• Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Tea Cachai
  • Home
  • Tea Reviews
  • Tea School
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Shop My Favorites
    • My Amazon Store
  • About
Tea School  /  August 11, 2020

40+ Resources to Learn About Tea and Become a Tea Expert

by Tea Cachai

Share and enjoy! (or save for later):

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

It started with liking tea, then wanting to try more tea types, then needing to try everything that exists, then craving to learn everything there is to know about tea. This is my story and many others’ too. For whatever reason you ended up here wanting to learn about tea, I welcome you to this amazing journey!

My craving to learn about tea came from a deep passion for the beverage and feeling restless about getting to know it better. I got certified as a Tea Sommelier but my craving for learning more didn’t stop there, it actually opened up my eyes even more, and after learning what I felt was only the tip of the iceberg (‘the more you know, the less you know’), I kept exploring on my own and promise to never stop learning.

Tea cup on top of a tea book(Please note this post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products I’ve tried and liked. Thanks for supporting my blog!)

Lots of people ask me where and how to learn about tea, and if getting a certification is worth it. So I put together a big list of resources to explore and learn on your own. My experience is that you don’t need a certification to become a tea expert, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money on courses either (I know lots of people who are not certified and know sooooo much more than others who are). Instead, I would recommend to buy many teas, books, and attend a few workshops, but mostly try to get the most out of the many free online resources available.

I hope this list brings you inspiration, busy hours and lots of learning. It is divided by resource type and you can jump right into each from the index: 

Books & Magazines

Videos

Tea Tasting

Blogs & Websites

Others


Books & Magazines

Tea Books

1.- The Story of Tea
This was my first tea book and it’s a great introductory one. In the words of another reviewer “… it is a great step in the journey of tea knowledge. It’s pretty in-depth while covering a broad spectrum of subjects related to tea. It gives a somewhat brief explanation of some of the major tea varieties and explains the different cultivars and their origins.”

2.- The Tea Drinker’s Handbook
A great book to learn about tea. It is basically divided into 3 sections. The first is everything about tea, from bush, harvesting, pluckings, etc. The second section focuses on tasting and the third is an encyclopedia-type of ‘the world’s 50 best teas’.

3.- Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties
This might be one of the most recommended tea education books overall (it was on the recommended reads from my THAC course). It is very comprehensive and has gorgeous photography. 

4.- The Tea Book
Probably one of my most recommended books for absolute beginners who want to get into tea. Easy to read, has lots of illustrations and is a good first approach to the world of tea. Linda did a great job with it and it’s currently one of the top seller tea education books on amazon.

5.- Tea Sommelier
“A fun and simple approach to becoming a tea expert, from the founders of the international tea brand Palais des Thés”.

6.- Japanese Tea: A Comprehensive Guide
A great book to get deeper into Japanese culture and tea.

7.- Puer Tea: Ancient Caravans and Urban Chic (Culture, Place, and Nature)
This book is the perfect way to to learn about pu-erh. This is on the top of many people’s lists.

8.- Find even more tea books in my Amazon shop.

9.- Magazine: Tea Journey
A great online tea publication. Great source of articles and a wide variety of topics within tea.

10.- Magazine: Global Tea Hut
Another amazing resource and perfect for those of us who like to build a tea library. They have a physical and digital edition. You can read online their past issues for free.

11.- Magazine: Eighty Degrees
Independent magazine about the culture of tea. It has beautiful photography and great articles.

Videos

12.- Patreon: Being Tea
My favorite tea educator is Suzette Hammond. I’ve had the chance to participate in some of her live workshops because she’s a fellow Chicagoan and know for a fact she is very knowledgeable and passionate about teaching. Since I found out about her Patreon, I’ve been a member and recommend it to everyone.

13.- Youtube: Mei Leaf
This is one of my favorite tea education youtube channels. Don does an amazing job of sharing his knowledge about tea in a very entertaining way. He’s captivating and his videos are very approachable. He has divided his channel into several playlists where you’ll find tea classes, reviews, recipes, tea conversations, how-to videos, and many more. Definitely subscribe worthy!

