How to Make Tea: The Science Behind the Leaf

by Brian R. Keating, Kim Long

How do you like your tea? An ethereal infusion, the ghost of a scent walking across your taste buds? Or a mug of traditional brew, so strong that a spoon can stand up in it? We’ve been drinking tea for thousands of years, yet few of us realise that all tea – from elegant lapsang to pungent pu-erh – come from the same source. The taste is down to science: geography, chemistry and physics, the application of heat and pressure, and the magic of time and enzymes. How to Make Tea offers a thorough grounding and lays out the principles for the tea-loving nonscientist: learn how to extract the best from every cup.

Genres: Tea, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food and Drink, Food, Cookbooks, Science

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 20, 2015

About the author

Brian R. Keating has been a pioneer in tea research working with chefs, beverage scientists, and shop owners for over thirty-five years. He is the founder of Sage Group®, a Seattle-based natural products consultancy and tea think-tank. As its first tea buyer and blend-master, Keating guided the world’s largest natural foods retailer, Whole Foods Market, in establishing its own tea division and brands. His editorial contributions have appeared in World Tea News, The Economist, and many other food, beverage, and healthy lifestyle periodicals. Brian also owned a successful retail tea shop.

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the earlier days of the Cough That Never Ends (the cold I've had for three weeks now), in fits and spurts I managed to read How to Make Tea: The Science Behind the Leaf by Brian R. Keating and Kim Long. Ironically, during this period I was only drinking herbal/medicinal teas, which are technically not tea since they are not made from the tea plant, but are tisanes. C'est la vie.

I'd gotten the book as a birthday gift from my lovely roommate Angela. Our house drinks a LOT of tea. We drink a lot of tea and read a lot of books. It's a good house this year.

While the title of the book makes it sound like an instruction manual, only the last third or so is actually instructions on making tea. It fills up a third of the book because there are different types of tea that require different methods. The first parts of the book are about the history of tea, and explaining what the different types of tea are and how they are made, and what kinds of tea are grown in different parts of the world and how they differ from each other, and a bunch of other interesting tidbits like that. There was a lot of stuff I didn't know since I am not actually much of a tea connoisseur; I just consume a lot of it, but most of what I consume is pretty cheap. I learned about flowering tea, which I had never heard of before and which is served in glass teapots so you can see the flowers unfurl as it steeps. Coincidentally, my other lovely roommate, Meghan, got me a glass teapot with some flowering tea balls for Christmas. I have not tried it out yet, since mostly I have just been sucking down mass quantities of Throat Coat and peppermint bagged tea, for reasons. But I am looking forward to being able to use it and appreciate it properly!

The book also has a section on chemistry, some of which goes slightly over my head, but apparently SCIENCE says you should put the milk in first. VINDICATED. The section on the "basic necessities" of tea has a less basic definition of "basic" than I do, since my "basic" tea-making involves a kettle, a mug, a teabag, tap water, milk, and sugar. Stuff like tea balls, loose-leaf tea, and teapots are for when I'm feeling fancy (and I hope to feel fancy SOON since in addition to the glass teapot I also got a gorgeous red Le Creuset infuser pot for Christmas) (THAT'S RIGHT BITCHES I GOT TWO TEAPOTS FOR CHRISTMAS. GO ME). This book recommends things like a tea scale and a timer and filtered water and a pH scale and a thermometer and NO. Tea is supposed to be relaxing. I would fuss too much with all that stuff. I can barely remember to take the teabag out sometimes. Hell, sometimes I forget to actually drink the stupid stuff after I've made it. Clearly my tea game is super weak.

Anyway, it is a delightful book and while it may contain way more information than I will actually use, it is good to have it! I learned stuff, and I like learning stuff.

Originally posted at http://bloodygranuaile.livejournal.co....

[Marcella Bongiovanni · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't a book I'd recommend, even to novices. Yes, it touches almost every facets, except history, of teas. Yes, it gives you hints of how to select, buy, brew teas. It even tries to teach you how to brew the exotic ways...
Still, I can't forgive the misleading title (there's absolutely no science worth of such a name), and the ugliness.
Most of tea selection is visual, and here there are no pictures, only drawings. I'll let you image how useful they are. (None. At all. Less than zero. Zilch...)
Tea leaves are worms of slightly different green (because there's just one colour in the book: green), on the lonely map there's no way to distinguish zones 1-4 of tea production, all shades of green on a green page...
You get the idea...

But most disappointing is the pseudo babble the author springs forth as science. Tea is presented as a possible cure all against cancer, dementia, obesity and many more, without a single proof (one single undefined reasearch paper is not science). At the same time, of course, the author also warns against considering tea a cure all.
This is a fine example of a fake scientific paragraph IMHO:

Studies conducted on older women have found that those who drank four or more cups of tea a day had improved bone density compared to women who were non-tea drinkers. Furthermore, when milk is added to tea, it becomes a rich source of calcium, also important for maintaining bone health.

