World Atlas of Tea by Krisi Smith

Americans drink a lot of tea, at last count more than 80 billion servings every year! The tea market has more than quadrupled in just 20 years. To satisfy this growing appetite, an incredible variety of teas from around the world have appeared in grocery stores and specialty tea rooms. Anyone seeking a new tea experience can find it easily, but what to choose is the true challenge.

World of Atlas of Tea is your guide. Tea mixologist Krisi Smith learned innovative tea blending before opening a tea room where she introduced Londoners to a different type of tea party – green teas hinting of salt; organic Earl Grey awash in the perfume of bergamot oil; fruity black tea grown on the highland plains of Java; and the elegant aromas of lavender-scented rooibos and lemongrass goji.

World Atlas of Tea walks you through the bags and tins. There are guides to tea plantations in every tea-growing country, complete with taste profiles. There are instructions on how to buy, store, taste, blend and scent tea, and you can discover the history of tea and what happens at a tea auction. There are directions on brewing a superb cup of hot tea or a crisp iced tea, how to make matcha (and host a matcha tea ceremony), and whip up a tasty chai or tea latte.

Enjoy the discovery.

KRISI SMITH is a tea mixologist and co-owner of Bluebird Tea Co. (www.bluebirdteaco.com) in Brighton, UK. As well as its online retail operation, Bluebird Tea Co. has a flagship mixology store and runs courses in tea mixology.

No longer is tea about “One lump of or two?”. It is “would you like raspberry, gunpowder, white or black?” “Do you prefer it hot with milk, chilled with lemon and mint, or a steamed chai latte?”

Like the coffee revolution, tea consumers are demanding the highest quality in their beverage of choice. They want innovative flavors, ethical and organic standards, and creativity in how it is brewed and served. In response, the tea industry has undergone a transformation in how it is grown, processed, and blended, and the varieties available. The choices can be overwhelming.

World of Atlas of Tea is here to help.

Tea devotees understand the magic of tea. It infuses the soul. It invigorates, soothes and calms. It makes any day better. So brew (or chill) your favorite tea, find a comfortable chair, and follow mixologist Krisi Smith on a guided tour through the world of tea.