http://artoftea.com/wordpress Exploring the Passion and Fusion at Art of Tea Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:45:50 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Kinezuka Toshiaki is an organic tea farmer in Shizuoka, Japan. In the 1970s, he founded a collective of organic tea farmers, and over the years he became a vocal advocate for the environmental benefits of organic farming. During a recent trip to Japan, we had the opportunity to ask him about his ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/08/05/organic-tea-farmer-interview-part-i/ Two weeks ago on the Art of Tea blog, we shared some of the key components that set Japanese green teas apart from each other. This week, we’re continuing the story of what makes Japanese green teas unique with more information on Japanese green tea processing styles and Japanese green tea blending. Processing Styles Most Japanese green teas are steamed. However, some ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/07/26/japanese-green-tea-101-part-ii/ Tea makes a great party favor, whether the occasion is a birthday, bridal, wedding or baby showers. Art of Tea’s tea bags were included in the party favor for a soiree for a Los Angeles based Moms group. The Moms loved the tea bags on their night out on town (sans ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/07/16/helping-moms-relax-one-sip-at-a-time%e2%80%a6/ Japan is renowned for its high-quality green teas. At first glance, it may seem that Japanese teas are fairly uniform because most (but not all) of them are green teas. However, there is a wealth of diversity in these jade brews. In part one of this two-part exploration of Japanese ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/07/14/japanese-green-teas-101-%e2%80%93-part-i/ The Art of Tea team and I recently wrapped up from a weekend at The World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. Steve taught a three-hour class on tea blending and two of his blends (Passionfruit Jasmine black tea and Petal Pedal rooibos) won awards in the North American Iced Tea ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/07/08/iced-teas-for-hot-weather/ One of things I struggle with is finding time to find balance. It really is a tea paradox because once you make time for tea you realize how much more time you have. When visiting China I am reminded of how expansive this world really is and there is no ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/06/08/finding-balance-the-tea-paradox/ Its a challenge to find the tea shrubs in this photo. They are there. The garden isnt as picturesce as most tea plantations that you would see commercially grown but they are there. Its a simple trek for the farmers. A few minute incline to these organic fair trade tea ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/06/07/504/ I hope I don't offend anyone here with this post. According to my resources deep in the Wuyi Mountains there are plenty of wild tea trees but  no Monkeys that pick tea or for that matter have ever picked tea here. Oddly enough however there appear to be several species of ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/06/05/monkey-picked-tea-revealed/ This checkpoint is to prevent tourists, foreigners and uninvited guests away from the protective reserve. The habitat hosts a variety of  rare herbs and botanicals, rock teas, about 1000 residents and a host of wildlife. Tourists are only allowed in the Summer time and this visit ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/06/02/private-access-to-wuyi-mountain-reserve/ Special thanks to Mr. Zhan. He has been my driver for first 5 days of the journey through Fujian and has successfully honked at every bicycle, tricycle carrier, pedestrian, car, ox, dog, water buffalo, tuk tuk, corner, bridge, village entrance, alleyway, motorcycle, motorcycle truckish hybrid (not thinking eco here just ... http://artoftea.com/wordpress/2010/06/02/special-thanks-to-mr-zhan-tea-garden-driver/