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

Krisi Smith

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

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

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

Krisi Smith

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Description

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.

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.

Critical Reviews

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.--Becca Smith "Booklist" (2/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)

The pictures are a feast to the eyes and I really think that it's worth having in one's collection.--Ricardo Calcedo "My Japanese Green Tea Blog" (1/25/2017 12:00:00 AM)

This book will delight tea lovers, history buffs, and travelers... Public libraries will find this book a good buy.--Georgia Briscoe "American Reference Books Annual" (3/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)

The ultimate guide for tea lovers worldwide... Full-color photographs, maps, and illustrations elevate this title from guidebook to work of art.--Kelli Ann Wilson "Taste for Life Magazine" (12/1/2016 12:00:00 AM)

Selection, Holiday Gift Guide 2016-- "Entertainment Report" (12/13/2016 12:00:00 AM)

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.--Tina "Novel Meals Blog" (11/14/2016 12:00:00 AM)

(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.--Pip Ellwood-Hughes "Entertainment Focus" (10/22/2016 12:00:00 AM)

Publishing Information

Publisher: Firefly Books
Pub date: 2016-09-27
Length: 240 pages

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