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Tea Chings: The Tea and Herb Companion: Appreciating the Varietals and Virtues of Fine Tea and Herbs
A beautifully designed, two-color book with drawings, poetry, book excerpts, and information about the flavors, benefits, history, and cultural lore surrounding the 5,000-year-old tea experience, from the tea gardens of Asia to the tea rooms of Europe and North America. Included are guides to the leaves, plants, and manufacture of teas and other botanicals used in making tea, information on the medicinal benefits of teas and herbs, maps, diagrams, recipes. Plus much more TeaMinded knowledge.
195 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 28, 2019
The I Ching in a cup?
The emphasis here is on an attractive and somewhat cutesy presentation of tea and herbs very much in concert with Ron Rubin's The Republic of Tea retailing business. There are sidebar quotes from such anonymous "authors" as "The Minister of Travel," The Minister of Soil," The Minister of Herbs," etc., in frank imitation of Eastern mystical pronouncements. ("The Minister of Travel" is identified on the jacket as co-author Stuart Gold.) An example from page 72:
Who draws the water and boils it?
Who spoons the leaves from the tin and places them in the pot?
Who lifts the kettle and pours?
Who could be a greater friend?
This Zen and Taoist take on the consumption of tea is of course entirely appropriate. The Bodhidarma himself (legend has it) contributed his eyelids to the spawning of the first tea plant; and Zen and Taoist masters have from olden times used tea as an aid to meditation. Personally, as a long-time devotee myself, I believe that tea has mystical powers not easily quantified by modern science, and at any rate there is also a ceremonial and a devotional aspect to the drinking of tea than leads one to the quiet contemplation that makes for a life fully lived.
The text is easy to read and there are attractive thumbnail illustrations in green throughout. There are a few plugs for Rubin's company, but they are tastefully woven in. I must however call into question some of the information. For example on page 34 it is writ: "Homo erectus pekinensis, who lived in Southeast Asia where tea bushes grow wild, was boiling water and eating wild tea leaves more than 500,000 years ago." I would dearly like to see the reference for this supposition. (There are no footnotes.)
Also on page 20 it is claimed that white tea has "virtually no caffeine." I am having white tea myself this afternoon with lunch (Foojoy's Bai Mudan) which I have drunk many times before. I can say with complete confidence that it has noticeably more than "virtually no caffeine."
Indeed the whole question of the caffeine content of various teas seems a bit murky in this volume. On page 80 there is a table "Caffeine in Beverages" that indicates that five ounces of green tea contains 15 mg of caffeine while five ounces of black tea contains 40 mg. Needless to say it depends on which green or black tea you are talking about. Japanese green teas in my experience typically contain more caffeine that Chinese green teas. The caffeine in a typical Assam tea (a "black" tea) seems greater than in say Keemun the famous black tea from China. Furthermore, of course, it depends on how strong one brews one's tea and how long the leaves stay in the water and indeed at what temperature the water is when it hits the leaves.
Putting that aside and assuming such things are balanced, as I presume the authors do, consider this statement, also from page 80: "The more oxidized (or "fermented") the tea, the more caffeine it contains..."
I don't see how this can be true since the amount of caffeine in the bud and leaves does not gain from oxidation. It is not the processing of the tea (except for the deliberate removal of caffeine), but the tea leaves themselves that determine the amount of caffeine in the infusion. The authors imply that they know this when they end the paragraph with the observation that "The greatest concentration of caffeine...is in the bud and first two leaves of the tea bush."
I'm not even sure that this is correct. What IS correct is that the finer the tea the more likely it is to come from the bud and the first leaf or two, yet it will not be experienced as "strong"--which reveals perhaps a more important point about tea drinking: in the older leaves there is more tannin, and it is the experience of tannin that seems "strong" and bitter. The finest teas have only a hint of tannin and not a bit of bitterness.
Putting these peccadilloes aside, this is an attractive book that would make a nice gift for tea and herb lovers. For those who drink nothing but Lipton, it will be an eye-opener deluxe.
--Dennis Littrell, author of “The World Is Not as We Think It Is”
The emphasis here is on an attractive and somewhat cutesy presentation of tea and herbs very much in concert with Ron Rubin's The Republic of Tea retailing business. There are sidebar quotes from such anonymous "authors" as "The Minister of Travel," The Minister of Soil," The Minister of Herbs," etc., in frank imitation of Eastern mystical pronouncements. ("The Minister of Travel" is identified on the jacket as co-author Stuart Gold.) An example from page 72:
Who draws the water and boils it?
