4.15.2011

Time for Tea



Last night we watched a fascinating and beautiful documentary on Chinese tea. Les Blank's film "All In This Tea" is about tea expert David Lee Hoffman, and his search, in provincial China, for authentic organic tea made on family farms using traditional methods.  It's spellbinding because you see Hoffman disappearing down misty mountain paths in search of tea, and all the beautiful tea-making equipment, from gathering and drying baskets, to delicate teapots and china cups. You can look at some interesting (albeit long) YouTube films on making Chinese tea here. And there is a little clip of the 2007 film here. Hoffman established an import tea business, Silk Road Teas, where you can buy the teas shown in the film, although he has since sold that business and gone on to pursue his love of organic gardening and composting. You get a nice peek into his Marin County home and garden in the film. I also found an extensive blog on tea, Tea for Today, over here.

5 comments:

LR said...

oh, how fabulous. when i visited Jeju Island in South Korea, we went an amazing green tea museum. such a calming and relaxing time that is. the documentary sounds delightful...i'll have to look for it.

Kathryn said...

Thanks for sharing this. Love instant gratification, watching it tonight on netflix, thanks! We have so many green teas that my hubby has brought back from china and japan that we drink every day but I've always wanted to know more.

Lari Washburn said...

It's a nice feeling to pass along interesting tidbits to interested people...thanks to you both.

naa said...

oh how nice...
I've read Kakuzo's book last year and I liked it a lot...
thank you for the beautiful links, I will watch them tomorrow morning... in a company of good tea. :)

Lari Washburn said...

Thanks so much naa! I am a big fan of your art. I love your blog, and can't wait to see what you do next.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...