There's of course no mention of this study: who is the author? Where was it published? it's like 'someone said'. There's not much sense in the conclusion either. A dash of milk makes it a "rich source of calcium"?
This is just a very small example from a 'rich' caseload against the science in this book.

One last note: there are hundreds if not thousands of books on tea. It seems the author researched none. Its biography is scant a page: there are a few research papers, a few websites, a handful of books.

[Han_na · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiroiduin lukemaan edellisen kirjan pohjalta tämän vuosia vanhan hyllynlämmittäjän ja fiilikset ovat kovin ristiriitaiset.

Opin tästä uutta: mitä tarkalleen ottaen on pu'er, millaisia kuvailusanoja teestä käytetään, että Iran on kohtalaisen merkittävä teen tuottaja ja mikä on gaiwan. Ihailen myös hartautta ja yksityiskohtaisuutta, jolla tässä selitetään asioita, jotka tuntuvat jokseenkin... Itsestäänselvyyksiltä (kuten, että monet nauttivat aamulla vahvasta mustasta teestä tai kuinka teepussia käytetään).

En kuitenkaan nauttinut yhtään kirjan kertojaäänestä enkä teen terveysvaikutusten ylenmääräisestä hehkuttamisesta. 30 ensimmäisen sivun aikana kirjoittajat toistavat täsmälleen saman asian kahteen kertaan, mikä oli itselleni merkki aloittaa hyppelevä lukeminen. Lisäksi tässä oli ihan liika name droppailua, mistä en yhtään nauttinut.

[Hannah-Renea Niederberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book overall about tea and its varieties around the world, though could be a little dry at times. It was also more focused on the culture and tradition of teas than the science, and those things were very interesting. I could, however, see this book being less-than-ideal for readers who pick up the book in hopes of it having a more scientific approach.

[Marja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little book about tea. It's not very exciting, but it's pretty down-to-earth book about tea that covers all the basic information about its subject. The title is a bit misleading and the book is not very thoroughly researched, but nevertheless it was a nice read.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed its descriptions of tea freshness and flavor profiles. It uses non-standard spellings of Chinese tea names, mixed with standard. Maybe there is a reason for it that I don’t know. The author does well to give all teas an equal respect, but you can tell he has a bias towards Japanese green teas. That’s okay. Doesn’t take away from the book.

If you are a veteran of tea and want some brushing up, this book is a great addition for an all-in-one reference for general tea enjoyment.

If you are a beginner, this book can open up a world of tea for you.

[Yaroslav Kisylychka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Вступ до пізнання чайного світу.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great information about tea itself, the plant, the leaf, havesting, and producing specific types of tea. Very interesting and informative.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a really basic introduction to the science, geography, and craft of brewing tea. I think I was personally looking for something more in depth, but if you are new to tea, it's a good place to start.

[Pamela Hamon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have had a much stronger research bibliography behind it for a book sporting the title "the science behind the leaf." Some of the health claims associated with tea drinking are still wobbly at best. I was hoping for a deeper dive in to the flavinols, flavanoids, and lipids in different tea products since this is a more recently emerging area of research but it was unfortunately covered at a very surface level.

Unfortunately, the book design itself - especially the monochrome vector drawings of tea leaves - left a lot to be desired and really detracted from its support of the content.

The tea brewing section was decent, especially the overview of tea equipment uses within gongfu cha style of brewing.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and straight to the point but dry at times. Good illustrations and high quality though

[Mikko Saari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kun hain kansikuvaa toiselle teekirjalle, kävi ilmi, että Like on julkaissut tällaisen teeopuksen vuonna 2016. Tämähän piti ottaa oitis luettavaksi ja sattumalta se lähikirjaston hyllystä löytyikin. Viehättävä pieni kirja on alunperin englantilaisen Ivy Pressin tuotantoa ja samassa sarjassa on ilmestynyt myös pariksi tälle Näin syntyy kahvi. Sivistyneenä ihmisenä olen kuitenkin kiinnostunut vain tästä teekirjasta.

Kirja aloittaa hyvin vankasti perusteista. Ensin kerrotaan teepensaasta, alkaen ihan kasvitieteen perusjutuista. Sitten kerrotaan tuotantoalueista, sadonkorjuusta ja käsittelymenetelmistä: kuinka teepensaan lehdistä tulee valmista teetä? Teen kemia -luvussa selitetään teen vaikuttavat aineet ja puhutaan teen terveysvaikutuksista mukavan realistiseen ja meta-analyyseihin nojaavaan tapaan, tekemättä teestä ihmelääkettä.

