Tea Chemistry

In honor of the Chinese New Year here's a cool video on tea chemistry with a New Years angle. It covers some very cool aspects of tea chemistry that I think even the non-geeks out there can enjoy.

EDIT TO ADD -- PS -- Teance is having a two-day, free-shipping sale on orders over $60. Enter the code "CNYFREE" on January 30 and 31 for free shipping. They recommend the following as Chinese New Years gifts:

Yunnan Gold
Yellow Gold Oolong
Osmanthus Oolong
Flower Bouquet
Pu-Erh 15 Year Aged

Tea Quote

One of my favorite tea quotes of all time is from James Norwood Pratt: "No pleasure is simpler, no luxury cheaper, no consciousness-altering substance more benign." How very true! The simple (yet indulgent) ritual of sitting down for a cup (or pot!) of tea brings such a sense of calm and comfort. Of course, the l-theophylline doesn't hurt, either!

L-theophylline is a natural substance found in all true teas (tea from the camellia sinensis plant, not "herbal teas") that creates a feeling of calm alertness. It has been shown to increase the production of alpha waves in the brain. Alpha waves increase left-right brain connectivity and are also produced by the brain during meditation and massage. It's one of the many reasons I am so passionate out tea, but to list those would be a whole other blog post!

Have a good weekend, and enjoy your tea!


Two cups of this year's Darjeeling First Flush at Salon T in NYC