14.- Youtube: Tea DB
These guys have been drinking tea, chatting, and making videos since 2013. They taste teas and talk about them- it’s definitely a great way to learn, especially if you have or buy some of the teas that they’re having and drink along them.

15.- Patreon: Jeffrey McIntosh
If you want to learn more about pu-erh or if you are a pu-erh enthusiast, consider becoming a patreon.

16.- Youtube: Lazy Literatus
Geoff is one of my tea friends and one of the most entertaining tea writers out there. In his channel, he talks about specific teas while he tastes them. Also, he has a great blog and did a podcast in the past. I love his writing style because he has a characteristic tone and voice that keeps you engaged and you learn a lot. 

17.- Youtube: Verdant Tea
They aim to make Chinese tea culture approachable through videos about tea ceremonies,  teaware, and artisan-crafted teas.

18.- Youtube: Tea Curious
Rie does live tea sessions and keeps the recordings on her youtube channel. She is so nice, funny and knowledgeable and you can get so much information out of her tea practices.

19.- Youtube: Tea House Ghost
Learn all about Gong Fu Cha, the Chinese art of making and serving tea in this dedicated channel.

20.- Youtube: Farmerleaf
William and Yubai own a tea garden where they harvests, and processes pu-erh tea. Their videos are right at origin and very educational.

Tea Tasting

Honestly, there is no better way to learn about tea than actually drinking it and trying as many different tea types as you can.

Experiment with different brewing techniques, teaware, steeping times, and temperatures. You’ll see what oversteeping or understeeping does to a certain tea, you’ll test a tea’s quality with boiling water, you’ll try the good and the bad. This way, you’ll learn the most and train your palate to distinguish and appreciate quality, subtle notes, textures, bodies, etc. If you do this next to tasting videos and reviews you can get even more out of the experience by comparing with someone else’s notes.

Mansa tea tasting

Get some sampler sets and do comparative, side-by-side tastings, and try more teas in smaller quantities to see what you like. Some sampler sets for educational purposes that I recommend are:

21.- Darjeeling Black Tea Sampler
This 33 piece set offers black teas from the Darjeeling region from different estates, including first and second flush, and some autumn harvest too. Can’t think of a better way to learn about this region.

22.- Samplers by Regions
Masters Teas by Adagio, has premium teas and offers sample sets by regions. A great way to learn about tea regions though tasting.

23.- Masala Chai Tea Sampler
Check out this amazing Masala Chai sampler set if you’d like to get deeper into this traditional Indian beverage.
(Subscribe to my newsletter and access my tea vault with promo codes including one for Vahdam Teas.)

24.- Matcha Tasting Set
One of my favorite Matcha brands offers a sample set with 3 different types of Matcha from Uji.

25.- Pu-erh Sampler Sets
Learn by tasting these curated sets by Mansa Tea and follow their guide to get the most out of this experience.
(Subscribe to my newsletter and access my tea vault with promo codes including one for Mansa Tea.)

26.- Curated Tea Samplers
Yunnan Sourcing offers a large selection of tea samplers by regions, harvest seasons and by years. Definitely worth checking out.

RELATED: Best Tea Subscriptions

Blogs and Websites

This category is huge and there are so many amazing tea blogs out there that offer everything from general information catered to an absolute beginner, to deep knowledge and geeky facts and info for those who want to dive deep. 

I’ve personally met many of these bloggers at tea festivals and meetings and enjoy learning from them. One of my favorite things about tea is the community that forms around it and how everyone is willing to share their knowledge, experiences, and obviously a cuppa (or plenty!).

