.JPG)
One of the advantages of being part of the tea community is its closeness. Most of us know each other or know of each other. It is this sense of familiarity that attracts fellow tea-drinkers and allows them to quickly feel a sense of belonging.
Fang Gourmet Tea exemplifies this sense of deep community. While Fang has firmly established their presence online via a website, Twitter, and Facebook, they have also sunk roots into their strong Asian community in Flushing.
Last week I accepted Fang’s invitation to join their tea tasting of Taiwan oolongs. Kyle Shen warmly greeted me as he would a guest in his home, and provided an introduction to Fang and the recently harvested teas we would be sampling. I was impressed.
Tasting teas with Kyle is about relationship. The two of us become bonded to each other and the tea. Kyle talked about growing up in Taiwan, his 20-year love affair with tea, and his views on the small garden oolongs that Fang offers. “I’m not a big fan of competition grade teas,” he said. “I prefer the small garden teas with their own character. I’d rather accept the minor flaws along with the unique, fine points that are found in small garden teas.” As in relationships with people, we come to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses in ourselves and others.
A boutique tea shop like Fang offers experiences for the novice and the discerning tea drinker. Kyle and I tasted a Dong Ding from Taiwan with a gentle roasted aroma and a brothy texture. This tea is one more easily recommended to newer tea drinkers. The second tea was a high-mountain oolong for the more experienced to appreciate. A drinker of this tea needs to look beyond the astringency and initial tartness to appreciate the sour plum or tart kiwi zestiness and subsequent cooling aftertaste. This is what Kyle meant when he spoke of the special character and unique characteristics of small garden teas. Fang teas are flown in from Taiwan to assure us that we get to experience these pleasures at their peak freshness.
.JPG)
Drinking tea makes us a little more human. It calls us to recognize our distinguishing personalities and backgrounds. We come away from the tea table being better prepared to practice acceptance and appreciation.Fang Gourmet Tea: 135-25 Roosevelt Ave. Flushing NY 11354
1.888.888.0216
Comments
Kyle has an excellent viewpoint when he considers tea a relationship. When you look at it that way, it really does make us a litte more human, Jason. Alongside what you said, tea gives us introspective practice to carry over into our own lives. I find this to be a skill that I often lack and is hard to come by in today's "technophilic" age. Excellent post! Looking forward to trying the Dong Ding and high mountain oolong.
Thanks Jason, I have been waiting for your write up of the Tea tasting.
Eric
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!