If you ask Nicole Martin what she would like to drink, her answer will most likely be “tea for me please”. In 2008, Nicole started her popular tea blog that consisted mainly of tea and tea related product reviews, but as her journey with the leaf grew, so did her blog. Today you will find her sharing her tea knowledge through informative posts, too. Some time during the decade of sharing a passion for tea with the world, her tea preferences changed from bagged to loose and flavoured to unflavoured. At the tea table, Nicole talked about her introduction to tea, a tea tool she can’t live without, who she has learned so much from and more.
The kettle is on and I can hear it about to sing. What tea are you going to steep for us today?
One of my favourite varieties of dancong oolong, Huang Zhi Xiang!
I know unflavoured teas, like this oolong, is usually what’s inside your cup today, but how did your relationship with tea begin?
I’ve always been a tea drinker but it has been quite the journey. I started out drinking milky, sweet cups of Red Rose with my mom. When I went away to college, I started getting a bit more adventurous. A magazine advertisement for blooming tea led me down the rabbit hole that I am still falling down today.
As a seasoned tea blogger, explain what makes a tea great to you.
That’s a tough one. Sometimes the best tea is simply the one you are drinking at that moment. That being said, with each type of tea comes an expectation of what it should be. After tasting so many teas you start to build up a mental Rolodex of aromas and tastes. When I drink a tea I’m comparing it to my past tasting experiences from that region. The great ones have an almost indescribable sense of place.
Let’s say you can only choose a couple tea tools to have forever. Which ones can you not live without?
I could definitely get by with just a gaiwan if I had to. They’re like a teapot, strainer, and cup all in one! I’m a bit of a teaware hoarder though so let’s hope that I never have to make that choice.
From one teaware hoarder to another, I hope you never have to as well! Tell me about one of the most interesting teas you have ever tasted.
I’m a bit obsessed with trying teas from unusual places. Two standouts this year were black teas, one from Scotland and other from Mississippi. They were both quite unlike black teas that I’ve tried from anywhere else. It’s exciting to see new teas coming to market for the first time.
Speed Round:
Black, Green, Yellow, White, Oolong or Puerh?
Oolong
Hot, Iced or Cold?
Hot
Teapot, Infuser or Gaiwan?
Gaiwan
Straight, Sweetened or Latte?
Straight
Cheese or Chocolate pairing?
Both!
Who has been your greatest teacher in tea?
There have been so many people over the years. Authors like James Norwood Pratt, Jane Pettigrew, and Bruce Richardson provided my early education in tea. My fellow bloggers are also a huge source of knowledge and inspiration. I learn new things every day and that is what I love about being part of the tea community.
Find Tea for Me Please:
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ABOUT THIS SERIES: Tea tells stories and when connected with humans, more are created. That’s where the idea for this blog series, At the Tea Table, originated. With this series, The Cup of Life asks tea lovers around the world to take us inside their tea lives to share their favourite steeps, spaces, routines and more. Meet some of your fellow tea drinkers here.