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Tea Drunk

Welcome to part one of our three-tier Tea Fundamentals course. In this tier, we will cover topics such as an introduction to tea, different types of tea, brewing techniques, and the history of tea. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced tea drinker, this course will provide you with valuable insights into the world of tea.

Section 1 will provide an introduction to tea, exploring its definition, categories, and brewing methods. We will delve into the rich history and cultural background of tea, highlighting its importance in shaping human civilization.

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Welcome to part one of our three-tier Tea Fundamentals course. In this tier, we will cover topics such as an introduction to tea, different types of tea, brewing techniques, and the history of tea. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced tea drinker, this course will provide you with valuable insights into the world of tea.

Section 1 will provide an introduction to tea, exploring its definition, categories, and brewing methods. We will delve into the rich history and cultural background of tea, highlighting its importance in shaping human civilization.

Section 2 will focus on brewing loose-leaf tea, one of the most traditional ways to consume tea. We will explore the principles of brewing tea, as well as different types of vessels and equipment used in the process. Additionally, we will delve into specific brewing techniques for different types of tea, providing you with hands-on experience.

In Section 3, we will delve into the various categories of tea, including green tea, yellow tea, white tea, Wu Long tea, and red tea. We will explore the unique characteristics, flavors, and brewing techniques associated with each category. Additionally, we will delve into the history of specific tea varieties.

By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of tea, its different types, brewing techniques, and the cultural significance it holds. Whether you are looking to enhance your tea knowledge or delve deeper into the world of tea, this course will provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • What is tea?
  • How tea works
  • The history of tea
  • Overview of tea categories

Syllabus

Introduction to Tea
Introductions
What is Tea? Flavored Tea, Tisanes, and Camellia Sinensis
How Tea Works, Human Perception of Taste and What Makes Different Tea Categories
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the history of tea, which provides a cultural context and appreciation for the beverage that may appeal to history buffs
Covers brewing techniques, which offers practical skills for enhancing the tea-drinking experience and for those who wish to learn more
Belongs to a three-part series, which suggests a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of tea for those who wish to learn more
Examines the tasting pyramid and memory of taste, which may be useful for learners who wish to develop their palates

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Reviews summary

Solid introduction to tea fundamentals

According to learners, Tea Fundamentals I offers a solid introduction perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their knowledge. Students highlight the clear explanations of foundational concepts and the helpful sections on brewing techniques, particularly the detailed guidance on Gong Fu Cha. The course provides a good overview of the main tea categories and their history. While considered a strong starting point, some reviewers found the depth of coverage foundational, suggesting more experienced learners might want to supplement it. A few mentioned minor production quality issues but generally found the course material valuable and well-structured.
Foundational but may leave some wanting more detail.
"Great as a fundamental course, but don't expect expert-level detail on every topic."
"A solid overview, though I hoped for a bit more depth on specific processing methods."
"Perfect if you're new, might be a bit basic if you already know a fair amount."
Good survey of main tea categories and history.
"Liked learning about the history and characteristics of different tea types."
"Covers the main categories well, giving you a good feel for each."
"The information on specific teas like Da Hong Pao was interesting."
Detailed explanations of brewing methods like Gong Fu Cha.
"The section on Gong Fu Cha brewing was particularly helpful and well-explained."
"Appreciate the step-by-step guidance on different brewing methods."
"Finally understood how to properly brew loose-leaf tea thanks to this course."
Provides a solid foundation for beginners.
"The first section provides a clear and concise introduction to tea basics."
"Even as someone who drinks tea daily, I learned a lot from the introductory modules."
"Excellent starting point for anyone new to the world of tea."
Some reviews mention minor production issues.
"A few videos had slight audio issues, but nothing major."
"Mostly well-produced, but occasionally the editing felt a little rough."

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 Tea Fundamentals I with these activities:
The Tea Book
Provide a comprehensive overview of tea history, types, and brewing methods to prepare for the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Tea Book'.
  • Read the introductory chapters on tea history and cultivation.
  • Explore the sections on different tea varieties and brewing techniques.
Review Basic Tasting Principles
Reinforce understanding of taste perception and flavor profiles to better appreciate the nuances of different teas.
Show steps
  • Review notes on the Tasting Pyramid.
  • Practice identifying basic tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami).
  • Experiment with different foods and beverages to map their flavor profiles.
Brewing Parameter Experiments
Practice brewing the same tea multiple times, varying parameters like water temperature and steeping time, to understand their impact on flavor.
Show steps
  • Select a single type of tea (e.g., green tea).
  • Brew multiple cups, systematically changing water temperature.
  • Repeat, varying steeping time instead of temperature.
  • Record observations about the resulting flavor profiles.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Tea Tasting Journal
Document tea tasting experiences to develop a refined palate and improve the ability to articulate flavor profiles.
Show steps
  • Create a journal with sections for tea name, origin, and brewing parameters.
  • Taste different teas and record observations about aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
  • Use descriptive language to articulate the nuances of each tea.
World Tea Encyclopedia
Deepen understanding of tea varieties, origins, and processing methods to expand on the course material.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'World Tea Encyclopedia'.
  • Explore the sections on different tea regions and their unique tea varieties.
  • Research the processing methods for specific tea types.
Explore Advanced Brewing Techniques
Refine brewing skills by following tutorials on advanced techniques like Gong Fu Cha or cold brewing.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on Gong Fu Cha or cold brewing.
  • Gather the necessary equipment and ingredients.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, paying attention to detail.
  • Experiment with different parameters to personalize the technique.
Create a Tea Blending Project
Apply knowledge of tea types and flavor profiles to create a unique tea blend.
Show steps
  • Research different tea types and their flavor characteristics.
  • Experiment with blending different teas in small quantities.
  • Record the proportions of each tea in the blend.
  • Taste the blend and adjust the proportions as needed.
  • Document the final blend and its flavor profile.

