The Tea Blog

Kyusu Love

Posted by Katrina on March 14th, 2010

I am completely enamored with teaware.  I love the varied styles and colors, materials, and cultural history.  Whether they be traditional "Brown Betty" pots, gaiwan, tetsubin, or gongfu pots, I’m smitten.  Over the years, my collection has grown considerably.  In the early days I focused far more on English-style ceramic pots of varied sizes, shapes, and colors.  Then I discovered glass and clay pots and I fell completely in love. I covet sharing pitchers and trays.  I can also never resist the "perfect" cup or tea bowl.  While I don’t like to play favorites among my collection, my kyusu is certainly one that always catches my eye.

I’ll Have the SFTGFOP... ABCDEFG...

Posted by Katrina on March 11th, 2010

Occasionally when you see a tea listed in a catalog or on a tea menu the name will be followed by a group of letters.  I think many tea drinkers either ignore them altogether or they ascribe far more value to them than may be necessary.  Let’s look at what they actually mean.

The Beauty of Japanese Greens

Posted by Katrina on March 7th, 2010

Japanese green teas are among my favorites.  They have such rich, savory flavors and magnificent color.

Tea-Infused Everything

Posted by Katrina on March 3rd, 2010

There are certain phrases that suddenly seem to be everywhere.  One doesn’t have to look hard to find ads for products that are "gluten-free," have "no trans fats," or are “tea-infused.”

Where Does Black Tea Come From?

Posted by Katrina on February 27th, 2010

When many of us started drinking tea, we were only drinking black tea.  Quite honestly, I didn’t even know what KIND of black tea.  It was black.  It made a slightly bitter cup.  It came in a tea bag.  That was tea.  I’m happy to say that I’ve learned a good bit about tea since then.

The Question of Tea Infusers

Posted by Katrina on February 24th, 2010

In my last post I spent a great deal of space talking about how to brew tea.  (Or, rather, one of the many ways to brew tea.)  I began to think about the question of infusers.

Time To Make Some Tea

Posted by Katrina on February 22nd, 2010

Preparing tea is not a complicated process, yet it is still easy to go very, very wrong.

The Six Types of Tea

Posted by Katrina on February 18th, 2010

Last week we talked about Camellia sinensis and the fact that all tea is made from its leaves.  In this post I thought we’d explore the six types of tea that can be created: white, green, yellow, oolong, black, and puerh (POOH-air.)

But what IS tea?

Posted by Katrina on February 9th, 2010

Greetings from blog-land.  It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to drop in weekly and explore the wonderful world of tea with you. I’ve been studying tea for more than a decade and have been writing about it for the past 2 1/2 years.  Billy asked if I’d be willing to spend some time with you once a week, sharing some of what I know about tea.  Off we go.

Introducing NovelTeas

Posted by billyshall on March 31st, 2009

A revolutionary tea collection to satisfy the tea novice as well as the tea connoisseur. Indulge your sweet tooth, wake up with a jolt, or survive an economic meltdown.

New Green Tea Addition: Kokeicha

Posted by billyshall on March 7th, 2009

Kokeicha is a unique green tea from Shizouka, Japan. Its made from tea powder that is turned into a paste by adding water.

"A World of Tea" High Resolution Wallpapers Added

Posted by billyshall on March 5th, 2009

We have added a new tea wallpaper, "A World of Tea" for download. High Resolution and iPhone versions available.

Loose Tea vs The Teabag

Posted by billyshall on February 10th, 2009

For centuries, tea has been enjoyed in loose form. Legend and tradition encompass tea in the form of ancient rituals and ceremony which deem it one of the most historic beverages of all time.

Ten tips to help you brew a better cup of tea

Posted by billyshall on February 10th, 2009

There are no definitive rules for brewing tea because good tea depends on personal preference, time, brewing methods, types of tea, water temperature, and amounts of tea. Brewing tea should be simple, easy, and enjoyable.

Questions from Walker Tea Review

Posted by billyshall on February 1st, 2009

I've received a few questions about my background and history in tea from Jason Walker at Walker Tea Review.

Welcome to The Tea Blog!

Posted by billyshall on January 29th, 2009

Welcome to the Tea Blog, my name is Billy Shall, I'll be posting updates, tea news, and Tea Info.