2. History of tea in Thailand
• Earliest known tea cultivation in China 6000 years ago
• 1000+ year old tea trees in Thailand today (maybe)
• Two types of tea plants: Camellia Sinensis versions
• Variety Assamica: black tea in Assam, India; pu’er
compressed tea in Yunnan, China
• Variety Sinensis: most Chinese tea, oolongs
• Black teas in Chiang Mai area, oolongs in Chiang Rai
3. Thai oolong
• Hybrids from Taiwan; mostly #12 hybrid Jin Xuan, #17 Bai Lu
• Lighter oolongs are a good introductory tea; soft, nice flavor
• Works well hot or cold, easy to brew, inexpensive
• Oolong means mid-range oxidation, between green and black tea
levels, 10 to 90% (but defined range can vary)
4. Tea preference and brewing issues
• Hot versus cold: hot teas show the range of tastes better
• Tea bag versus loose tea: tea bags lower quality, tea dust
• Gear / device issues: it all works (eg. in a coffee cup, infuser,
French Press, pot), better if tea can contact water freely
• Brewing parameters: water temperature, proportion, timing
(eg. 1 tsp. per cup, 90° C, 3 minutes, 3 steeps)
• Cost: 50 grams typically $4-12 / 100-350 baht (25 cups)
• Sugar or not: gets complicated, but better teas aren’t bitter
5. Gateway / introduction teas
• Blends: tea and flowers or herbs
• Thai tea; bubble tea: might be powdered
artificially flavored tea
• Iced lemon tea: closer to lemonade
• Matcha shakes
• Masala chai: spiced blend
All are fine, but tea can be even better
6. • Better oolongs: dark roasting expands range
• Oriental Beauty oolong: citrus and spice, sweet
• White teas: subtle but interesting
• Sinensis black teas (eg. Jin Xuan): softer, fruitier
• Longjing / Dragonwell: good green tea (Chinese)
7. Where do I buy loose Thai tea?
• Grocery stores: rarely have better options (some exceptions)
• Royal Project shops: ok for Thai oolongs
• Mall tea shops: ok for Thai oolong, not better teas (typically)
• Chinatown: avoid open-bin storage (no taste); Jip Eu is nice
• Cafes: Seven Suns, Luka, Double Dog, Peony (more basic)
• Specialty: Tea Dee Zhang (Thanya Park), Tea Village (Pattaya)
• Online: lots of options, just be careful about claims
8. To find out more:
Tea in the ancient world blog (mine)
Teaintheancientworld.blogspot.com
International Tea Talk (I’m Facebook group admin)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1647370545538088/