Steeping Around: Recent Episodes
Steeping Around
We’re taking back tea-time and kicking it up a notch while turning up the fun. No sitting around in a stuffy living room sipping from dainty china with pinkies in the air. We don’t mind a bit of dirt and we’re going to take you into the nitty-gritty. What is tea? Why should we drink the stuff? What do we do with it? Manish Shah will be delving deep into the world of tea: introducing you to the people who make it, the people who sell it and those who drink it. Brace yourself – you’ll soon know everything you never knew you wanted to know about tea. You’ll be Steeping Around with Manish Shah.
In our final episode of Steeping Around, Manish, Lisa, and a secret guest discuss the show. Where has Steeping Around come from, and where will it be going? And what is the significance of the number 108? Find out, in this final Steeping.
Manish and Lisa discuss the many types of tea-times and relay the history of “low tea”, the famous Victorian tradition. Then, they explain how you can host a tea party of your own, whether you choose to be elaborate or modern in your approach.
Padma Lakshmi of Bravo’s hit TV series Top Chef joins us again this week in a continuing interview about her love of and connection with tea.One of her favorite ways to entertain guests is with tea. How? Tune in to find out. Show 105– Padma Takes On Tea Check out Padma’s line of teas.
This week’s show features a wonderful interview with one of the top celebrities of the culinary world–Padma Lakshmi, of Top Chef! In addition to her expansive knowledge and experience in the world of fine cuisine, Padma knows an awful lot about tea.
We’re talking all things tea, but this time we’re not talking about tea-the-drink, but instead tea as a culinary ingredient. Join Manish and Lisa in a special interview with Chef Ramiro Scavo of Pasco Kitchen & Lounge, as he describes the many ways that tea can make a recipe unforgettable.
We’ve all heard of pairing wine with our favorite foods, but what about tea? This week Manish and Lisa explore the diverse possibilities of tea pairings , from white teas to black teas, and from Asian to Mexican food.
We’re entering the exciting world of tea pairings, and our first is rather unusual: tea and cigars. Did you know that for every tea, there is a perfect cigar to match? Find out the benefits of pairing these two arts of enjoyment and how to make a pair yourself in this exciting show.
We’ve produced over a hundred shows of Steeping Around, and it’s time to party! Join Manish and Lisa in celebrating with this very special, very funny bloopers show. Listen in on all the stuff that gets cut out of the show… for better or for worse! Cheers, and happy anniversary!
Manish and Lisa wrap up our series on tea leaf reading, or tasseomancy, by focusing once again on tea. What type of tea is used? Should it be loose leaf, or can the leaves from tea bags be read as well? And what sorts of shapes and symbols present themselves, what do they mean?
The leaves in the bottom of our cup have a message for us. But–is the fortune that they describe our fate, or have we some say in the matter? Amy Taylor, a professional tea leaf reader, joins us once again to describe the nature of tea leaf readings.
This week, we’re peering deeper into the cup than ever before. Manish and Lisa discuss the art of tea leaf reading, or tasseomancy. What exactly is tasseomancy, and where does it come from? What sorts of things can the leaves reveal?
Manish continues his conversation with Katrina Ávila Munichiello this week, as she asks him about his innovations on chai within his own company. Is there anything that he would never do with chai? Listen as Manish and Lisa wrap up this interview-in-reverse.
We’re starting out the new year with a special interview-in-reverse. Katrina Ávila Munichiello, senior editor of Tea Magazine, requested an interview with Manish about chai, the spiced tea latté that he brought from the motherlands to the palates of American drinkers. This week, Lisa and Manish share that interview with listeners in a spicy new show.
Manish and Lisa are stirring the punchbowl this week, for a special show that is sure to spike up your holidays. Are you in charge of making the holiday punch? Tune in for six crowd-pleasing recipes. Happy holidays! The Spiced and SPIKED Tea Punch that Manish describes in the second segment of the show.
