Tea Reading List
On lazy summer evenings my body and mind are begging me to curl up with an iced glass of tea and a book. Once in a while I give in to my inner desires and put the lengthy To-Do list on hold.
After finally settling on a tea to brew, my mind begins to wander over to my collection of books. As I leave the kitchen to let the tea cool to room temperature (a watched pitcher never cools. isn’t that what they say?) and wander over to the book shelf, my eyes automatically leap to my section of tea books. I am beginning to gather quite the collection, although I’m always looking for new reads.
Here are a few books about my favorite plant and beverage that I’m hoping to add to my shelf very soon:
The Tea Companion: A Connoisseur’s Guide
“This small book, The Tea Companion: A Connoisseur’s Guide, is an excellent book for those new to tea or those just wanting to learn more. The book is broken into two sections: The Story of Tea and Global Tea Directory. The first part is the fascinating history and legends of tea combined with detailed explanations of tea types, tea making, and how to properly steep tea. The second is a wonderful reference book on the teas of the world – one that will entice you to try new teas.”
“The “Book of Tea” traces the history, myth, and rituals of tea growing and tea drinking from the tea gardens of Burma to the tea rooms of London. This book introduces us to the techniques of tea cultivation, and follow the great clipper ships of the Far East in their great quest for the most extraordinary varieties.”
“A recipe book for the tea-lover! Experience the art of afternoon tea and indulge your family and friends in a delightful treat. This book offers over 100 sweet and savory mouthwatering recipes for your tea party. You choose the tea and pick the food to match. Recipes include traditional favorites as well as exciting new options. Each recipe is beautifully photographed in color with step-by-step instructions. Includes an introduction on having afternoon tea.”
If you’re like me and want to buy every tea book you come across, but only can treat yourself to one at the moment thanks to your air conditioning bills, then consider hosting a Tea Book Swap Party. Have everyone bring their favorite book about tea to swap while chatting over cold pitchers of iced tea.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach, why not organize a BYOT&B party. Translation: Bring your own tea and book party. Everyone brings a pitcher of their favorite iced tea, a tea book to swap and a beach chair. Spend the day reading tea books and sipping iced tea!