Tea: essence of the leaf
Author: Sara Slavin and Karl Petzke
96 pages
From Book Cover:
The welcoming aroma of a fresh pot of tea has revived many a weary traveler, lightly encompassing all the comforts of home. A sip of Earl Grey, Assam, or Ratnapura can delight, inspire, relax - even heal. Whether served silently at sunrise meditation, taken in the afternoon with an English scone and a splash of milk, or artfully prepared in the Japanese ceremonial tradition, the pleasures of tea are universal. In China, tea symbolizes hospitality. In Tibet, Buddhist monks consider it a sacred offering. The British have long revered a "cuppa" as the eternal cure-all. Whether black, green, or oolong, hot or iced, steeped in a samovar or teapot, served in heirloom English porcelain or an Indian clay bowl, the uncomplicated infusion of leaf in water promises to awaken the body, refresh the senses, and soothe the spirit.
Tea extols the elegant and earthy international pastime in photography, evocative poetry and prose, and a unique collection of tempting recipes. For the ever-expanding group of tea aficionados, Tea unveils the secrets and mysteries of Camellia sinensis, exploring its Eastern roots and fascinating history, its role in cultures across continents, and its family of deliciously varied appellations. From the tale of Bodhidharma and the inspiriting bush to recipes for Earl Grey Shortbread and Masala Chai, Tea invites us to revel in the subtle bliss of the world's favorite beverage.
