The Tea Companion (Connoisseur's Guides) [Paperback]

Jane Pettigrew (Author)

Book Description

Series: Connoisseur's Guides | Publication Date: September 7, 2004

More and more people are turning to tea as their primary hot beverage, and connoisseurs are discovering the wondrous range of flavors to be found in different varieties from around the globe—some of which command fantastic prices and are in great demand. This comprehensive, authoritative guide to understanding, purchasing, and serving the world’s finest teas is beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs of a variety of tea leaves and herbs, as well as their countries of origin. Learn how to store tea so its aromas last, brew it properly for fullest enjoyment, and appreciate the many nuances of flavor to be found in this extraordinary drink.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Drinking tea has traditionally been associated with ancient rituals and Asian art forms; and, in a more contemporary vein, the imbibing of herbal teas is often linked to spiritual benefits and good health. This informative guide provides answers to most any question one might have about the history of tea, the many types of fine teas available, and different manners of brewing and preparation. A detailed international directory by country describes the production of a rather mind-boggling variety of teas, recommending the best selections, along with seven categories specifying the appropriate times to drink the myriad kinds of teas listed. Alice Joyce --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

The Tea Companion is an indispensable guide for the connoisseur. Authoritative, informative, and inspirational, it covers everything from how tea was first "discovered" to advice on where to buy it, how it should be stored, and how to make the perfect cup of tea. Tea is the world's most popular beverage, yet most people are familiar with and drink only a tiny proportion of the huge array of high-quality teas that are now available. The Tea Companion opens up this diverse and exciting world and encourages you to seek out and try some of the world's most exquisite teas. At the heart of the book is a country-by-country directory which is divided into four main parts. The first three sections look closely at 11 of the world's tea-producing nations. Profiles of recommended teas detail the essential brewing characteristics of flavor, aroma, and color, and also offer brewing hints and drinking recommendations so that you know how to make the most of your brew. The final section is a brief guide to the world's other tea-producing countries, from Argentina to Zimbabwe. The Tea Companion is an invaluable source of reference and inspiration, an accessible and practical guide to help you enjoy the richness and variety of tea. It is, in short, a celebration of the world's favorite brew. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Running Press (September 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762421509
• ISBN-13: 978-0762421503
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #530,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile companion, October 15, 2001

By 

Sam "Sam" (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tea Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide (Hardcover)

As mentioned, there are a lot of books on tea. The trick is finding one that's practical and useful. What makes this special is 1) extra detail about brewing time, temperature, amount 2) clear color photos of the dry and brewed tea and tea leaves 3) clear organization that helps you understand teas by country and variety. I've browsed through lots of books and of the ones I've seen, this is the best. Think of it as a first rate primer (beginner and intermediate level), not a text book, but five stars for what it tries to do.

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE ULTIMATE TEA BOOK, July 24, 2003

By 

Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Tea Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide (Hardcover)

This interesting book serves as a guide and history book to the world's favorite drink, made from the plant Thea Sinensis. The book reveals the huge variety of teas available and encourages the reader to try some of the world's most exquisite teas. It deals with the discovery of tea (according to legend, by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung), advice on where to buy it, storage hints and how to make the perfect cup. It also includes a discussion of the origin and spread of the word "tea" plus a Grading Terminology and the Tea Taster's vocabulary. Part One, The Story Of Tea, contains the chapters The History Of Tea, Production of Tea, Tea Equipage and Tea Appreciation. Part Two is titled Global Tea Directory and includes a Guide to the Teas of the World, followed by chapters on Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East and Other Tea-producing Countries. The book concludes with the section Addresses of Mail-order Tea Companies and a thorough index. The text is beautifully illustrated with photographs, reproductions of art, portraits and maps. Tastefully designed, well written and informative, The Tea Companion must be the ultimate book on this popular beverage. I strongly recommend it.

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, Precise and Easy to read, October 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Tea Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide (Hardcover)

A good overview on the various types of tea, and in general, everything a beginner would want to know about tea. This is a book where you will find accurate, up-to-date information on tea, its properties and health benefits. Unlike many other books that were written more for pleasure reading (poetry, myths and stories about tea from the east), this is a book that gives a good foundation for someone who's serious about the appreciation and benefits of tea. I highly recommend it!