Many of our clients often ask us how they can learn more about tea. And truth be told, it’s rare for someone who gets into tea not to want to deepen their knowledge of it.
After all, tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a gateway into a rich cultural tradition, an endless variety of flavours, and a sensory experience that transcends time and place.
For those who want to delve deeper into the world of tea, there are plenty of ways to learn: hands-on experiences, travel, digital resources, online communities, formal courses…
Whether you’re a tea shop owner, an industry entrepreneur, or simply a passionate tea lover, this post will provide a variety of methods to grow your knowledge and appreciation for this beloved drink.
Exploring Tea Through Hands-On Experiences
One of the most enriching ways to learn about tea is by attending tasting workshops.
These events give you the chance to directly experience the various flavours, aromas, and textures of tea, guided by experts who’ll help you identify the subtleties of each variety.
During these workshops, you’ll train your palate and learn to appreciate the complexity of tea.
Another great way to learn is by travelling to tea-producing regions, where you can fully immerse yourself in the culture.
Visiting plantations, tea factories, and even local markets will give you a deeper understanding of the growing, harvesting, and production processes. Plus, there’s nothing quite like meeting the growers and hearing their inspiring stories firsthand.
These kinds of trips are common in places like Japan, Darjeeling, South India, or Yunnan in China.
And if the country you visit has tea ceremonies as part of its tradition (like Japan, China, or Korea), we strongly recommend you participate. It’s an unforgettable immersive experience!
Books Always Have Something to Teach
Books remain an endless source of knowledge about tea. If you’re looking to start with a classic, we recommend:
- “The Book of Tea” by Okakura Kakuzō: A philosophical essay that explores Japanese tea culture.
If you’re looking for something more modern and information-packed, try:
- “The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide” by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss: A comprehensive guide to tea history, production, and tasting.
- “The World Tea Encyclopaedia” by Will Battle: A complete manual filled with accurate and up-to-date insights into the world of tea.
Specialised magazines are also an excellent way to keep up with trends and news in the tea world. Some top publications include:
- TeaTime Magazine: Covering a wide range of tea-related topics, from recipes to producers.
- The Tea House Times: Offers news, interviews, and articles about tea culture.
Get Involved in Communities and Social Media
Technology now makes it easy to find people who share your interests without leaving home. In the past, finding a group of tea lovers to exchange experiences and knowledge with was a challenge. Now, thanks to the internet, it’s just a click away.
Join Facebook groups dedicated to tea, where you can share photos, ask questions, and learn from others. The same goes for Telegram and even WhatsApp groups.
Forums are still an effective learning tool. Join tea lover forums to read reviews, discover businesses, and share your tasting notes with others around the globe.
Social media is also a great platform to learn visually and connect with a global tea-loving community. Instagram, in particular, is ideal for discovering new brands, learning brewing techniques, and gaining inspiration and insights.
Tea Events and Festivals
If you get the chance, attend tea festivals. These events are great for meeting a wide range of industry professionals: suppliers, brands, experts, producers…
Festivals also typically feature tastings, workshops, and lectures that will undoubtedly enrich your knowledge. One example is the World Tea Expo, one of the largest tea events in the world, bringing together professionals and tea lovers from across the globe.
But you don’t have to travel far—many cities and tea shops organise events where there’s always something new to learn.
Multimedia Resources and Online Platforms
The internet is full of blogs and websites dedicated to tea, offering a wide range of free information. From product reviews and brewing guides to educational articles and recipes, these resources are perfect for anyone looking to learn at their own pace.
Unfortunately, not all websites are reliable. Stick to authoritative pages or institutions within the tea world. If that’s not possible, double-check the information across multiple sources to ensure its accuracy.
You can also check out tea documentaries—they’re a more entertaining way to learn. You’ll find several on YouTube, or on streaming platforms like Netflix, where you can watch Story of… Tea, for example.
Tea Courses
If you’re looking for a more structured learning path, with materials designed for study and expert guidance, we recommend taking a tea course.
In most countries, tea isn’t taught as part of a formal academic degree. But there are schools around the world offering tea courses for both beginners and professionals.
Some examples include Academia de Té (Spanish), Australian Tea Masters (English), or L’École du Thé (French).
Many of these programs offer certificates you can use to verify your training.
Conclusion
If you’re a tea professional, we strongly encourage you to keep learning. This will allow you to serve your customers better, which in turn will lead to more sales.
Whether you invest in formal education or take advantage of free resources, there are countless ways to learn more about the world of tea.
If you go the free route, we recommend using a wide range of sources.
One last tip: Follow us on LinkedIn (click here) or your favourite social platform, where we regularly share tea knowledge we know you’ll find useful.
One response to “Different Ways to Learn About the World of Tea”
Thanks for the clear explanation, it really helped me understand the topic.