How to Make Tea: The Science Behind the Leaf

How do you like your tea? In How to Make Tea, tea experts Brian Keating and Kim Long will teach you everything you need to know to make your desired cup. We've been drinking tea for thousands of years, yet few of us realize that all tea types--from elegant lapsang to pungent pu-erh--come from the same plant. But how are there so many different styles? It comes down to science: geography, biology, chemistry, and physics; the application of heat and pressure; and the magic of time and enzymes.

How to Make Tea breaks down these elements and lays out the techniques, tools, and methods needed to brew at home. With this guide, tea lovers of all stripes will become experts on the art and science of tea. Learn to extract the best from every cup.

Brian R. Keating has been a pioneer in tea research working with chefs, beverage scientists, and shop owners for over thirty-five years. He is the founder of Sage Group(R), a Seattle-based natural products consultancy and tea think-tank. As its first tea buyer and blend-master, Keating guided the world’s largest natural foods retailer, Whole Foods Market, in establishing its own tea division and brands. His editorial contributions have appeared in World Tea News, The Economist, and many other food, beverage, and healthy lifestyle periodicals. Brian also owned a successful retail tea shop.

Kim Long is a writer, researcher, graphic artist, and photographer based in Denver. Together, Long and Brian Keating have contributed to various business publications focused on the specialty tea industry, including multiple editions of the Specialty Tea Is Hot Report(R).