Gen Mai Cha – Literally translated, it means “brown rice tea.” It is a Japanese green tea to which roasted brown rice has been added. Gen mai cha is a wonderful alternative to regular green teas since it is less vegetal but full-bodied with a nice nutty finish. Originally, it was a tea for the poor Japanese farmer who used the rice to stretch the tea provi- sions, but today it is a popular staple among Japanese teas.


Gunpowder – A great way to try a straight green tea. Plus what manly man wouldn’t like something with the word “gun” in it. This tea is produced in the Zejiang province of China and received its name because of the pellet-shaped leaves that are reminiscent of black powder grains. It is a great full-flavored green tea, and is sometimes blended with mint into “Moroccan Mint.”


Definitely a Manly Drink by Kerstin Wingert


TEA


the world of tea. Perhaps it was the image of women in frilly dresses, wearing extravagant hats enjoying tiny, crust- less sandwiches and bite-size pastries while sipping a cup of Earl Grey from delicate, flower-trimmed porcelain cups that had most men running towards the cup of java. In the past, coffee, bold and strong, was considered a more fitting drink for guys. Over the past ten years, however, tea has not only


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experienced a renaissance, but it has also received a whole new image. The reason for this new popularity is in part due to the extensive research into the many health benefits tea has to offer, but also choices are no longer limited to Earl Grey and English Breakfast. Men like the subtle flavor nuances among black, green, oolong and pu-erh teas which are the result of terroir, climate, soil texture and harvest time. In this sense, tea has much in common with wine.


Here is a list of teas with characteristics that may appeal to the male palate:


Lapsang Souchong – A black tea from the Fujian province in China, also referred to as “smoked” tea. Lapsang has a distinct smoky flavor which is achieved by drying the tea leaves over a wood fire. The flavor is strong yet smooth with a note of smoke reminiscent of a campfire or pipe tobacco. Some tea aficionados compare it to a single malt scotch.


PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT June 2011 33


hile tea is enjoyed by men and women alike in Asia and many European countries, here in the U.S, men are just now beginning to venture into


Pu-Erh – This is one of the oldest teas with a history of over 1,700 years. Originating in the Yunnan province in China, it used to be offered as a tribute to the emperor, and some of the higher-end pu-erh teas today are called tribute teas. Pu-erh is an aged tea that undergoes microbial forma- tion after the initial manufacture which creates a rich and earthy taste with an extremely smooth finish. It is available as loose tea or compressed into cakes, or small nests. Some people fall in love with it immediately, for others it might be an acquired taste, but it is definitely worth trying.


Assam – It is named after the region in India where it is grown and manufactured. Assam is probably among the better-known black teas and an important ingredient in most breakfast blends. These teas are known and appreci- ated for their bold character, briskness, malty flavor and strong, bright color. Assam is a great morning tea and can easily keep up with a cup of Java. Enjoy it straight up or with milk and sweetener. A famous tea quote compares each cup of tea to an imaginary journey. With over 3,000 varieties produced by the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), there is a tea for every hour of the day, for every mood, and for every palate. Ex- plore a new tea variety today.


Kerstin Wingert is the president and co-owner of Souvia® Tea in Phoenix and holds the Specialty Tea Institute’s Level III Certified Tea Education Accreditation. See ad on page 15.


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