Career center

Learners who complete Tea Fundamentals I will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Tea Sommelier
A tea sommelier possesses extensive knowledge of tea, including its origins, processing, and preparation. This role involves curating tea menus, training staff, and advising customers on tea selection. This course introduces various categories of tea, brewing techniques, and their cultural history. A tea sommelier must know the differences between green tea, yellow tea, white tea, Wu Long tea, and red tea, and this course provides a strong foundation.
Tea Educator
A tea educator teaches others about tea through classes and workshops. This includes tea history, brewing techniques, and tasting skills. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to tea, its history, and brewing methods. A tea educator will be able to draw from the course's detailed explanations of the different tea categories, and these are vital to imparting knowledge to individuals new to the world of tea.
Tea Blender
A tea blender creates unique tea blends by combining different teas and flavorings. They need a deep understanding of individual teas, their flavor profiles, and brewing characteristics. This course covers the different tea categories, their unique characteristics, and brewing techniques. A tea blender must understand the nuances of tea, and this course may provide useful insights into how tea can combine and harmonize. By learning about brewing principles, one can see how flavors combine.
Tea Buyer
A tea buyer sources high-quality tea from various regions. They evaluate tea based on taste, aroma, and appearance. This role requires knowledge of the different tea categories, their origins, and tea processing. This course provides an introduction to these aspects, and may be useful as a starting point. It details the importance of tea's history and cultural background, and these are important to understanding the modern market.
Quality Control Specialist
A quality control specialist ensures that products meet certain standards. In the tea industry, this role requires an understanding of tea categories and processing. This course introduces tea categories, their characteristics, and brewing techniques, and this may help a quality control specialist perform their job. An understanding of the brewing process is key to ensuring tea quality.
Product Developer
A product developer creates and improves products, often working in the food and beverage industry. This course may be useful to a product developer because it provides an overview of the different categories of tea, as well as the history of tea. The course also covers the brewing process, which is an important aspect of product development. A product developer may find this useful when developing new tea products or for improving existing ones.
Sensory Scientist
A sensory scientist researches how people perceive products using their senses. Within the tea industry, this role entails researching the taste, aroma, and appearance of different teas. This course touches upon human perception of taste. It also covers the different tea categories, which requires a level of sensory analysis. In this way, it may be helpful to those interested in sensory science.
Food and Beverage Manager
A food and beverage manager oversees the operation of a restaurant, bar, or other food service venue. They are responsible for menu planning, inventory management, staff supervision, and customer service. This course introduces tea categories, brewing techniques, and cultural significance, all of which are important to a well-rounded curriculum. The training on brewing principles may help a food and beverage manager train staff to prepare tea effectively.
Import/Export Specialist
An import export specialist manages the process of importing or exporting goods. In the tea industry, This may mean working with tea suppliers and distributors around the world. This course introduces different types of tea and their history, which can be helpful as background knowledge for anyone looking to import or export tea. This role would benefit from a knowledge of tea categories and regions, and this course provides an overview.
Cafe Owner
A cafe owner manages the daily operations of a cafe, often focusing on creating a welcoming environment and quality menu. They may handle tasks ranging from hiring staff to curating the menu. This course touches on tea categories and brewing. An owner looking to introduce tea to their menu might take this course, especially to train their staff on the specifics of brewing and to understand the nuances of different tea varieties.
Culinary Instructor
A culinary instructor teaches cooking techniques and culinary arts. While this role focuses on a wide range of foods, this course might be useful as it provides an understanding of tea. A culinary instructor with some knowledge of tea and tea pairings may be more competitive. This course's exploration of brewing methods is useful for an understanding of the role of tea in a meal.
Restaurant Server
A restaurant server takes customer orders, delivers food and drinks, and provides customer service. While much of the server's job relates to the entire menu, familiarity with tea and its varieties may help when answering customer questions. This course introduces different kinds of tea, and how to brew them. A server versed in these techniques may provide a better customer experience.
Marketing Specialist
A marketing specialist promotes products or services, often through market research and advertising campaigns. In the tea industry, a marketing specialist must understand different tea categories and the tea market. This course may be helpful by providing important information about the history of tea and the different categories. This background knowledge can be helpful for a marketing specialist in the tea industry.
Agricultural Researcher
An agricultural researcher studies farming practices to improve crop production. While not directly related to the growing of tea plants, this course might provide some useful knowledge in relation to the final product. The course's deep dive into the brewing technique of different teas may be provide some insight into how a change in agricultural practices affects the final product. The history of tea may provide some context for the effects of different techniques.
Herbalist
An herbalist studies and utilizes plants for health and wellness. While this course focuses on tea specifically, an herbalist may find the provided historical and cultural knowledge of tea valuable. In addition, the course overviews tea categories and preparation, and this may provide a framework for herbalists to understand the properties of different plants. An herbalist may find this course useful for understanding one area of the plant kingdom.

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 Tea Fundamentals I.
Provides a comprehensive overview of tea, covering its history, cultivation, and different varieties. It's a great resource for beginners to gain a solid foundation in tea knowledge. The book also delves into the cultural significance of tea in various regions, adding depth to the course material. It serves as excellent additional reading to enhance understanding.
This encyclopedia provides in-depth information on various tea types, their origins, and processing methods. It's a valuable reference for understanding the nuances of different tea categories. While not essential for the course, it offers a deeper dive into specific tea varieties. It is best used as a reference tool for further exploration.

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