The Joys of Tea…

Today was my first “Tea Appreciation” course, taught through the University of New Mexico Continuing Education department. It was a huge success!The students had a great time tasting, discussing, and savoring teas from all over the world.

The class is broken into three sessions, with the first session (today) covering an overview of the tea drying, steaming, and fermentation process, tea facts, and the core component–tea tasting! (of various Green, Oolong, and Darjeeling teas).

Everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves, tasting the different grades of Chinese and Japanese green tea, special blends, delicate and clean oolongs, and the robust Darjeeling of early spring. The class was made up of a wide range of people, with a diverse pool of knowledge about gourmet foods, wine, gourmet coffee, and–tea!

Today reminded me of why I love tea so much. It’s an entire experience. Relaxing, invigorating, mysterious, complex, lively, and soothing… it’s a creature of history, spanning eons and civilizations as one of the core things we humans have found deep satisfaction with, in almost every culture.

If you’re in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and you’re craving a hot cup of African Rooibos, or a medicinal swig of Pu-Er, be sure to stop by Ta Lin World Food Market, which has a fantastic tea section (a great overview of world teas), including a variety of herbal, and special blend teas–or hit 99 Banh market, for a more specialized, and fascinating, pan-Asian selection.

Albuquerque is also home to the New Mexico Tea Company, and the St. James Tea room!

Ta Lin World Food Fare
230 Louisiana Blvd Se
(corner of Louisiana & Central)

99 Banh
5315 Gibson Blvd SE
(across from the Lovelace Hosptial)

New Mexico Tea Company
1131 Mountain Rd Nw
(near the FHAB Art Gallery)

St. James Tea Room
(traditional British high tea)
901 Rio Grande Blvd Nw Ste E130

Like a fine wine, a rich gourmet coffee, or a refreshing microbrew… tea is the drink f scholars, artists, emperors, and goddesses–the liquor of life, and the starter of a million conversations.

Although, tea tasting can sometimes make you really happy the facilities have restrooms…

I am really looking forward to doing many more tea classes through UNM!