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Shana Zhang
  • Important mention: This tea course has covered accurate subtitles to help you understand deep tea knowledge very clear.

  • Anyone in the tea industry or who wants to be in the tea industry will greatly benefit from this best online tea course. Whether you are a tea taster, tea lover, tea blogger, tea business owner, or dream of owning a tea business, this course will give you a true insider's knowledge of Chinese tea and the international tea industry. It is also crucial to understand where your tea comes from, how it is produced, and why it is the way it is. Discover how to support the right kinds of teas from ethical sources. After completing this course, it would be impossible for anyone to take you as a fool again.

  • This course will cover 5 major part: 

    1. The Origin of Tea 

    2. Major Tea Quality Characteristics 

    3. Tea Evaluation Methods 

    4. Tea Industry Growth 

    5. Tea culture and tea with your health 

  • You may only need one month to complete this course, but it will benefit you in your whole life. Any one of you will discover a new world within this course, there are those of you who want to start a different lifestyle and want a change, you want to earn a living different way, doing something you enjoy, tea. This best online tea course has a profound knowledge of the tea industry and tea culture of China and will bring into the most special and coolest new healthy living style. 

  • Once you completed 4 of our online courses, we have prepared world-class Milestone Level - ITA Certified Tea Sommelier Certification for you. In the #4 course, we have a quiz at the end, once your answers reach 60% points, you will pass our quiz, our system will release the certification for you automatically.  Each certificate will release its own certification ID that no one can copy from you.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Upon completion of this course you will be able to identify the major varieties of teas from around the world
  • You will discover the deep inner workings of the tea business arming you with the knowledge to begin your own
  • You will deeply understand the ancient knowledge of tea's healing benefits
  • Upon completion of this course you will be able to properly source your tea. you will be able to properly source without getting ripped off from tea traders, tea farmers and or tea factories.
  • Upon completion of this course you will know how to conduct a proper chinese tea ceremony

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome - Introduction
The origin of tea

There are 380 different types of tea trees in the world. Which part of China was the first place for tea? This is an important section of the course, where you will learn exactly where tea comes from, how it spread all around world, and its original history. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll have a much clearer idea of where your cup of tea comes from.

Read more

Yunnan is the birthplace of tea. Discover the tea trees of Yunnan as well as their ethnic minority cultures who have a special and ancient relationship with the tea trees.

The Ancient Tea Horse Road is an important road in the history of tea. It helped spread tea across the world. Here we will discover why and what it is all about.

Did you know that the climate, soil, temperature, seasons and location all have a significant effect on your tea? In this lesson we go in depth into how geographical locations effect tea differently.

What really is green tea? Discover the production method of green tea and how it differs from the other major tea varieties.

What really is yellow tea? Discover the production method of yellow tea and how it differs from the other major tea varieties.

What really is dark tea? Discover the production method of dark tea and how it differs from the other major tea varieties.

What really is oolong tea? Discover the production method of oolong tea and how it differs from the other major tea varieties.

What really is white tea? Discover the production method of white tea and how it differs from the other major tea varieties.

What really is black tea? Discover the production method of black tea and how it differs from the other major tea varieties.

No matter what kind of tea you are drinking, no matter how fancy the name of the tea is, and of the tea's origin they all belong to the major 6 types of Chinese tea varieties. Now you have a rich knowledge of the six major varities of tea: green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea, dark tea and yellow tea.

Knowing how to evaluate tea is the most important skill a tea master needs to have. Once you know how to evaluate tea and judge it properly, then you can work in the world of tea wherever you want. Discover the 4 things you need to properly evaluate tea.

Here are the basic steps to properly evaluate tea.

What is the difference between factory produced tea and artisanal teas? Here we discover how to evaluate the differences.

Now you are entering our more advanced section of the course: The tea business. In recent years, tea has become an increasingly popular beverage in the US. More and more tea shops are opening, but how can you be successful in this business? How can you become special in this business? Here are some keys we would like to share with you to help you be successful in your tea business.

Now we will delve into the Tea Research Institute and Academy of Agricultural Sciences. What it is and why it is so important to understanding the tea industry. Tracing the origins of your tea is crucial to understanding transparent business. You will be surprised to see the amount of hands that your tea passes through. Discover the entire process here.

In the vedio of blending analysis has a little bit calculation errors, please download the file How Big Tea Company Blending to help you get more clear about this calculation.

Understanding how to educate your market and buyers is crucial for a successful tea business. In this lesson you will have the tools you need to do this.

Japanese and Chinese tea ceremony have distinctly different features, each with their own beauty. Here we discover the beauty of each one.

Many people in modern times have not even heard of Lu Yu, but Lu Yu had a profound effect on Chinese tea culture and tea. This is the story of Lu Yu.