It’s cold season, and we’ve got a classic and delicious way to feel better right away: hot toddies! Manish and Lisa take you through the history of hot toddies, classic recipes, and tea-based versions of the drink. In the third segment, Manish reveals a Maya Tea Toddy, made with our own Original Herbal Chai.
Manish and Lisa sample SahTea beer, a special ale brewed by Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales. Among its many complex flavor notes is... you guessed it, tea! Listen as Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head describes his company, the methodology behind their recipes, and the difference between large and small businesses. Then, go out there and get some Dogfish in your head!
Spike Buckowski of Terrapin Beer Co. joins Manish and Lisa this week to talk about Samurai Krunkles, his very special jasmine tea-infused brew. After Manish and Lisa sample the beer (and catch a buzz!), Spike describes the nature of the beer market, and the difference between beer drinkers and wine drinkers, as he sees it.
Manish and Lisa welcome Blake Collins from Borderlands Brewing Co back to the show to talk all-things tea and beer. Blake describes the vibrant saison he created using hibiscus tea, and discusses the things that inspire him in his brewing. Finally, Manish and Blake discuss the future of tea/beer blends… is there one?
Manish and new co-host Lisa Derfus introduce you to a different kind of brew: beer. They describe the long and complex history of beer and the changes that it has seen over time. In addition, Manish welcomes brewmaster Blake Collins to the show to describe what, exactly, beer is.
We’re back from our eight month hiatus, and we’re ready to dive back into the wonderful world of tea! Manish recaps where we left off in February, as well as the many changes we have seen since. Among them, we welcome a new co-host: the fabulous Lisa Derfus!
Manish’s birthday has got him thinking about the things he is thankful for, and among them, for the good that is done within the tea industry for the tea farmers themselves.
Manish’s birthday is fast approaching, and this week Tere has a surprise in store for him. She has concocted three tea-infused liquors of her own, using her favorites of the Maya Tea selection. Manish and Tere relate the history of liqueurs, and then they begin to taste their own.
Host Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark launch an exploration into an herb that is usually left to felines: Catnip. In response to a listener email, Manish and Tere sip on large cups of catnip as they discuss the herb’s history, uses, brewing techniques, and most importantly, its effects on human consumers.
Manish and Tere are continuing their month-long celebration this week, in honor of Manish’s birthday and tea-infused spirits. It is 9:30 in the morning, and the two of them have cracked open a bottle of Mother’s Sweet Tea Vodka.
Tere LaBaw enlightens both Manish and the audience this week with her extensive knowledge of mead, or honey wine. She shares a little history and describes what exactly mead is, and even gives listeners a home recipe for tea-infused mead. Then, she and Manish taste test the tea-infused mead made by the Volcano Winery.
Manish and Tere welcome Eva Lee of Tea Hawaii & Co back to the show this week for our third show about “island tea”. Eva describes the four varieties that come from their gardens, as well as where we can find them for sale.
Last week we visited the Azores Islands for a glimpse of Portuguese tea. This week, we are island-hopping. Manish introduces Eva Lee of Tea Hawaii & Co, who grows tea on the island of Hawaii. The two discuss the history of tea in the Hawaiian islands.
Manish and Tere continue their exploration of tea origins this week, shedding light on the places that we ordinarily don’t associate with tea plantations. A few weeks ago they spoke about Kenyan teas, and this week it’s off to Europe–Portugal, to be specific.
Manish is back from India and returns as host this week to Steeping Around. As he muses on the changes that India has seen in the past fifteen years, he and Tere reflect on the past twelve months of Steeping Around and, specifically, on last year’s New Year’s resolutions.
This week guest host Tere LaBaw shares the final portion of her interview with Manish. In the decade that Maya Tea has been in business, both the company and Manish, its owner, have experienced exponential growth. Learn how Maya Tea went from survival mode to the stable, thriving company that it is today.
