The Tearoom
Enjoy tea in a serene atmosphere, a place for quiet contemplation,
and quiet reservation.
The Tea
This should be the highest quality of tea that suits
your tastes with purity of flavor, color and aroma.
The Water
Use only fresh cold water. Let the water flow for a
minute or so to aerate. If you are using bottled water,
pour into another container to oxygenate it and give
life to the tea. Water should be brought to a gentle
boil for green teas and a rolling pitch for black teas.
The temperature affects the reaction between the tea
leaves and the water, influencing the taste and aroma
of the tea.
The Teapot
Select a porcelain or glass teapot. Rinse it with some
boiling water, then immediately spoon in your measured
tea. Take a moment to enjoy the fragrant steam rising
from your teapot.
The Infusion
The moment your water boils, pour it over the leaves
so they begin to steep. This process is known whimsically
as the "agony of the leaves". Steeping time
for black tea is from 3-5 minutes, with green teas from
30 seconds to 3 minutes at most. Regardless of the type
of tea, the most a tea should steep is 5 minutes, after
which the tea would turn from astringent to bitter.
The Pouring
The tea may be strained using porcelain, bamboo, silver,
or stainless steel strainer that is set over a cup to
capture the moist, plump leaves. Pour the tea slowly
through the strainer and discard the leaves.
The Experience
Savor your tea as if it is a fine glass of wine or a
fond memory.
Sip it slowly and enjoy the fine aroma.
May the experience bring you harmony, pleasure, reverence,
purity and calm.
