Cultures and Traditions

Asia - recently I observed a young Asian man having tea at the Tea Box CafÃ^ in NY with such grace and poise.  I saw comfort in the way he handled his cup and ease in his manner that had come from thousands of years of tradition.  To the people of Asia, tea is a form of unifying the body and mind, to attain harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.  Brother Joseph Keenan, author of "Tea for All Nations" believes that tea and the tea ceremony is universal.  All people can learn from its teachings.

Britain- American men can thank the British for offering hardier meals at teatime.  Most men find the "Ploughman's lunch", a meal consisting of meats, cheeses and warm crusty breads a welcome alternative to the dainty tea sandwiches associated with Victorian teas.

India- home of "spiced chai" tea, a tea drink full of tradition and quite unique compared to the teas of all other cultures.  The melding of exotic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves added to the finest tea separate its flavor from all other teas creating a drink that wakes up the pallet.  Today it has become extremely popular and is an example of the unexpected pleasures associated with exposure to all cultures and traditions. Would you like to make Chai tea at home?  See Chai Tea recipe

America- American men are catching on to the "Way" of tea.  In the past year I have had conversations with men of all socio-economic groups, careers to find they are all drinking tea. Unfortunately many are not familiar with brewing or have never tasted loose-leaf tea. They seem to be missing out on quality for the convenience of tea bags.  I am hoping Tea Time World Wide can change that.

Teapots from all nations:

Yixing- the original teapot in the world made from purple clay only found in Yixing China, said to absorb the flavor of the tea and take on the flavor of the tea that is brewed in it

Brown Betty- Traditional brown teapot made from clay native to England known for its warming capabilities

Somovar- a Russian teapot containing a funnel to hold hot coals to heat the water & an elongated pipe attached to the funnel acting as a vent to release smoke from the coals.

Teacups from all nations:

Chinese Guywan- covered cup.  A saucer, bowl and lid designed
to be used together

Japanese Tea Bowls- used with a bamboo whisk for brewing powdered green tea.

English Porcelain- teacups and saucers made of fine bone china, delicate, victorian, usually decorated with hand painted flowers and gold accents  

Russian glasses- glasses with elaborately filigreed holders with handles are traditional in Russia for drinking tea

Specialty Utensils:

English Sugar forks and sugar tongs

English tea caddy's - boxes made of beautiful woods with separate compartments for various teas.

English Tea cosy's - covers for teapots made from quilted fabrics to keep teapots warm.

Japanese bento boxes - black lacquer boxes or trays with compartments used for serving foods at a Japanese tea

Chai Tea Recipe
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
2 tsp. Loose tea
2 tsp sugar
2 cups water
1/2 cup whole milk
2 cloves
1/4 inch piece of cinnamon
10-15 seeds from 1 green cardamom pod
(discard the pod or outer green shell) 

Directions:

1. Add water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Allow to boil for 30 seconds.
3. Add the tea, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom seeds to the boiling water, cover
4. Allow to steep for 5 minutes
5. Return to heat and add the milk.
6. Bring to a gentle boil uncovered and remove from heat.
7. Allow to sit for 2 minutes, strain, and serve.
   

• Steeped in Statistics?
  Web Stats and What They Mean
• Cultures
• Another Kind of Tee
• Executive Solutions
• Tea vs. Coffee
• Health Benefits
• Tea is Hot!
• Questionnaire for Men

Feedback to the Editor