Preparation for tea ceremony requires certain steps. Here we begin the proper tea ceremony preparation.

The Gaiwan is likely the most popular vessel in China for tea ceremony. Largely unknown to the west, here you will discover what is a Gaiwan and how to use it.

Your method of brewing tea with the Gaiwan will vary from tea to tea. Here we go in depth of how to use a Gaiwan to brew white tea. We even include a beautiful Chinese tea ceremony here for you too!

Your method of brewing tea with the Teapot will vary from tea to tea. Here we go in depth of how to use a Teapot to brew pressed puer tea. We even include a beautiful Chinese tea ceremony here for you too!

Your method of brewing tea with the Teapot will vary from tea to tea. Here we go in depth of how to use a Teapot to brew looseleaf puer tea. We even include a beautiful Chinese tea ceremony here for you too!

Everyone must understand how to properly prepare to drink tea to have the ultimate tea drinking experience.

Did you know that during different times certain teas can be more beneficial than others? Here we discuss what teas are best for different times of the day.

Here is how to choose different teas based on the seasons.

Tea has so many health benefits, and each tea contains different benefits. With so many options how do you choose which tea to drink? In this lesson discover how to choose the right tea for what you and your body needs.

Important key data on tea and it's benefits.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides insights into sourcing tea ethically, which is increasingly important for consumers and businesses focused on sustainability and responsible practices
Explores the nuances of tea evaluation, which is a critical skill for anyone looking to work in the tea industry or deepen their appreciation of tea
Covers the history of tea, including the Ancient Tea Horse Road, which provides a rich cultural context for understanding the beverage and its global impact
Details the six major varieties of Chinese tea, offering a comprehensive foundation for understanding the diverse world of tea and their unique characteristics
Requires completion of four online courses to receive the ITA Certified Tea Sommelier Certification, which may be a barrier for some learners seeking standalone knowledge
Explores tea ceremonies, including the use of Gaiwan and Teapots, which may be difficult for learners to replicate without access to specialized equipment

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Reviews summary

Foundations of chinese tea culture and business

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation for understanding Chinese tea. Students say it offers fantastic depth on the history, culture, and production methods of the six major Chinese tea types. The course provides a useful framework for tea evaluation and features beautifully done tea ceremony lessons. While particularly beneficial for tea enthusiasts, beginners, and those interested in small tea businesses, some reviewers felt the global tea business section could lack sufficient detail for seasoned professionals. The course content is generally considered easy to follow, with helpful subtitles noted by students. Overall, it is seen as an incredibly valuable resource that significantly expands understanding of traditional Chinese tea.
Course is easy to follow with helpful subtitles
"The structure was easy to follow. As a tea lover, this expanded my understanding significantly. The subtitles were a great help."
"Good course overall. Covers a lot of ground from history to business basics... Subtitles were helpful."
Highly recommended for beginners and enthusiasts
"Fantastic depth on the history and production! I learned so much about the 6 major types. The segment on evaluating tea was eye-opening. Highly recommend for enthusiasts..."
"A true gem! Deep dive into Chinese tea culture and history. The tea ceremony lessons were beautifully done. Perfect for someone passionate about traditional tea."
"Solid overview of Chinese teas... I would recommend for beginners or enthusiasts."
Provides a useful framework for evaluating tea quality
"The segment on evaluating tea was eye-opening. Highly recommend for enthusiasts and future business owners."
"The tea evaluation part was useful, though you need practice. Some parts felt a little basic if you already know a bit about tea."
"Knowing how to evaluate tea is the most important skill a tea master needs to have. Once you know how to evaluate tea and judge it properly..."
"The evaluation section gives a good framework."
Excellent coverage of origins, history, culture, and 6 types
"Fantastic depth on the history and production! I learned so much about the 6 major types. The segment on evaluating tea was eye-opening."
"Deep dive into Chinese tea culture and history. The tea ceremony lessons were beautifully done. Perfect for someone passionate about traditional tea."
"This course gave me a great foundation for understanding where tea comes comes from and the different types. I appreciated the health section too."
Mentioned calculation error may need clarification
"I found the business section lacking detail... some calculations were wrong [in an older review]."
"In the vedio of blending analysis has a little bit calculation errors, please download the file How Big Tea Company Blending to help you get more clear about this calculation [from syllabus]."
Content is introductory, not suitable for advanced business
"I found the business section lacking detail for someone serious about starting a large operation. The video quality was okay, but some calculations were wrong."
"Was hoping for more hands-on guidance on tasting notes and evaluation. The course is too focused on history and types, and the business part is superficial."
"The business concepts were a good overview. I appreciated the health section too."
"The business part is more introductory than advanced. I would recommend for beginners or enthusiasts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in #1 ITA Certified Tea Courses - Foundations of Chinese Tea with these activities:
Review Tea Production Methods
Reinforce your understanding of the different tea production methods before diving into the course. This will help you better grasp the nuances of each tea type.
Show steps
  • Research the six major tea types and their processing steps.
  • Create a table summarizing the key differences in production.
Read 'The Tea Book' by Linda Gaylard
Expand your understanding of tea varieties and brewing techniques. This book offers a broader perspective on tea beyond Chinese tea.
Show steps
  • Read the sections relevant to the tea types covered in the course.
  • Take notes on key differences in flavor profiles and brewing methods.
Create a Tea Tasting Journal
Develop your tea evaluation skills by documenting your tasting experiences. This will help you internalize the characteristics of different teas.
Show steps
  • Purchase a variety of Chinese teas discussed in the course.
  • Brew each tea according to recommended guidelines.
  • Record your observations on aroma, flavor, and appearance.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide' by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss
Deepen your understanding of the cultural significance of tea, especially in China. This book provides historical context and insights into tea ceremonies.
Show steps
  • Focus on the chapters related to Chinese tea culture and history.
  • Compare and contrast the Chinese tea ceremony with the Japanese tea ceremony.
Research and Present on a Specific Chinese Tea Region
Solidify your knowledge of tea origins and geographical influences. This project allows you to delve deeper into a specific region and its unique tea characteristics.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific tea-producing region in China (e.g., Yunnan, Fujian).
  • Research the region's climate, soil, and tea varieties.
  • Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
Design a Tea Ceremony Guide
Apply your knowledge of Chinese tea ceremonies by creating a practical guide. This will help you internalize the steps and significance of the ceremony.
Show steps
  • Outline the steps of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
  • Include explanations of the symbolism and meaning behind each step.
  • Design a visually appealing guide with illustrations or photos.
Lead a Tea Tasting Session for Friends
Reinforce your understanding by sharing your knowledge with others. Teaching is a great way to solidify your own learning.
Show steps
  • Select a few different Chinese teas to showcase.
  • Prepare the teas and guide your friends through a tasting.
  • Explain the characteristics of each tea and answer questions.

