Look inside your cupboards and drawers and you’ll likely discover an appropriate amount of spoons. Look inside the cupboards and drawers of my following guest at the tea table and you’ll likely find them overflowing with spoons. Rightfully so considering Connie is the writer of the blog Tea in Spoons. Her blog is a place to share her tea knowledge, tea travels and thoughts on teas while capturing the beautiful leaves in the perfect teaspoon. I met her in person for the first time at the Toronto Tea Festival this year, and it was then that I knew I had to learn more about her tea lifestyle. At the tea table Connie spoke about her time interning at a Japanese tea farm, her essential tea items, and the moment she realized her tea blog had made an impact.
The kettle is on and I can hear it about to sing. What tea are you going to steep for us today?
Let’s taste a hojicha, which is a Japanese roasted green tea! I brought it back with me after my trip to Japan and living on a tea farm.
A great pick since fall is just around the corner! How did your relationship with tea begin?
I had been drinking tea my whole life, but my earnest relationship with tea began when I stumbled across a DAVIDsTEA and I wanted a cup of tea after my shift. I liked how bright and colourful the shop was, which I found uplifting. The staff there were lovely and I came home with a handful of tea. Since I didn’t have a very fixed schedule and had just moved to a new city at the at the time, I decided to start a blog to give myself structure and something to do.
Was there a particular tea that solidified your love for the beverage?
There wasn’t one particular one tea, but it was actually an event that solidified my love for tea. When I was still hosting my blog on Tumblr, I received a message from a user telling me that they had read my blog and purchased teas based on my reviews. It really floored me because I never expected my blog to have an impact. After that, it gave me the motivation to learn more about tea and try to write more informative content. I love learning about tea as much as I like drinking it!
It also gave you the push to head to Japan and intern at a tea farm while exploring the tea culture. Share some of your tea memories there.
I was in Japan for three months from early February to early May and I have so many fond memories of my time there. Personally, for me, the first time I picked tea was most likely the most memorable moment because visiting a tea farm had been a big dream of mine.
While in Japan, I also had the chance to help run tea tours and share my love of teas with people around the world, harvest kyobancha, take part in a handpicking and hand rolling event, blend genmaicha (it smelled amazing), and to be part of the first harvest of the year! During my spare time, I travelled around Japan and visited various tea shops and was able to see different tea ceremonies.
If you could have a space devoted just for tea, tell me how it would look and how you would display your insanely wonderful collection of teaspoons?
I am actually lucky enough that I have a little den at my house which I have converted into my mini tea room. My room faces a small neighbourhood park, which is really nice and relaxing. I enjoy looking outside as I brew my tea. My essential items are my Bonavita Variable Temperature Digital Electric Gooseneck Kettle, biodegradable tea bags, and of course, my spoons! I admit, most of my teaware (including my spoons) are tucked away in drawers. I like keeping my items stored away so that I don’t have to worry about dust and dirt!
Speed Round:
Black, Green, Yellow, White, Oolong or Puerh?
All!
Hot, Iced or Cold?
Hot
Teapot, Infuser or Gaiwan?
Teapot or disposable tea bags
Straight, Sweetened or Latte?
Straight
Cheese or Chocolate pairing?
Chocolate
Who (or what) has been your greatest teacher in tea?
I think my overall trip to Asia, including Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan really helped provide me with some hands-on knowledge. However, I would say that my tea community is my second best teacher. I have learned so much from my fellow tea lovers!
Find Tea in Spoons:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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.
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