Connecting through tea and teaware
Do you value connecting your food and food related utensils with people? The tomatoes and strawberries I eat just taste better when I know they are from Farmer George in San Juan Capistrano. Even better when the taste evokes his face. Having met the person who raises and processes some of the chickens I eat makes me feel better knowing how that chicken was raised and translates into taste and well-being. Using the cast iron pan that belonged to my nana evokes her image and memories of her culinary skills.
With tea, while I don’t know any of the growers or teamakers personally, I do feel like I know many of them through my trusted sources second-hand. And that is important to me; I rarely buy tea whose provenance I cannot trace. Some of the tea ware I use or sell is the same. My favorite tea cup of the moment brings up the potter’s face (Heidi Kreitchet!) every time I drink out of it.
On the flip-side, I do use a lot of mass-produced teaware from Bodum, ForLife, etc. It’s functional, sometimes cheaper, and sometimes great. But not really the same for me. I rarely drink a mass-produced corporate tea out of a mass-produced cup at home but will do when I am out and about (because what are ya gonna do?).
How is it for you? Do you value connecting with people through the tea and tea products you consume?
My most used piece of teaware is a gaiwan I got from an excellent local tea shop. I sometimes think of that shop when using the gaiwan even though I rarely drink her teas anymore. I have been meaning to take a trip back to that local store.
Connection to a place is also part of what I am referring to…using that gaiwan evoking memories of the teashop.
My favorite teacups are a gift from my niece, who studied in Korea and brought back a set of infuser cups for me nearly 10 years ago. I don’t use the ceramic infuser, instead using a basket. Every time I use them I think of her. Knowing where my tea comes from is important to me too, even if that just means that I am comfortable with the vendor. But am I happier with some details about a tea’s origin.
That’s what I’m talking about! When use of a teacup (or tea) brings a person or experience to your mind. Kinda like Proust’s madeleine.
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