Career center

Learners who complete #1 ITA Certified Tea Courses - Foundations of Chinese Tea will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Tea Sommelier
A tea sommelier possesses an expert-level understanding of tea, and this course may be particularly useful for aspiring sommeliers. This role involves selecting, preparing, and serving tea, often in high-end restaurants, hotels, or specialty tea houses. This course provides an understanding of tea origins, production methods, quality characteristics, and evaluation techniques. The course also covers the nuances of Chinese tea culture, including tea ceremonies, which is crucial for the role of a tea sommelier. It offers practical knowledge to distinguish different tea varieties and accurately assess their quality and will help build a foundation for a career as a tea sommelier.
Tea Buyer
A tea buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing tea for retail or wholesale purposes. This course may be useful for this role, as it delves into the intricacies of tea origins, production, and quality evaluation. A tea buyer needs to have a comprehensive grasp of different tea types, including Chinese varieties, which are covered in this course. The course's emphasis on ethical sourcing and avoiding scams could prove vital for a buyer. Moreover, the course will help a tea buyer understand transparent business practices in the tea industry and provides knowledge of the global tea business.
Tea Shop Owner
A tea shop owner manages and operates a retail business that sells tea and related products. This course is very useful for a tea shop owner who needs a solid understanding of tea varieties, production, and cultural significance. The course will help a tea shop owner source high-quality teas and avoid common pitfalls in the industry. Owners can use the knowledge of different tea types, production methods, and evaluation techniques to create a unique and compelling offering in their tea business. This course also covers some aspect of the tea business, which may prove quite beneficial to an aspiring tea shop owner.
Tea Educator
A tea educator shares knowledge and passion for tea with others through workshops, classes, or events. This course may prove useful for a tea educator, as it provides comprehensive information on the origins, production, and cultural significance of tea, particularly Chinese tea. The detailed coverage of tea characteristics and evaluation will allow a tea educator to offer insightful classes. The course also delves into the history of tea and offers material for presentations or educational material for a tea educator. The course further covers how to conduct a proper Chinese tea ceremony, which may be a very valuable lesson for a tea educator.
Tea Taster
A tea taster assesses the quality and flavor nuances of tea. This course may be very useful, as it provides a deep dive into tea quality characteristics, production methods, and evaluation techniques. The course is designed to enhance one's ability to identify different tea types and their unique qualities. The role of a tea taster also involves understanding the differences between factory produced and artisanal teas, which is part of the coursework. This course also allows a tea taster to familiarize with tea from Yunnan, which is the birthplace of tea.
Food and Beverage Consultant
A food and beverage consultant advises businesses in the food and beverage industry on various aspects of their operations, potentially including tea service. This course may be a good fit for those wishing to become a food and beverage consultant. A consultant needs a broad understanding of different beverages, and this course's focus on Chinese tea provides a specialized understanding that can be leveraged for clients. The course explores tea industry trends as well as the art of tea tasting, which can inform a consultant's recommendations for clients. The course may help a consultant create and enhance a tea program.
Tea Blogger
A tea blogger creates written content about tea. This course may be helpful for a tea blogger, providing in-depth knowledge of Chinese tea, including its origins, production, and cultural significance. The course may improve a tea blogger's ability to create detailed, accurate, and engaging content. The course also touches on the ethical sourcing of teas, which can become an important topic for a tea blogger. The course may give a tea blogger a unique voice of authority in the world of tea and deepen their understanding of the subject.
Restaurant Manager
A restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant, including the beverage service. This course may be useful for a restaurant manager who wants to elevate the tea program at their restaurant. This course will help a manager source high-quality teas and implement tea related aspects of service. The course's discussions of tea tasting and evaluation will help a manager understand the value of high-quality tea, and the course covers tea ceremonies, which may be leveraged as a unique experience at a fine-dining establishment. The information in this course may help a restaurant manager develop a successful tea related program in their restaurant.
