Comments on: Interview with Mary Lou Heiss, author of "The Story of Tea" http://teafinelybrewed.com/blog/interview-mary-lou-heiss-story-of-tea/ Sun, 26 Dec 2010 00:51:46 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Christa http://teafinelybrewed.com/blog/interview-mary-lou-heiss-story-of-tea/comment-page-1/#comment-124 Christa Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:50:34 +0000 http://teafinelybrewed.com/?p=380#comment-124 I know I'm jumping in late on this discussion...but I really liked this interview - way to go on getting such a great interviewee! I've read The Story of Tea, and think of it as one of the best tea books in my library. It has taught me very much and increased my interest and enthusiasm in the subject. I've already quoted from it in my own new blog. Thank you for doing this. In response to Alan, I'd have to say "read the book". There is indeed a lot of information on jasmine and you'll be happy to see that it indicates that flowers are left in for visual appeal and have nothing to do with the flavour of the tea. That aside, the authors do not come across condescending or snooty in the least - in fact, it is very accessible, and I believe can only add to any enthusiasts' enjoyment of tea. So please, read before you judge. I know I’m jumping in late on this discussion…but I really liked this interview – way to go on getting such a great interviewee! I’ve read The Story of Tea, and think of it as one of the best tea books in my library. It has taught me very much and increased my interest and enthusiasm in the subject. I’ve already quoted from it in my own new blog. Thank you for doing this.

In response to Alan, I’d have to say “read the book”. There is indeed a lot of information on jasmine and you’ll be happy to see that it indicates that flowers are left in for visual appeal and have nothing to do with the flavour of the tea. That aside, the authors do not come across condescending or snooty in the least – in fact, it is very accessible, and I believe can only add to any enthusiasts’ enjoyment of tea. So please, read before you judge.

]]> By: Eric http://teafinelybrewed.com/blog/interview-mary-lou-heiss-story-of-tea/comment-page-1/#comment-123 Eric Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:16:01 +0000 http://teafinelybrewed.com/?p=380#comment-123 Hey Alan, this "pseudo sophistication" you speak of may be irrelevant to you, but it isn't to everyone. Sure, high quality artisan tea is a tiny fraction of the market, but that doesn't negate the fact that it is of a much higher quality than most of the mainstream supermarket varieties of tea. But hey, that's just my opinion and personal taste. Whatever floats your boat. Hey Alan, this “pseudo sophistication” you speak of may be irrelevant to you, but it isn’t to everyone. Sure, high quality artisan tea is a tiny fraction of the market, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it is of a much higher quality than most of the mainstream supermarket varieties of tea. But hey, that’s just my opinion and personal taste. Whatever floats your boat.

]]> By: alan davies http://teafinelybrewed.com/blog/interview-mary-lou-heiss-story-of-tea/comment-page-1/#comment-122 alan davies Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:09:15 +0000 http://teafinelybrewed.com/?p=380#comment-122 I spent nearly fifty years in the tea business, buying and blending tea, with a major packer. I find this article typical of the condescending and snooty attitude of tea pseudo sophisticates. What is being discussed here is a segment of the market comprising less than one tenth of one per cent of tea grown and consumed throughout the world.The author is "saddened to see such an emphasis placed on flavoured tea." Earlier she wishes to protect Darjeeling tea. Darjeeling tea is flavoured--- albeit naturally. Similarly, while not specific on the subject, the author probably admires jasmine scented teas where the petals of the jasmine flower are manufactured in with the tea leaves. This is flavoured tea. "It is unfortunate that some people equate....(RTD)....with "drinking tea"....this is not the case at all." I wonder how the author classifies iced tea (largely water, melting ice, flavoured with lemon and sweetener) which accounts for over 90% of tea consumption in the US and supporting business infrastructure and employment. Fortunately tea is a global commercial undertaking and the product is enjoyed by many millions. This type of pseudo sophistication is irrelevant. I spent nearly fifty years in the tea business, buying and blending tea, with a major packer. I find this article typical of the condescending and snooty attitude of tea pseudo sophisticates. What is being discussed here is a segment of the market comprising less than one tenth of one per cent of tea grown and consumed throughout the world.The author is “saddened to see such an emphasis placed on flavoured tea.” Earlier she wishes to protect Darjeeling tea. Darjeeling tea is flavoured— albeit naturally. Similarly, while not specific on the subject, the author probably admires jasmine scented teas where the petals of the jasmine flower are manufactured in with the tea leaves. This is flavoured tea. “It is unfortunate that some people equate….(RTD)….with “drinking tea”….this is not the case at all.” I wonder how the author classifies iced tea (largely water, melting ice, flavoured with lemon and sweetener) which accounts for over 90% of tea consumption in the US and supporting business infrastructure and employment. Fortunately tea is a global commercial undertaking and the product is enjoyed by many millions. This type of pseudo sophistication is irrelevant.

]]> By: Jason Witt http://teafinelybrewed.com/blog/interview-mary-lou-heiss-story-of-tea/comment-page-1/#comment-121 Jason Witt Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:08:40 +0000 http://teafinelybrewed.com/?p=380#comment-121 This is a great interview with an author I've read and enjoyed. She's certainly an expert and a certified tea lover. I feel like I'm reading about one of my own here because I am a budding tea author myself. I'm working on my first tea book "Spirituality of Tea." This is a great interview with an author I’ve read and enjoyed. She’s certainly an expert and a certified tea lover. I feel like I’m reading about one of my own here because I am a budding tea author myself. I’m working on my first tea book “Spirituality of Tea.”

]]>