEAVIVRE that sent me 5 days of delightful experience shipped all the way from China. Thank you for sending me the pack and making me fall in love with softer teas. Please visit their website, they have a wide variety of teas to suit every kind of palate and budget, organic too with worldwide delivery. They have everything you can think excellent gift packs, sample packs, teaware, how to brew for first timers etc. For latest alerts here is their Facebook page .


There were ample packs to try again and again.


Photographing liquids is a challenge I love to take up so I would really love to hear which pic you liked the most.

Meena

7 comments:

  1. Lovely flavours into the classic tea I used to drink. I still drink tea but no more loaded with sugar and milk. These varieties will be a perfect choice.

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  2. That first picture is class! So so good... I love the tea leaves floating in the cup... all other pics are equally good too, but a special mention for the white and blue cup and saucer, looks amazing! :) One picture doesn't seem to appear dear, the third pic, the one you posted on FB, I suppose... maybe u could try reloading it... Do continue, we love to see your beautiful pics... :)

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    1. Thank u Rafee love ur feedback. Thanks for the alert too dear.

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  3. I am big fan of tea these shots even more tempting ...

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  4. Lovely clicks as usual..We love tea in milk ,guess its time to try some other..

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Meena