So far, in the introductory Q&A section about tea, we have covered essential aspects such as the differences between tea, blends, and herbal infusions and the importance of understanding these distinctions. We have also debunked misconceptions propagated by wild pseudoscientists who spread "little white lies" that are far from benign. This knowledge makes us better equipped to defend ourselves against these minor threats. However, this is just the beginning of our journey into the world of tea. Think of this stage as a free trial of what the universe of tea has to offer you.
Imagine that the first two writings in this Q&A section are like going to the beach and stepping into the sea. You enjoy the gentle ebb and flow of the waves, but if you're not careful, you can be swept away by them, which can be dangerous. If the sea pulls you in and you don't know how to react—or worse, you don't know how to swim—you may have a traumatic experience that makes you avoid the ocean in the future. This is a reality many face in the tea world. Without knowing and understanding the various components of a cup, they can be lured by a wild pseudoscientist promising wonders, only to be disappointed and develop negative perceptions like "tea is bitter," "tea is for sick people," or "tea is for old folks." These misconceptions distance people from a broad and fascinating world where they can discover what excites them.
That's why the previous writings in this Q&A section were essential. Just as it doesn't make sense to give you a pencil if you don't know how to use it, knowledge about tea requires a solid foundation. This writing aims to guide you as you explore the world of tea. Think of it as being at the beach with snorkeling gear, observing the fish around you while still standing in the sand. If you venture into the water, you will gradually learn to dive around the reefs. But remember, like in life, everything is a sequential process. Therefore, this writing will explore a new premise: the Tea Orchestra.
What is the Tea Orchestra?
Don't worry, we won't be composing music, as I confess I have two left feet when it comes to that! The Tea Orchestra is simply a way to understand how to prepare your tea, blend, or herbal infusion (although it focuses more on tea preparation). Based on the Royal Spanish Academy definition, an orchestra is a "group of musicians performing musical works with various instruments under the guidance of a conductor."
We will adapt this definition for our purpose:
Tea Orchestra: A collection of elements that compose a cup of tea, with various parameters and under the guidance of a conductor.
In both definitions, the constant is the role of the conductor. In your case, you are the conductor of the infusion preparation, whether for yourself or for a group. You need to have the skill and control to prepare the tea.
Throughout your journey in the tea world, you will learn about ceremonies such as Gong Fu Cha, which translates to "making tea with skill," Sado, Senchado, and Ataya, just to name a few. These ceremonies are not just rituals; they are cultures rooted in different countries and their ways of preparing and enjoying tea. There is no best way to prepare it; instead, there are many, each with its own value. Therefore, debating which is "the best" is insignificant. At the end of the day, it's about finding the method that feels most comfortable for you.
Returning to our Tea Orchestra, I would like to classify the essential elements of tea preparation as if they were sections of a classical orchestra (strings, winds, brass, etc.). Still, I lack the musical knowledge to make those classifications. However, here are the fundamental elements of our tea orchestra:
- Water:
- Quality
- Quantity
- Temperature
- Time:
- Infusion duration
- Container:
- Type
- Tea:
- Type
- Quantity
- Quality
- Conductor of the Orchestra:
- Preparation style
- Knowledge
- Environment
- Guests (optional)
It's important to note that each of these elements, while distinct, are interrelated. They are all interdependent and require attention and care. The tea ceremonies mentioned earlier understand this interdependence well.
It's common to hear recommendations like: "Green tea should be prepared with 2.5 grams of tea per 150 ml of water at 90 °C and infused for 2 minutes." Is this valid? Absolutely, but it's just a guideline. This method may work for one type of green tea and could apply to others, but tea is meant to be a personal and unique experience, much like the story of black tea's origin.
It's essential to understand that these standards and the analogy of the Tea Orchestra are not meant to limit you but to serve as a starting point.
Initially, you must familiarize yourself with all the orchestra elements to gain confidence. Over time, you will develop your own style and be able to transform each cup into a memorable experience.
As illustrated in the section "A Warrior in a Garden," it is preferable to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war. Knowing yourself and improving gradually will allow you to turn any combination of water, time, container, or tea into a pleasurable experience. The beauty of tea lies in the fact that, beyond being a simple beverage, it is a catalyst that, when used correctly, can enrich our lives with countless adventures.
Do not underestimate the power of each element in tea preparation. Every detail counts and contributes to the final experience, from the water to the infusion time. As you progress in your journey, remember that the art of tea is a blend of science and creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust your approach until you find the perfect combination that resonates with you.
Ultimately, true success in tea preparation lies in personal satisfaction and the joy of sharing it with others. So, are you ready to be the conductor of your own Tea Orchestra?
Until next time.
Satoricha ~
Psst... This has just been the preface to our Tea Orchestra. We will delve into each of its elements in detail in the upcoming writings.
References
RAE. (n.d.). orquesta | Definición | Diccionario de la lengua española | RAE - ASALE. Diccionario de la lengua española. Retrieved September 15, 2024, from https://dle.rae.es/orquesta
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