Kolmas luku pureutuu sitten teen makuun ja esittelee eri teelajit. Neljännessä luvussa annetaan ohjeita teen ostajalle hyvälaatuisen ja aidon teen ostamiseksi ja esitellään teen säilyttämisen perusteet. Sen jälkeen käydään läpi perustarvikkeet, kuten vesi ja sen lämpötila, painot ja mitat, lisukkeet ja haudutuksen perusteet. Kuudes luku jatkaa haudutuksesta kansainvälisellä otteella, esitellen muun muassa gongfuhaudutuksen ja kyusu-kannun ja gaiwanin käyttämisen perusteet.

Ei hullumpi kirja. Pikkuisen tämä on pinnallinen ja ihan joka kohdassa en ollut samaa mieltä. Joissain haudutusasioissa mentiin vastoin minun ymmärrystäni: mustan teen sanottiin esimerkiksi kestävän pitkiä haudutuksia, kun taas minun kokemukseni mukaan musta tee nimenomaan menee kitkeräksi pitkään hauduttamalla. Mahtaakohan pyramiditeepussin käyttäminen olla lisäksi niin vaikeaa, että sille tarvitaan saman verran sivuja kuin gongfu-haudutukselle?

Kaikenlaista pientä natkutusta tästä keksin, kirjassa on tehty melko paljon aika omituisia toimituksellisia valintoja, mutta olenkin raskaan sarjan teehifistelijä. Jos ei teenjuonnista tiedä perus-Liptonia enempää, tästä saa jotenkin alkeet haltuun. Kuvituksen olisi myös voinut joko tehdä paremmin tai jättää pois – nyt se on jokseenkin tarpeetonta.

[Spidermonkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ehkä 3,5 tähteä.

Tämä oli ihan mielenkiintoinen ja tiivis paketti teestä. Teepensas ja sen kasvattaminen sekä kasvuolosuhteet, sadonkorjuu, teelehtien käsittely, erilaiset teelajit, hyvän teekupillisen valmistaminen, erilaiset lisukkeet teessä, teen oikeanlainen säilytys... Kirjassa kerrottiin monipuolisesti kaikesta teehen liittyvästä.

Jotain jäin ehkä silti kaipaamaan ja kirja tuntui hieman vajaalta. En oikein tiedä, mitä tämä jokin voisi olla, mutta kirjasta jäi hitusen ei-tyydyttynyt olo. Suosittelen kirjaa silti kaikille, se antoi kyllä paljon uutta lisätietoa ja oli napakuudessaan ja lyhyydessään oikein mainio tietopaketti teestä.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to read each night before bed. However, be warned the title is somewhat misleading as there isn't enough research to back-up some of the claims in the book. However, I appreciate the structure and the organisation (as well as the illustrations). Additionally, I developed more of an appreciation for tea.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a "brief history and info about tea" that reads a little like 150 pages of blog posts rather than a book about making tea. We also could have done without the chapter of dubious medical claims.

That all said, the book is an enjoyable primer for someone who is interested in "starting to be serious about tea".

[Gaëlle Batot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not particularly interested by reading that book and got it as a prest. I loved it! Even my husband noticed how fast I was going through! It was nice to learn more about tea, the difference between variety, origin, experiment to determine how you enjoy your tea most... I learnt a lot, I am starting to try new things. And in addition, this book is so pretty!!

[My Linh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to understand introduction to the the world of tea. While I am in Hanoi and make myself available to various kinds of tea such as Assam , Alishan, Oolong... thanks to this book I can get a more comprehensive understanding about the origin, classification of tea, how to best enjoy each kind of tea... Overall, it inspires me to learn to taste the tea and enjoy life with a cup of tea. :)

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very educational book which really teaches you so much about how to produce better cups of tea. Of course, as someone who tends to just microwave a mug every time she wants some tea, it may be a while before I put any of this info into practice. It did give me a lot to think about though.

[Supriya Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently was introduced to some lovely loose teas, from a tea connoisseur, and this propelled me to read up on the different types and properties about tea. The book gives a good insight, and simple knowledge on teas, types of teas and method of brewing.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really easy to read and quick bit on information

[Honor · Rating 3 out of 5]

a simple and interesting afternoon read

[Kendall Mory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully formatted informational text. An interesting read for the tea enthusiast as the author goes into depth on topics such as the history and correct preparations of tea.

[Emma Hintz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning the history and breakdown of different teas, as well as learning different and "ideal" practices for making tea

[Bernard Lavallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

terrific book

Full of information , tips and descriptions of specialty teas as well as the standard ones. Definitely worth reading and enjoying.

[Alexandria Irwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more esthetics than anything. It’s cutesy and comprehensive but not that practical or interesting. A fun library skim.

