Ah, the joy of tea. It is something that many tea drinkers miss out on. It is a feeling of excitement, pure delight, and the sense of “where have you been all my life?” with each sip you take. Someone once commented that I sometimes sound as excited about tea as a child does about toys or other wonders. And why not? Tea is exciting. Tea inspires joy.
The Joy of an “Old Friend” Tea
We all have a tea that we turn to when we crave a familiar flavor. It may even be the only tea we drink, enjoyed with the same comfort as a favorite sweater or the reassuring presence of an old friend. I have several such “old friend” teas, each built on an Assam black tea base known for its rich, malty flavor.
I steep them fairly strong and add a splash of milk along with a bit of sweetener. Then I sit back and enjoy that rich, malty character. It tingles the taste buds and warms all the way down, sip after sip.
The Joy of Meeting “New Friend” Teas
You visit a tea shop, sample a tea, buy some to take home, and feel that familiar tingle of anticipation. Or perhaps you read about a tea online, discover a promising tea review, order a sample, and eagerly wait for its arrival. When the package finally appears at your door, it’s time for a happy dance.
You brew the tea, and the aroma and flavor live up to—or even exceed—your expectations. That is pure joy.
If it’s a full-leaf tea or a blooming tea, even the brewing process becomes part of the experience. You heat the water, place the tea leaves into your brewing vessel, and watch the transformation unfold. The process itself becomes a moment of relaxation, a chance to enjoy the “joy of the leaf” rather than the “agony of the leaves.”
The simple act of steeping and sipping creates a brief pause in life—a moment set apart from daily responsibilities, workplace demands, and endless distractions.
Other “Joys” in Tea
- There is a tea vendor who specializes in small-batch hand-flavored teas. She and her teaspoon inspired the company’s name, and together they create unique flavor combinations that delight tea lovers.
- There is a scientist named Joy Tea whose expertise lies in genetic regulation of neuronal circuit wiring. (I suspect she’s secretly working on helping everyone appreciate tea more, though I freely admit that’s pure speculation on my part.)
- And, of course, there are several tea-related products, organizations, and experiences that feature the word “joy” in their name.
- There is a charity organization called Tea for Joy charity tea party fundraising program, which raises money to help send children to camp through tea party events. The organization’s name honors Joy, a child whose short but courageous life inspired many people around her.
- The word “joy” also appears on a variety of tea-themed products, including tea-themed “Joy” tea towels and kitchen accessories available from independent artisans and retailers.
- Disney World’s China Pavilion in Epcot has offered a “Joy of Tea” menu featuring tea-inspired beverages, desserts, iced teas, bottled teas, and Chinese-inspired food items. While it may not be a traditional tea experience, it certainly reflects the growing popularity of tea-themed attractions and refreshments.
May all your teas fill you with joy!
See more /”>tea articles and tea culture commentary by A.C. Cargill.
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