The World Atlas of Tea: From the Leaf to the Cup, the World's Teas Explored and Enjoyed

by Krisi Smith

Overview

The United States is the fourth largest global consumer of tea, with Canada following right behind. Black tea is the most popular but green tea sales are growing rapidly — more than 60 percent in ten years — driven by its proven health benefits. Specialty tea outlets are expected to double to nearly 8,000 by 2018 and an additional 40,000 coffee retailers are expected to generate more than 30 percent of their beverage sales from tea.

The World Atlas of Tea covers tea from the ground up, including why the soil in China makes different tea than the soil in India. Tea mixologist Krisi Smith explains what a tea drinker needs to know to appreciate teas of all descriptions. She follows tea from the plantation to harvesting and processing to how to make the perfect cup. The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful color photographs taken in the field.

The contents are:

• Part 1 Tea Basics — The Tea Plant; Varieties of tea; Altitude, climate and seasons; Harvesting and processing; The tea voyage
• Part 2 Tea Brewing and Drinking — Tea-brewing basics; Tea tools; Buying, storing and tasting
• Part 3 Tea Blending — Tisanes, herbal and fruit teas; Scenting, infusions and blending herbs; Blending tea at home; Blending for health; Tea mixology
• Part 4 The World of Tea — Country profiles of China, Taiwan, Japan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, East Africa.

In this last section, the country profiles open with an introduction that describes the country's tea-growing history alongside a map showing the tea regions. Each area is described as to name, amount of tea produced, tea type, climate, location, and major plantations. Another spread sets out the specific teas grown in that country and describes their production, growing conditions, grade, processing methods, and taste profiles.

The world of tea is here to stay. New varieties will be introduced, new health benefits will be proven, and tea sales will continue to grow. The World Atlas of Tea is an exceptional gift choice and specialty selection for this new world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781770858169
Publisher:	Firefly Books, Limited
Publication date:	09/27/2016
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	529,780
Product dimensions:	12.90(w) x 15.30(h) x 9.70(d)

About the Author

Krisi Smith is co-owner of Bluebird Tea Co. (www.bluebirdteaco.com) in Brighton, UK. After years working in the tea industry, Krisi and her partner Mike decided to create their own tea company. As well as its online retail operation, Bluebird Tea Co. has a flagship mixology store and runs courses in tea mixology.

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

Part 1 Tea Basics 10

The Tea Plant 12

Varieties, Blends and Grades 22

Harvesting 36

Processing 44

A Short History 60

The Question of Sustainability 66

Part 2 Tea Brewing and Drinking 70

Tea-brewing Basics 72

Tea Tools 80

Buying and Storing Tea 90

Tea Tasting 96

The Health Benefits of Tea 100

Part 3 Tea Blending 102

Tea Blending 104

Tea Mixology 116

Part 4 The World of Tea 122

Africa 124

Tea-producing Countries 126

Kenya 130

Indian Subcontinent 140

Tea-producing Countries 142

India 146

Sri Lanka 154

The Middle East 164

Tea-producing Countries 166

Turkey 168

Iran 176

Far East 180

Tea-producing Countries 182

China 186

Taiwan, China 194

Vietnam 200

Indonesia 206

Japan 210

Thailand 220

South America 224

Tea-producing Countries 226

Argentina 228

Glossary 232

Index 234

Picture Credits 239

Author's Acknowledgments 240

Editorial Reviews

The ultimate guide for tea lovers worldwide... Full-color photographs, maps, and illustrations elevate this title from guidebook to work of art.

Taste for Life Magazine - Kelli Ann Wilson

This book will delight tea lovers, history buffs, and travelers... Public libraries will find this book a good buy.

Georgia Briscoen Reference Books Annual

(review of UK edition) If you have any tea lovers in the family then the World Atlas of Tea should definitely be considered as a gift... The book is rich with information and it will likely be informative for anyone, no matter how much tea they drink and buy. With wonderful detail, this eye-catching book is a really engaging read that is perfect for any tea connoisseur.

Entertainment Focus - Pip Ellwood-Hughes

If you are a tea aficionado this book, The World Atlas of Tea, is meant to be on your coffee table. It's a large sized book with excellent binding, fantastic photographs and more information about tea than you may ever want to know. This must be the most comprehensive atlas about a beverage I've ever seen.

Novel Meals Blog - Tina

The pictures are a feast to the eyes and I really think that it's worth having in one's collection.

My Japanese Green Tea Blog - Ricardo Calcedo

Selection, Holiday Gift Guide 2016

Entertainment Report

A tea mixologist and owner of Brighton's Bluebird Tea Co., Smith provides the reader with information on all things tea, bolstered with vivid photographs, both current and historical, of everything from tea drinkers to tea pickers across the globe. The volume is organized into four parts, leaving the reader easily immersed in the richly steeped history and traditions of myriad styles of teas. Tea Basics covers such information as the chemistry, varieties, blends, and grades of tea; the harvesting and processing of the tea plants; and tea's influence on the world. Tea Brewing and Drinking explains the numerous tools that can be utilized as well as offering recommendations on buying and storing, as well as tasting and pairing techniques. The Tea Blending section arms the reader with recipes and ideas to become a novice mixologist in brewing such things as matcha and tea lattes. The last section, World of Tea, covers growing areas, with descriptive histories and profiles of each producing country, and is illustrated by colorful maps and sidebars to highlight major countries and unique tea offerings such as Tibet's Po Cha (Yak butter tea). A glossary and index are also included. Recommended for public libraries.

Booklist - Becca Smith

If you are a tea aficionado this book, The World Atlas of Tea, is meant to be on your coffee table. It's a large sized book with excellent binding, fantastic photographs and more information about tea than you may ever want to know. This must be the most comprehensive atlas about a beverage I've ever seen.

Novel Meals Blog - Tina K.

This book will delight tea lovers, history buffs, and travelers... Public libraries will find this book a good buy.

American Reference Books Annual - Georgia Briscoe