Slow Living in a Cup: My Journey with Tea

In many cultures around the world, tea is more than just a beverage; it's a ritual, a tradition, and a way of life. Although tea originated in China, its journey across continents has given rise to unique tea cultures, each with its own customs and significance. For me, growing up in Taiwan, tea was a fundamental part of everyday life, woven into the fabric of our familial and social interactions.

One of my earliest memories is of my family gathered around the tea table at every gathering and every evening after dinner. This table, with its smooth wooden surface and delicate teaware, was the heart of our home. It was here that my parents would share stories, my grandparents would reminisce about the past, and we children would listen, learn, and sometimes laugh. This period marked a golden age of tea culture in Taiwan, a time when the country's economic development led to a more comfortable lifestyle and increased enthusiasm for tea and the classical Gong Fu tea ceremony. During this period, Taiwan became a sanctuary for preserving these ancient traditions, especially while China was largely closed off due to political reasons. This era was marked by a renewed interest in tea rituals, which were embraced by households across the country, whether visiting grandparents, uncles, or aunts.

On weekends, our home became a gathering place for extended family and friends. The tea table was central to these gatherings, a symbol of hospitality and respect, embodying the Taiwanese principle of treating guests with the utmost courtesy. In Taiwan, offering tea to guests is a deeply ingrained custom, a way of saying, “You are welcome here, you are important to us.” This ritual of sharing tea, of making guests feel at home, is akin to the British tradition of afternoon tea, where the gesture of serving tea is as important as the tea itself. Tea was also often used in place of alcohol. This practice is common in situations where alcohol might be inappropriate or for those who abstain from alcohol. Tea, with its calming effects, facilitated meaningful conversations and nurtured a peaceful atmosphere. It was through these moments that I learned the true value of tea—not just as a drink but as a medium for building and maintaining relationships.

A particularly cherished memory is of a tea-sampling trip with my parents when I was seven years old. We travelled to the mountains, the source of the finest teas, in the region where we now source our "Formosa Selection." There, amidst the lush greenery, we visited tea producers and their tea gardens, tasting freshly brewed tea right at its origin. The experience was magical, from the cool mountain air to the delicate aroma of the tea leaves. It was on this trip that I began to learn the art and effort that goes into every cup, from the meticulous cultivation to the precise brewing techniques.

As life led me to the UK for education fourteen years ago, I found myself embracing a new culture while holding onto my cherished tea traditions from Taiwan. Over time, I built a career and put down roots in England, integrating into British society while maintaining my cultural heritage. I love sharing artisan oolong tea from Taiwan with my friends, colleagues, and extended family here. Some were already enthusiasts, familiar with the delicate, floral notes of oolong, while others were discovering it for the first time. Watching their eyes light up as they tasted the tea's rich, complex flavours brought me immense joy. It was more than just sharing a beverage; it was sharing a part of my heritage, a piece of my heart.

One of the aspects of British culture that left a strong impression on me was the daily ritual of having a "cuppa." In my early days at work, I was struck by how my British friends and colleagues would religiously enjoy their cuppa. This simple act of gathering around for a cup of tea is the time to connect and catch up on what had been happening in each other's lives. During moments of stress or crisis, the mindset of "Let's keep calm and have a cup of tea first" often emerged as a practical approach to handling challenges, offering a moment of calm and clarity. It reinforced my belief in the soothing power of tea, a belief that transcends cultures and brings a moment of peace to our busy lives. There's a shared understanding here that everything will be fine after a cuppa, a sentiment that I find both endearing and deeply comforting.

Throughout my journey, I’ve found deep joy in sharing not only the exquisite flavours of artisan oolong tea but also the warmth and hospitality that accompany the slow living associated with tea culture. While my business primarily operates online, I often think of creating opportunities for people to experience these teas firsthand, perhaps through tea-tasting events in the future. I envision spaces where the aroma of freshly brewed tea fills the air, where strangers become friends over shared cups, and where the simple act of drinking tea fosters a sense of peace and connection. It's about more than just tea; it's about cultivating a community that appreciates the simple joys of life and embraces a slower, more mindful way of living, a shared journey of tea appreciation.