summary introduction of Thai teas, and on loose teas in general, with some review of tea sourcing options in Bangkok

1. Experiencing
Thai TeasSUBTITLE
Presented by
John Bickel

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/