Diane Eddy
Whether you call it tea, thé, or cha, tea is so much more than just a drink. For many, its mystique is living art, steeped in ceremony and thoughtfulness reflecting the things and people we love, our concept of ourselves and what we have meant to this world. Tea satisfies not just our thirst but also our spirit, helping us feel a bit more civilized and sophisticated.
This winter season, in a series of five tea tastings, Diane Eddy, Certified Tea Professional, will tantalize your mind, nostrils and taste buds with a selection of exceptional loose-leaf teas, tea history, tea foods and unusual tea ceremonies.
On November 18 we begin our tea journey with The Ritual of Afternoon Tea. Discover how afternoon tea became so popular in the 1800’s and why it is enjoying a renaissance today. Delight in the taste of teas appropriate for afternoon tea and learn the elegant nuances that make afternoon tea such a delightful pastime for both men and women.
December 16 will find us discovering The Art of Chinese Tea Ceremony and the history of tea from China. December is also the month in which we remember the Boston Tea Party — and the little known tea history behind that historic event.
On January 20, 2015 we will be pairing Japanese green tea with those delightful confections known as Wagashi. Our February 17, 2015 tea tasting class will explore the world of fine Oolong teas and we will participate in a Korean Wu Wo Tea Ceremony.
One of our most enjoyable and beloved classes, Blending and Flavoring Teas, will take place on March 17, 2015. And our final class of the season, April 21, 2015, will find us on a journey to Nepal to savor unusual Nepali teas.
More than just an ancient beverage, tea offers us ritual, enchantment, and a celebration with family and friends. Although the study of tea might seem intimidating, learning tea basics is really quite simple, delightful and fun. There are only five steps – looking at the dry tea leaf, brewing the tea correctly, examining the wet leaf, smelling the aroma of the infused tea, and finally, tasting the tea liquor. With a bit of practice, you will quickly acquire an aptitude for discerning good tea.
Come join us in the Sun Lakes Country Club Navajo Room from 10:00 a.m.-noon for one or all of our tea tasting classes, meet new tea loving friends and have a great time tasting some of the world’s finest teas.
Students need only bring a teacup and saucer along with a sense of adventure and good humor. The cost for each class is $4. Class size is limited and reservations are necessary. Please call Diane at 480-266-5562 or send an e-mail to [email protected] for more information and reservations.