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Project Overview
In the face of a growing interest in artisanal beverages, this project invites you to explore the intricate world of tea. By creating a personalized tasting journal, you'll encapsulate essential skills in tea appreciation, brewing techniques, and flavor profiling, aligning with industry standards of beverage education.
Project Sections
Introduction to Tea Types
In this foundational section, you'll explore the primary tea types: green, black, oolong, and herbal. The goal is to familiarize yourself with their unique characteristics and origins. Understanding these differences is crucial for your tasting journey.
Tasks:
- ▸Research the characteristics of green, black, oolong, and herbal teas, noting their flavor profiles and origins.
- ▸Create a visual chart comparing the four tea types, highlighting key differences in taste and aroma.
- ▸Select at least one tea from each category to taste and document your initial impressions in your journal.
- ▸Write a brief summary of the cultural significance of each tea type you explore.
- ▸Share your findings with peers through a discussion forum or group chat.
- ▸Reflect on how your initial perceptions of tea types may have changed after this exploration.
- ▸Prepare a list of questions you have about tea types for future study.
Resources:
- 📚"The Tea Companion" by Jane Pettigrew
- 📚Online tea tasting videos
- 📚Tea blogs focusing on types and flavors
Reflection
Consider how your understanding of tea types has evolved. What surprised you the most about the different flavor profiles?
Checkpoint
Complete a visual chart of tea types and submit it for feedback.
Brewing Techniques
This section focuses on mastering the brewing techniques essential for extracting the best flavors from each tea type. You'll learn about water temperatures, steeping times, and equipment used in the brewing process.
Tasks:
- ▸Research the ideal brewing temperatures and steeping times for each tea type you've chosen.
- ▸Experiment with brewing each tea type, adjusting parameters to see how it affects flavor.
- ▸Document your brewing process and results in your journal, noting any changes in flavor and aroma.
- ▸Create a brewing guide that outlines the best practices for each tea type.
- ▸Share your brewing experiences with classmates and discuss the outcomes.
- ▸Reflect on the importance of brewing techniques in enhancing your tea tasting experience.
- ▸Compile a list of common brewing mistakes and how to avoid them.
Resources:
- 📚"The Tea Book" by Louise Cheadle
- 📚YouTube brewing technique tutorials
- 📚Tea brewing equipment guides
Reflection
Reflect on how different brewing methods impacted the flavor of your tea. What did you learn about the importance of precision in brewing?
Checkpoint
Submit your brewing guide and documented experiences.
Flavor Profiles and Tasting Notes
Dive into the art of tasting tea. In this section, you'll learn how to identify and articulate flavor profiles, developing your palate and tasting vocabulary.
Tasks:
- ▸Learn about common flavor descriptors used in tea tasting and compile a list of them.
- ▸Taste each brewed tea and use your tasting vocabulary to describe the flavors, aromas, and sensations.
- ▸Create a tasting notes template to use for each tea you sample.
- ▸Practice filling out your tasting notes for each tea type you've brewed.
- ▸Share your tasting notes with classmates for feedback and discussion.
- ▸Reflect on which flavors you enjoyed most and why they resonated with you.
- ▸Experiment with pairing teas with small snacks to enhance your tasting experience.
Resources:
- 📚"Tea: A Global History" by Helen Saberi
- 📚Flavor wheel for tea tasting
- 📚Tasting note templates
Reflection
How did your ability to identify flavors evolve during this section? What techniques helped you articulate your tasting experiences?
Checkpoint
Submit your completed tasting notes for review.
Cultural Significance of Tea
Explore the rich cultural history surrounding tea, including its origins, rituals, and significance in various cultures. This section will deepen your appreciation for tea beyond just its flavor.
Tasks:
- ▸Research the historical origins of tea and its cultural significance in different countries.
- ▸Document your findings in your journal, focusing on at least three cultures.
- ▸Create a visual presentation or infographic summarizing the cultural aspects of tea you discovered.
- ▸Discuss the role of tea in social settings and how it varies across cultures.
- ▸Reflect on how understanding the cultural context of tea has influenced your appreciation of it.
- ▸Identify a cultural tea ritual you would like to try and plan how to incorporate it into your tasting journey.
- ▸Share your cultural findings with peers to foster discussion.
Resources:
- 📚"The Book of Tea" by Okakura Kakuzo
- 📚Cultural documentaries on tea
- 📚Online articles about tea rituals
Reflection
How has learning about tea's cultural significance impacted your perception of it? What new insights do you have?
Checkpoint
Submit your cultural presentation or infographic.
Equipment and Tools for Tea Tasting
In this section, you'll familiarize yourself with the essential tools and equipment for tea tasting, understanding their purposes and how to use them effectively.
Tasks:
- ▸Research the different types of tea brewing equipment and their uses, such as teapots, infusers, and kettles.
- ▸Create a list of essential tools for tea tasting and their benefits.
- ▸Experiment with different equipment to brew your teas and document the results in your journal.
- ▸Share your favorite equipment and why it works best for you with classmates.
- ▸Reflect on how the right tools can enhance your tea experience.
- ▸Compile a guide on how to properly clean and maintain your tea equipment.
- ▸Discuss the importance of equipment in professional tea tasting settings.
Resources:
- 📚"The Tea Enthusiast's Handbook" by Mary Lou Heiss
- 📚Guides on tea brewing equipment
- 📚Online reviews of tea tools
Reflection
What equipment did you find most useful, and how did it impact your brewing and tasting experience?
Checkpoint
Submit your equipment guide and findings.
Creating Your Personalized Tasting Journal
This final section focuses on compiling all your learnings into a cohesive, personalized tea tasting journal that reflects your journey.
Tasks:
- ▸Organize your previous notes, charts, and reflections into a structured journal format.
- ▸Design a layout for your tasting journal that is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
- ▸Include sections for tea types, brewing methods, tasting notes, and cultural insights.
- ▸Add personal reflections and any additional discoveries you've made along the way.
- ▸Share your journal draft with peers for feedback and suggestions.
- ▸Reflect on the overall journey and how your journal represents your growth in tea appreciation.
- ▸Finalize your journal for submission as your portfolio piece.
Resources:
- 📚Journal design templates
- 📚Examples of tasting journals
- 📚Online platforms for journal sharing
Reflection
How does your journal represent your journey in tea appreciation? What are you most proud of in your final product?
Checkpoint
Submit your completed tasting journal as your final project.
Timeline
This project spans 8 weeks, allowing flexibility for exploration and iterative learning, with weekly check-ins to adapt your approach.
Final Deliverable
Your final deliverable will be a beautifully crafted personalized tea tasting journal, showcasing your exploration of tea types, brewing techniques, and flavor profiles, ready to impress fellow tea enthusiasts.
Evaluation Criteria
- ✓Depth of research and understanding of tea types
- ✓Quality and clarity of tasting notes
- ✓Creativity and organization of the tasting journal
- ✓Engagement with cultural aspects of tea
- ✓Application of proper brewing techniques
- ✓Ability to articulate flavor profiles
- ✓Overall presentation and professionalism of the final journal.
Community Engagement
Engage with fellow tea enthusiasts through online forums or local tea tasting groups to share experiences, gather feedback, and showcase your tasting journal.