Specialty Food Retailer
A specialty food retailer curates and sells unique food and beverage items to consumers. This course may be useful for a specialty food retailer who wants to expand their offerings to include a variety of teas. The course's attention to unique qualities and characteristics of different teas can help a retailer select the best possible teas. This course may help a specialty food retailer identify high-quality products from ethical sources. The course will also provide a specialty food retailer with deep knowledge of specific types of tea from China, which may be hard to find elsewhere.
Import/Export Specialist
An import export specialist manages the international trade of goods. This course may prove useful for an import export specialist who deals with tea, or who wishes to develop a specialization in tea. The course's detailed discussion of tea origins, production, and quality evaluation can help an import export specialist make informed decisions. The course also touches on ethical sourcing, which is important in international trade. The course helps build a foundation of knowledge in the tea industry that may prove beneficial to an import export specialist.
Herbalist
An herbalist specializes in the use of plants for medicinal purposes. This course may be helpful for an herbalist who seeks to incorporate tea into their practice or learn more about tea's healing benefits. The course discusses tea's health benefits, as well as how to choose the right tea based on needs. This course's unique perspective on Chinese tea may present an opportunity for an herbalist to expand their knowledge. The course will help an herbalist understand the unique properties of tea and when to use them to better serve their clients.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach helps clients achieve their health and wellness goals. This course may be helpful to a wellness coach who wants to offer advice on the use of tea. The course discusses the health benefits of tea, and explains how to choose teas for different times of day or for different seasons. This information may help a wellness coach provide accurate and detailed advise to their clients. The course may help a wellness coach leverage tea as a tool in the services they provide.
Agricultural Product Manager
An agricultural product manager oversees the lifecycle of agricultural products, including tea, from production to marketing. This course may be useful for a product manager in the tea industry, as it provides a detailed understanding of tea production and the tea business. The course covers important skills in tea evaluation and discusses tea industry trends. The course will help a product manager understand the various steps that tea passes through in the supply chain, from the farm to the consumer and may help in a variety of key business decisions.
Ethical Sourcing Consultant
An ethical sourcing consultant advises businesses on sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. This course may be useful for an ethical sourcing consultant, as it touches upon ethical tea sourcing. The course emphasizes the importance of sourcing the right kinds of teas from ethical sources. The course may help an ethical sourcing consultant provide best practices in the world of tea, and will give them specialized knowledge in this particular agricultural product.
Culinary Arts Instructor
A culinary arts instructor teaches cooking and food preparation techniques. This course may be helpful for a culinary arts instructor who wants to expand their knowledge to include tea. The course covers the origins of tea, its production, and cultural significance. The course may help a culinary arts instructor bring a new perspective to their classes. The course also covers tea ceremonies, which may be a good topic for an instructor to add to their syllabus.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in #1 ITA Certified Tea Courses - Foundations of Chinese Tea.
Delves into the rich cultural history of tea, particularly in China and Japan. It provides valuable context for understanding the traditions and ceremonies surrounding tea consumption. The book also offers practical guidance on tea selection, preparation, and appreciation, making it a useful reference for tea enthusiasts.
Provides a comprehensive overview of tea, covering its history, cultivation, and preparation. It's a great resource for expanding your knowledge beyond the specific focus of Chinese tea. The book also includes tasting notes and brewing guides for a wide variety of teas, making it a useful reference tool.

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