Who spoons the leaves from the tin and places them in the pot?
Who lifts the kettle and pours?
Who could be a greater friend?
This Zen and Taoist take on the consumption of tea is of course entirely appropriate. The Bodhidarma himself (legend has it) contributed his eyelids to the spawning of the first tea plant; and Zen and Taoist masters have from olden times used tea as an aid to meditation. Personally, as a long-time devotee myself, I believe that tea has mystical powers not easily quantified by modern science, and at any rate there is also a ceremonial and a devotional aspect to the drinking of tea than leads one to the quiet contemplation that makes for a life fully lived.
The text is easy to read and there are attractive thumbnail illustrations in green throughout. There are a few plugs for Rubin's company, but they are tastefully woven in. I must however call into question some of the information. For example on page 34 it is writ: "Homo erectus pekinensis, who lived in Southeast Asia where tea bushes grow wild, was boiling water and eating wild tea leaves more than 500,000 years ago." I would dearly like to see the reference for this supposition. (There are no footnotes.)
Also on page 20 it is claimed that white tea has "virtually no caffeine." I am having white tea myself this afternoon with lunch (Foojoy's Bai Mudan) which I have drunk many times before. I can say with complete confidence that it has noticeably more than "virtually no caffeine."
Indeed the whole question of the caffeine content of various teas seems a bit murky in this volume. On page 80 there is a table "Caffeine in Beverages" that indicates that five ounces of green tea contains 15 mg of caffeine while five ounces of black tea contains 40 mg. Needless to say it depends on which green or black tea you are talking about. Japanese green teas in my experience typically contain more caffeine that Chinese green teas. The caffeine in a typical Assam tea (a "black" tea) seems greater than in say Keemun the famous black tea from China. Furthermore, of course, it depends on how strong one brews one's tea and how long the leaves stay in the water and indeed at what temperature the water is when it hits the leaves.
Putting that aside and assuming such things are balanced, as I presume the authors do, consider this statement, also from page 80: "The more oxidized (or "fermented") the tea, the more caffeine it contains..."
I don't see how this can be true since the amount of caffeine in the bud and leaves does not gain from oxidation. It is not the processing of the tea (except for the deliberate removal of caffeine), but the tea leaves themselves that determine the amount of caffeine in the infusion. The authors imply that they know this when they end the paragraph with the observation that "The greatest concentration of caffeine...is in the bud and first two leaves of the tea bush."
I'm not even sure that this is correct. What IS correct is that the finer the tea the more likely it is to come from the bud and the first leaf or two, yet it will not be experienced as "strong"--which reveals perhaps a more important point about tea drinking: in the older leaves there is more tannin, and it is the experience of tannin that seems "strong" and bitter. The finest teas have only a hint of tannin and not a bit of bitterness.
Putting these peccadilloes aside, this is an attractive book that would make a nice gift for tea and herb lovers. For those who drink nothing but Lipton, it will be an eye-opener deluxe.
--Dennis Littrell, author of “The World Is Not as We Think It Is”
May 27, 2018
Great for someone who is beginning with tea and wants to know more. History, description of the types, different ways it's made, what it is and meant to different regions of the world, the herbal elements that can be added to it and for what purpose they are good and why they have been used in the past.
There are a few elements that can be annoying but they are few and far between. Mention of the Tea of republics "spiritual" perspective and some of the quote boxes from their representatives are....odd. I read this book from front to back and as the book went on, this minute distractions became less.
There are a few elements that can be annoying but they are few and far between. Mention of the Tea of republics "spiritual" perspective and some of the quote boxes from their representatives are....odd. I read this book from front to back and as the book went on, this minute distractions became less.
July 10, 2017
Enjoyable book all about tea. The book is divided into two parts. Part One: Tea 1. The Plant called Tea; 2. A Short History f Tea; 3 A Nice Cup of Tea; 4 Tea and Health; 5 A Glossary of Tea. Part Two
: Herbs 6. Herbs and Herbal "Teas" ; 7 Enjoying Herbs; 8 A Brief History of Herbs; 9 Herbs and Health; 10 A Guide of Herbs Used in Tea. There is a nice section of Resources for further enjoyment and a brief history of the company, The Republic of Tea.
: Herbs 6. Herbs and Herbal "Teas" ; 7 Enjoying Herbs; 8 A Brief History of Herbs; 9 Herbs and Health; 10 A Guide of Herbs Used in Tea. There is a nice section of Resources for further enjoyment and a brief history of the company, The Republic of Tea.
