Tea, the quintessential British beverage, has been a staple in many households for centuries. But beyond the familiar ritual of boiling water and steeping leaves, lies the fascinating world of tea tasting.
1. A Symphony of Flavours
Just like wine, each type of tea has its unique flavour profile. From the robustness of Assam to the delicate aroma of Darjeeling, the variations are endless. Professional tea tasters use a vocabulary of over 150 terms to describe these nuances!
The Lexicon of Tea Tasting:
- Brisk: A lively and bright flavour that isn’t flat.
- Full-bodied: A rich and strong flavour, often associated with black teas.
- Grassy: A fresh taste, reminiscent of newly mown grass, typical for some green teas.
- Malty: A flavour reminiscent of malt, commonly found in Assam teas.
- Smoky: A taste that resembles the scent of smoke, often associated with Lapsang Souchong.
- Woody: A flavour that resembles dry wood or bark.
2. The Slurp is Important
It may seem impolite at the dinner table, but in the world of tea tasting, a loud slurp is encouraged! It helps spread the tea evenly over the palate and accentuates its flavour.
3. Tasting, Not Drinking
Tea tasters rarely swallow the tea. Instead, they spit it out after assessing its flavour. This ensures they can taste numerous teas in a day without the effects of caffeine overload.
4. The Visual Delight
Tea tasting isn’t just about flavour. The appearance, both of the dried leaves and the brewed infusion, plays a crucial role in the assessment. Colour, size, and shape all tell a story about the tea’s quality and origin.
5. A Continuous Learning Journey
The world of tea is vast and ever-evolving. As tasters delve deeper, they often find themselves on a lifelong journey of discovery, constantly learning and refining their palate.
So, the next time you brew yourself a comforting cup of tea, take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of flavours and aromas. With every sip, you’re participating in a global tradition, honed over centuries, and celebrated by many. Cheers to the humble cuppa!