27.- Tea for me Please
Nicole is one of my favorite tea people, she is very knowledgeable and has been blogging for a while. She won the 2018 World Tea Award for Best Tea Blog. I love that her blog is a true representation of her journey, how she has grown and gotten deeper into tea. She has a great starting page for beginners where she offers an educational path, many articles that will expand your knowledge, extensive reviews on teas, and weekly round-ups about the best tea articles from the industry. A MUST.

28.- Tea happiness
Another amazing blog from a dear tea friend. Sara is another one of my favorite tea people and her blog is such a good resource. She often writes about all things related to tea history, interviews industry members, and also reviews teas. She also takes beautiful and inspiring tea photos and posts them on Instagram.  

29.- My Japanese Tea
Although I haven’t met him personally, other tea bloggers speak very highly of him. Ricardo is very knowledgeable on Japanese teas and his blog is an excellent source of information if you want to dive deep into Japanese teas.

30.- The Teacup of Life
Lu Ann is an great writer (she even has a published book- Teaspiration) and such a friendly person. Her blog is great for beginners who are just starting and for those who want to explore more. She has educational posts, recipes, crafts and has several tea reviews too.

31.- Steapd Tea
Marco is another one of my tea friends who is a blogger and a tea lover. He is very active on Instagram and loves connecting with people and sharing tea with them. He does amazing tasting reviews and he even pairs tea with music!

32.- T Ching
One of the largest tea blogs with over 3,500 articles written by over 100 contributors. It is a tea information and educational website and won the 2017 World Tea Award for Best Tea Blog. Articles are categorized and catered from beginners to experienced tea drinkers.

33.- Teapedia
Wikipedia for Tea. The best place to go for a quick reference.

34.- Tea Class by Adagio
A great resource for beginners to follow a learning path about the basics of tea.

35.- Other favorite tea blogs that cover different topics are Tea Thoughts (various tea topics + sells tea themed things!), Tea in Spoons (she has reviews for soooooo many teas, an amazing resource and library), Oh How Civilized (great for beginners and has delicious recipes too), Tea and Me Blog (tea reviews), The Devotea (funny, witty and into geekier tea things), Tea in the Ancient World (articles and tea reviews for getting deep deep deeeeep). 

Adagio Masters Tea Tasting and Reviews

Others

36.- Facebook Page : Tea Epicure
Great tea reviews and tasting notes from the knowledgeable tea head and author of 2 books, Tony Gebely.

37.- Podcast: Talking Tea
The best (and one of the few) active general tea podcasts around. Its goal is to raise awareness of tea and tea culture. Ken is a professional voice over and audiobook narrator, so it’s really nice to listen to. In every episode, he interviews someone from the industry to talk about different aspects of tea.

38.- Tea Sommelier Certification: Tea and Herbal Association of Canada
This is where I got my certification. I loved this program because it was taught live, although now it’s pre-recorded but you get a live Q&A session per module. For each module, they send you teas and guide you through tastings.

39.- Certification: ITEI
I know of some people who have taken this certification and recommend it. They say it’s very comprehensive and it is probably best for people looking to work in hospitality.

40.- Facebook Group: Gong Fu Cha
A great discussion group to find information, network, and learn about the practice and the methodology of Gong Fu Cha.

 

I believe this list covers plenty of options on where to learn about tea. From a beginner to a more advanced tea drinker, you’ll become a tea expert if you really dive into it. Having said this, I can’t say enough that the most important way to learn about tea is to try tons and tons of different ones and experiment with brewing techniques.

Let me know if there are other resources you’ve liked or used in your tea journey that I missed.

I hope you enjoyed this list and please share it with others, so they can learn too!

 

Sharing is caring!

 

Pin it for Later image

Resources to Learn About Tea and Become a Tea Expert Tea Books to become a tea expert Books to Become a Tea Expert Become a Tea Expert Become a Tea Expert

Tags

  • books
  • learn
  • learn about tea
  • tea expert

Share and enjoy! (or save for later):

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Post navigation

Pumpkin Chai Latte Energy Balls Recipe
Matcha Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

Related posts

What to Choose When You Want to Switch from Coffee to Tea + GIVEAWAY!
Tea School  /  July 19, 2019
by Tea Cachai  /  3 Comments

What to Choose When You Want to Switch from Coffee to Tea + GIVEAWAY!