April 17, 2019
Dated in many ways. The historical information is so intermingled with legend that it's difficult to trust any of it. Too much filler (many sections are repetitive); writing is way too cutesy and too oriented toward marketing the authors' particular brand of products. Written at the turn of the millennium, it sort of reads like one of that era's chatty mail order catalogs.... sort of like if J Peterman sold tea. I learned a little but there are better sources of info out there.
February 16, 2022
Like a 3.5 :) rly dug this book, my mom suggested it and it was a nice small read. Did not know tea was just One Plant (not always but, y’know lol) and reading the in-depth info abt tea was rly cool!!!! Makes me appreciate the stuff I have :) I do wanna read more like this and probably will!!!!!! Simply a delightful book (although I def ignored their health advice LOL but it comes w the territory)
November 26, 2018
I SOOOO LOVE this book; just needs to be longer and share more recipes! I want a second volume!
August 11, 2024
ok, but kind of a shill book
February 28, 2016
Generalized and not too informative, and written with a white perspective. The text was larger than I expected and there were small pictures here and there, as well as very pointless "poems" from one of the authors that were laughable, so that watered down the book further. A lot of this book is just listing different types of teas or herbs like an encyclopedia and telling you little information about them. Those sections probably aren't best to read like a book, just to look up some herb if you ever did want to know a little bit about them. I would not recommend this book if you're looking for substance.
August 3, 2012
An excellent reference book for those just developing a true taste for tea. History, tea guides, even little recipes are provided to ease someone unfamiliar with it all into a rich new world. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the slight cheesiness that is the Republic of Tea. While the quotations and whatnot are insightful, sometimes I just can't buy into the idea of it all.
Overall, I really enjoy having this book on hand for information on teas, herbs, and some easy recipes.
Overall, I really enjoy having this book on hand for information on teas, herbs, and some easy recipes.
May 4, 2016
Informative, when the authors weren't dropping in their random poems or an advertisement for their company. They also seem to detest coffee, which I found hilarious. My favorite line by far invites you to imagine "A place far removed from a world made jittery from change, volume, and too much of the dark oily opiate of roasted beans." Whoa there, oily opiates!
Sometimes helpful, sometimes overwritten, sometimes entertaining in its platform.
Sometimes helpful, sometimes overwritten, sometimes entertaining in its platform.
November 7, 2011
Great book for a person just growing an appreciation for tea. This book will tell you the basic differences and will also give new insight to experts who have more than a general knowledge about tea.
It is typically a good reference book as well when I discover a new tea or want a good refresher about my 2nd favorite refresher be it hot or iced.
It is typically a good reference book as well when I discover a new tea or want a good refresher about my 2nd favorite refresher be it hot or iced.
September 11, 2012
I would have really liked this book, for all of its factual information, if there weren't these cheesy New Age-y little blurbs about "TeaMind" from the "Minister of Tea." I get it, guys. You own your own tea company, and that's great. But why ruin a good book by plastering your publicity all over it?
February 4, 2015
Very informative. I did not know green tea helped with tooth decay and contained fluoride. My family has grown to love tea over the years. We drink mostly bagged organic tea but want to try more loose leaf tea. This book has really helped me to understand steeping times and which infusers work best. I also like the little recipes and plan on making the chamomile cookies.
January 14, 2016
Update (Jan. 2016): I did make the Chai Pie on Thanksgiving this past year and it was excellent!
As a tea drinker and lover, I appreciated this volume immensely. So enjoyable reading about the history and various uses/benefits of tea, discovering new resources to look into and finding recipes like Chai Pie tucked inside. Can't wait to try that one!
As a tea drinker and lover, I appreciated this volume immensely. So enjoyable reading about the history and various uses/benefits of tea, discovering new resources to look into and finding recipes like Chai Pie tucked inside. Can't wait to try that one!
February 25, 2009
A fun and informative book that taught me all about my favorite beverage, tea! It explains how tea is made and talks about the different varieties of tea and the health benefits. There is also an extensive section on herbs that was quite interesting.
July 22, 2009
I had a casual appreciation of tea up until I read this book. It was extremely informative and helped to fuel a new desire to taste and discover new tea blends. I would recommend this to anyone who has a remote interest in tea.
January 17, 2017
Good resource on all things related to tea!
July 13, 2007
Tea! My favorite book on tea. It has everything and explains everything well.
July 13, 2012
A great read. Everything you every wanted to know about tea and some things you didn't.
November 20, 2015
Intersting history about tea and the use for different herbs
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews