How to Taste Tea?

Tea tasting is not just a sensory practice. It is a mirror of life itself. Each stage of the process invites us to reflect on our own existence. Today, I want to share with you how I see this journey divided into five steps, with each one symbolizing a vital stage we all experience.

1. Examining the Dry Leaf

   The first step in tea tasting is to observe the dry leaf. Look at its size is it whole, broken, or powdered? What shape does it have? Is it curled? What colors do you see? What does it smell like?

   
   

   This stage represents childhood, when we have not yet been immersed in life's experiences. And although we already have defined characteristics our temperament, our social, economic, and cultural roots, we have not yet been shaped by the world. That is the beauty of this phase: we are full of potential, like an unrolled tea leaf waiting to unfold

   
   

   

   
   

2. The Infusion

   The next step is to infuse the tea leaf in hot water at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time, depending on the type of tea. This process allows its flavor and aroma to be extracted.

   
   

   This symbolizes adolescence and early adulthood. Just as hot water reveals the best of the tea, our experiences and challenges begin to shape us, revealing who we truly are. Some experiences are gentle, others intense, but all help us shed the superficial so the deeper self can emerge. Only patience like in a proper infusion will allow us to see what each moment has taught us.

   
   

   

   
   

3. Examining the Spent Tea Leaf

   After infusion, we examine the wet leaf. Has its color changed? Has it expanded? Has its aroma shifted?

   
   

   This step represents adulthood. After living, loving, failing, losing, and learning, our essence is revealed. It is the moment to look inward with honesty. We can celebrate what we did well and compassionately acknowledge what we can improve or heal. Because now, we have the clarity to do so.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Observing the Liquor

   Now we observe the liquor; the liquid result of the infusion. Does it have any sediment? What color is it? Is it bright or dull? Is there a ring of color on the surface? What aromas does it release?

   
   

   This phase symbolizes maturity, when we are able to look at our life with deeper perspective. We begin to recognize both the beauty and the imperfections in our story. Just as we observe the transformation of tea in water, seeing our own transformation through life experiences allows us to understand our story. Even the most painful moments have gifted us with virtues such as resilience, strength, maturity, compassion, empathy… Everything had a purpose.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Tasting the Tea Liquor

   Finally, we taste the liquor using a special spoon. We slurp the tea so that air enters along with the liquid. Is it sweet, bitter, sour, or salty? Does it have any special notes? Is it astringent? Do you like it?

   
   

   This final phase represents old age, when we finally learn to embrace life fully, with all its nuances. Each sip, like each experience, has its own value. Through gratitude, even the difficult moments gain meaning. We come to understand that life is a unique and unrepeatable infusion.

   

   
   

It is sad that often we only learn to embrace life completely in old age. I know that during youth and early adulthood, we don’t always have the maturity, the tools, or even the hormonal balance to face challenges wisely.

But try to ask yourself: What can I learn from this? That question, simple but powerful, can help you transform difficulties into opportunities for growth.

Remember that we all carry a backpack full of traumas, wounds, and false beliefs... It’s not your fault to react based on what’s inside that bag. But once you become aware of it, you can look inside, identify what’s there, and create a plan to act differently next time. It might not work right away, but you’ll be refining your process and that is a huge step.

So have fun on the journey. Get to know yourself. Love yourself. Embrace your life and its many shades as early as you can, without waiting for old age.

Enjoy your journey through life tasting tea to remind you that life is short… and you are your experiences.