Caffeine in White Tea: Myth-Busting and Facts
Tea School  /  March 9, 2020
by Tea Cachai  /  3 Comments

Caffeine in White Tea: Myth-Busting and Facts

Types of Black Tea – Flavor Profiles and Regions
Tea School  /  January 20, 2021
by Tea Cachai  /  0 Comments

Types of Black Tea – Flavor Profiles and Regions

4 comments

  • Kimberley
    August 12, 2020

    Such a fantastic post! Thank you for putting all of this information in one place. I’ve made it my goal to learn more about tea this year and this post will help a lot so thank you..

    Reply
    • Tea Cachai
      August 12, 2020

      Thank Kimberley, glad you liked it! All the best in your tea learning journey!

      Reply
  • Camila hurst
    August 28, 2020

    Wow what a wonderful list of resources! 🙌🥰

    Reply
    • Tea Cachai
      August 31, 2020

      Thanks!!! Hopefully it will help many!

      Reply

Share your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Daniela, a certified T.H.A.C Tea Sommelier, blogger, fashion addict and mom of 2. I created Tea Cachai to share my love for tea, so have some tea with me!

Subscribe to The Newsletter

(And Get Your Free Tea Tasting Guide!)
* indicates required

✨ Use code CACHAISIPS for $5 off your first box! ✨
⬇️

Follow Tea Cachai

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

  • Black Tea TypesTypes of Black Tea – Flavor Profiles and Regions
  • Earl Grey Linzer CookiesDouble Earl Grey Linzer Cookies
  • Top 7 Tea Advent Calendars of 2020
  • Fundraising for Rare Tea CharityMalawi Back to School Campaign for Rare Charity
  • Matcha Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