[Eustacia Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across How to Make Tea in my quest to find the perfect tea handbook for beginners like me[1]. The subtitle "The Science Behind the Leaf" intrigued me so I decided to give it a go.

This little book is organised into six sections:

1. The Tea Plant: Containing the obligatory history of tea [2] and then the more fascinating section on the botany of tea, how it's grown and harvested, and how it's processed. The botany of tea was something new to me and I really enjoyed reading about that. I also found the explanation on how tea was processed to be one of the clearest that I've read so far.

2. Tea Chemistry: This is about the chemical components of tea and its health effects. The books I've read so far don't really go into the science behind the tea so I found this to be unique and educational. I also like how the section on the possible medicinal effects was written - unlike a lot of sites on the internet, it doesn't make tea into a cure-all [3] and if the fact that it refers to at least two meta-studies [4] is any indication, the research done should be trustworthy.

3. Tea & Taste: This was on the types of tea, its descriptors, and some technical terms. I found this to be the weakest part of the book since it didn't mention yellow tea and put pu-erh in a category of its own. To be fair, a lot of books do this, but pu-erh is technically a dark tea (or 黑茶 in Chinese), not a category of its own.

4. Buying & Storing Tea: This was another educational and practical section. I thought the tea flavour wheel was nice (although I would have liked more instruction on how to use it - it seems fairly intuitive though), and I thought that the tips on what to look for when inspecting the tea to be useful. For example, are the dried tea leaves consistent in shape and size, are there off-odors, etc. It's stuff that may seem obvious to people more experienced with buying tea, but for a newbie, I think it would be very useful.

5. The Bare Necessities: This was on the equipment needed to make tea, including water. Quite a lot was practical (like the section on temperatures), but I don't have a lot of the equipment mentioned - like the scales or the thermometer. I just use a pot and kettle, although I am willing to admit that I may be oversimplifying things.

6. How to Make Tea: The last section of the book, this was another practical chapter on how to brew tea using different styles. I like that the gongfu style and gaiwan method were mentioned alongside the English style of brewing tea.

Overall, this seems to be a good, practical guide to tea for beginners. It's not perfect, but for such a small book, it definitely has a lot of information.

Notes
[1] I also made up that quest two seconds ago but it is totally a real thing now so expect more book reviews!

[2] It seems like every tea book must include a brief history, so the information here is nothing new if you've read any tea handbook before.

[3] Those sites make it hard for me to verify claims about tea, annoyingly.

[4] Meta-study: A meta-study is simply an analysis of multiple studies. Since studies can throw out freak results, a meta-study looks at all the different results to determine which of the studies are more accurate. For example, if there are ten studies on the relationship between two things and two show a negative correlation while eight show a positive correlation, then it's more probable that there is a possible correlation (assuming all ten studies were conducted properly).

This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile

[Alessandro Amici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro molto più "tecnico", rispetto all'altro che avevo letto precedentemente, Manuale del sommelier del tè. Le varietà, la degustazione e gli abbinamenti. Spiega molto più in dettaglio le proprietà della camellia sinesis e i processi di lavorazione che portano alla realizzazione delle varie tipologie di té. Anche la parte di prerazione dei veri tè è molto dettagliata e chiara, con precise indicazioni per le tecniche, tempi, temperature di infusione e le quantità di foglie da utilizzare. Per contro accenna soltanto l'aspetto di degustazione e analisi sensoriale del liquore e delle foglie. In conclusione, non è un manuale per diventare esperti degustatori o tea sommelier, ma è un ottimo riferimento per tutta la parte preparatoria e di "teoria" che c'è dietro il prodotto finito.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for $2 and learned some interesting facts about tea. Worth it.

[Anshin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo libro ha per me un valore affettivo particolare. Il mio voto dipenderà anche da quello? Può darsi. In ogni caso si tratta di una meravigliosa introduzione sul mondo del tè, un prodotto così semplice da necessitare mille accorgimenti e grande attenzione; una delle bevande più antiche al mondo che ancora oggi conserva la propria bellezza e delicatezza. Il libro parte da una breve storia del tè fino ad arrivare alla preparazione stessa di esso differenziando le varie regioni geografiche e i loro metodi tradizionali.

L'edizione è molto curata e personalmente l'ho trovata davvero splendida, sia nella copertina che nelle illustrazioni e fattezze del libro.

Davvero consigliato!

[Sanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ihan mukava pikku kirja teestä. Mukaan on päässyt lipsahtamaan muutamia pieniä käännösvirheitä ja epätarkkuuksia, mutta ne eivät ole kovin pahoja. Pidin siitä, että kirjassa oli tietoa teen maistamisesta ja makuvivahteista sekä erilaisista haudutustavoista.