Instagram Feed

✨New post ✨ (link in bio and trivia on the las ✨New post ✨ (link in bio and trivia on the last slide 💥)⁣
⁣
How many different varieties of black tea do you know or have you tried? Flavor profiles vary by region, climate, altitude, cultivation, processing methods, harvesting times etc. (but brewing methods can also affect a tea’s flavor and experience).⁣
⁣
On this blog post, I explore several tea producing countries and regions and talk about the different flavor profiles that we can find in each.⁣
⁣
➡️ Swipe to the end of this post and take the trivia to match the producing country to the tea (answers in comments). How many did you get right?
Adaptogenic Protein Matcha Overnight Oats 🤯 (th Adaptogenic Protein Matcha Overnight Oats 🤯 (this was my breakfast on this #matchamonday) .⁣
⁣
I’ve been eyeing this plant-based protein powder for a while because I love @foursigmatic products and this one has so many benefits! It has 5 mushroom extracts + 2 adaptogens (including Ashwagandha, which I loooove!), it has no fillers, it’s organic and unflavored. If you use protein powders, I can’t recommend this one enough.⁣
⁣
Now, back to my delicious breakfast... I added a scoop of protein powder to my Matcha overnight oats making it a healthy powerhouse 💪🏼🍵💚and oh my it tasted good!⁣
⁣
Would you like to see the recipe? Let me know 👇🏼
An ode to tea:⁣ Perplexed by nature and how you An ode to tea:⁣
Perplexed by nature and how you come to exist.⁣
So immature yet curious, you find me.⁣
You wrap me and my senses are immersed in what never will seize to be.⁣
I find peace in your warmth, you found forever in me.⁣
- D
Hey tea friends! It’s been a while since I showe Hey tea friends! It’s been a while since I showed up on my feed... so why not introduce myself to those who recently joined.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I’m Daniela and I’m a Tea Sommelier. I have a blog where I create tea-based recipes and share some articles about tea for those who want to get deeper into it or are starting to get curious about it. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
One of my favorite things is cooking, baking and creating drinks with tea!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
💫Here are a few random things about me:⁣⁣
⁣⁣
🪡 Although I haven’t done it in a while, I’m a pattern cutter for womenswear.⁣⁣
👫 I have 2 kids.⁣⁣
🇬🇧 I lived in London for a bit.⁣⁣
🛶 Boats make me sick.⁣⁣
🔢I’m good with numbers, and writing is so hard for me!
🩰 Never even close to pro levels, but I took ballet classes and love it!⁣⁣
🏑 I played field hockey for over 10 years.⁣⁣
🌍 I speak 3 languages fluently (+2 bits and pieces)⁣⁣
🙊 Never had a pet.⁣⁣
 ⁣⁣
Can you share something random about you with me? ☺️⁣
⁣
📸: @brendarobles
What is your preferred brewing style?⁣ Do you en What is your preferred brewing style?⁣
Do you enjoy brewing tea in a gaiwan, mug, teacup, pot? ⁣
⁣
I was mostly doing ‘western brewing’ and couldn’t find enough time to have many gong fu sessions. It always felt like too much of a time commitment... but since lockdown last March I started doing it every day.⁣
⁣
I end up drinking so much more tea! I fill a thermos with hot water and run through it in no time by steeping and re steeping tea using a gaiwan.⁣ So the answer to my question for me today, is by far my gaiwan!⁣
⁣
Has your brewing style changed through this past year?
For this #matchamonday I want to share the 3 key t For this #matchamonday I want to share the 3 key things that you need to make a perfect Matcha latte.⁣
⁣
- A good quality Matcha. This is a make it or break it factor. ⁣
- Water at the right temperature: 175 F to prepare the Matcha base.⁣
- Last but never least, a great milk that froths well, tastes amazing and doesn’t have unnecessary additives. ⁣
⁣
Since I’m all about non-dairy milk, I experiment a lot and try different plant based alternatives. I wasn’t drinking too much almond milk because I found that it didn’t froth so well, until I found @mooala_koala . ⁣
⁣
Please look at that froth 🤩! (plus it is organic). Excited to find a great unsweetened almond milk that makes amazing lattes!⁣
⁣
#ad #mooala #plantbases #ambcollab #hermooalaalmond #ambmooala
✨New Recipe on the blog (link in bio): Double Ea ✨New Recipe on the blog (link in bio): Double Earl Grey Linzer cookies, just in time for the holidays!⁣
⁣
Why double? These cookies are made with Earl Grey tea leaves and filled with a homemade low-calorie Earl Grey jelly.⁣
⁣
Sounds complicated? Not at all! The Earl Grey jelly is extremely easy and quick to make and the cookies are pretty straightforward. ⁣
⁣
The thing is, this combo is killer. I was blown away by the pronounced Earl Grey flavor and deliciousness of these Linzer cookies. A must try!⁣
⁣
Will you be making these? Let me know and tag me when you do!
It is GIVEAWAY season!!! 💫 (and this one is ope It is GIVEAWAY season!!! 💫 (and this one is open WORLDWIDE! 🌎)- CLOSED (winner @piesandtacos)
.
@vahdamindia is one of my partner brands and I love it for several reasons. Their teas are excellent quality, fresh and sourced directly from local partner farms. Second, they are plastic and carbon neutral, fair trade, and they give 1% of their revenue towards education of the tea grower’s children. Good tea and mission, a winning tea brand for me.
.
1 lucky winner will get:
- Turmeric Classic Latte Mix (golden milk!)
- BLUSH Assorted Teas gift set (includes 3 tins with loose leaf teas)
- Turmeric Tea Tales gift set (6 blends of turmeric teas)
.
[TO ENTER]
.
1️⃣Like this post
2️⃣Follow @teacachai and @vahdamindia 
3️⃣Tag a friend in the comments (1 friend per comment, tag more friends for multiple entries in separate comments).
.
*️⃣Bonus entry if you share in your stories (tag me to count the entry)
.
The contest will run until 9PM EST on Wednesday, December 16th and the winner will be announced shortly. (This is not affiliated with or sponsored by Instagram) Good Luck!
Happy #matchamonday friends! ⁣ ⁣ I’m trying Happy #matchamonday friends! ⁣
⁣
I’m trying out a new Matcha today, Ujitawara Special by @naokimatcha . It is a blend from Tencha made of Uji Hikari and Samidori cultivars. It is a wonderfully sweet and mellow Matcha, with a smooth mouthfeel and balanced umami. Excellent to drink on its own.⁣
⁣
For those who specifically ask for good Matcha on @amazon , go for Naoki. It’s hard to find good Matcha there in between so much ‘Matcha noise’ and cheap quality ones.⁣
⁣
Where are you storing your open Matcha? I keep mine in the fridge, I find it stays fresh longer. Just make sure it is properly sealed
Have you ever tried tea from New Zealand? 🇳🇿 Have you ever tried tea from New Zealand? 🇳🇿⁣
⁣
This one is called Waikato Black tea and it’s from @zealongtea estate in Hamilton, NZ (I got it from @rareteacompany ). The climate there is very foggy, it has lots of rainfall, and ideal temperatures with enough sunshine for tea plants to thrive.⁣
⁣
It is a very memorable tea. It is full bodied, but smooth and it has some minerality, honey and yamminess to it too. I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it! 😍 I’m enjoying it so much this Fall...⁣
⁣
Also, I was so intrigued about its production and location that I started looking into Zealong Estate. They have a beautiful website and they also produce Green tea,  Oolong and some herbals. The estate looks amazing and they offer tours too!
🍵 Nothing like straight Matcha for an afternoon 🍵 Nothing like straight Matcha for an afternoon pick me up! 💪🏼⁣
⁣
I’ve never been able to drink coffee nor I wanted to, but I would have loved to know Matcha before I did because I love the calm energy it provides (would have been so helpful during college years!).⁣
⁣
💡How to make Matcha? Start by sifting 1-2 scoops of Matcha (measured with a chashaku) or 1 tsp and add a bit of water at 175 F. Use your chasen (whisk) to incorporate all the Matcha powder and water using a circular motion. Then whisk vigorously doing ‘M’ or ‘W’ shapes to create froth. Finally, slowly add more water according to your thickness preference. Easy!⁣
⁣
If you drink coffee and Matcha how do both energy boosts compare?⁣
Tea and cheese pairing 🧀🍵⁣ ⁣ This one wa Tea and cheese pairing 🧀🍵⁣
⁣
This one was a fun one! Remember that Earl Grey low-carb jelly I made a while back? (𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘪𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨). Well, I paired my favorite cheese, Manchego with the jelly and it was a pair made in heaven! ⁣
⁣
This duo was divine! Earl Grey tea jelly + cheese & crackers is a simple yet sophisticated and gourmet idea for an appetizer/snack during the holidays. ⁣
⁣
The Earl Grey jelly is so easy to make that you’ll be surprised! It makes a wonderful gift too.⁣
⁣
🔸 What’s your favorite tea & cheese pairing?
Load More...

Favorite Matcha

SHOP

Matchaeologist Misaki Ceremonial Matcha

ARE YOU INTO HERBAL TEAS TOO?
I’m currently taking an amazing introductory herbalism course at the Herbal Academy to complement my tea education.
⬇️

Begin your Herbal Journey in the Introductory Herbal Course

BREWING TIP:

One of my favorite ways to brew loose leaf tea is with this Simple Brew infuser teapot. It lets the leaves ‘dance’ and unfurl with all the space they need.

DISCLAIMER

PRIVACY POLICY

CONTACT

  • Elara Pro by LyraThemes.com
  • Copyright © 2020 Tea Cachai