Tere hosts the show again this week, in continuation of last week’s interview with Manish. Find out exactly how many jobs Manish juggles day to day, and how he manages to make it all look so easy. Then, in the second segment, Tere digs a little deeper into Manish’s personal life.
While Manish is in India, Tere is hosting the show, and this week we’re talking origins. But rather than discussing the origins of tea, we are exploring Manish’s own origins. Tere interviews Manish about his journey from India to Tucson.
Joy Njuguna of Royal Tea of Kenya joins Manish and Tere once again in an exploration of Kenyan tea. This week, Joy introduces us to her company and her line of teas, which Manish and Tere were given the opportunity to try at the World Tea Expo.
What does Kenyan tea and family have in common? Everything. Manish’s own family joins him on the show this week to talk about their Thanksgiving, and in keeping with the theme, Manish and Tere revisit an interview with Joy Njuguna of Royal Tea of Kenya.
This Thanksgiving, Manish and Tere welcome G.T. Dave of Synergy Drinks back to the show. Manish and G.T. discover how much they have in common as they reminisce about the early days of business and the paths they have followed. Each began with a vision that sustains them today, something surely to be thankful for.
Manish and Tere welcome GT Dave of Synergy Drinks back to the show to discuss the various health benefits of Kombucha tea. GT tells the story of Kombucha and his own family, the way that it helped his mother in dealing with cancer, and the general health effects of the fermented tea.
Manish and Tere butt heads this week, and they talk about their preferences for both Halloween festivities and Kombucha, a fermented tea that neither had tried before. Never heard of Kombucha? Well don’t worry–Manish welcomes G.T. Dave, owner of Synergy Drinks, to the show to introduce listeners to the mysterious tea drink.
Manish and Tere respond to four listener emails this week: Why are there vast differences in Yunnan varieties? Is there actually less caffeine in white tea? How long do the effects of L-theanine last? The third email is not a question, but a comment, listen to this weeks episode to find out what it is.
Manish and Tere have both just recovered from colds, and this week they’re going to tell us how they’ve done it. Tea of all types can be helpful in both preventing colds and alleviating their symptoms. With winter approaching and the cold season coming on, this is a show you don’t want to miss!
We’ve spent several weeks talking about the ways that tea can benefit your health, but until now it has all been about the physical body. The mind and spirit are two crucial aspects of overall health, and fortunately tea targets them as much as our organs and tissues.
The majority of questions that we get about tea and health involve four specific ailments, and this week Manish and Tere answer them. Dr. LowDog visits the show once again to share her wealth of knowledge about tea and its effects on weight loss, diabetes, and cholesterol.
Manish and Tere are diving back into tea and health this week, specifically tea’s old-time uses. Did you know that tea has been traditionally used for loose bowels, burns, and dental care? Manish welcomes Dr. LowDog back to the show to discuss these surprising remedies.
After four grueling (but fun!) weeks of tea and its healthy constituents, Manish and Tere take a break to answer a stack of emails from listeners. Among this week’s questions: What is Monkey-Picked oolong? How about Dragon Pearls? How does “fair-trade” relate to tea? And finally, how many antioxidants do I need?
This week, Manish and Tere discuss an amazingly groovy amino acid. What’s so groovy about theanine? Just ask your doctor. Better yet, we’ve got one for you: Manish welcomes Dr. LowDog back to the show to describe exactly what makes L-theanine so spectacular.
Manish and the new Tere LaBaw dive into a stimulating discussions on tea and health: stimulants. In addition to caffeine, two specific xanthines in tea help to keep us alert and healthy. As a special guest, Manish welcomes Dr. Tieraona LowDog to the show.
We’ve all heard of antioxidants, but what are they? Why are they so important? What is the best way to get them? Manish answers these questions and more as he talks about EGCG: the powerhouse of health in tea. Unprocessed white teas, such as White Peony, are an excellent source of antioxidants, including EGCG.
This week marks the first in a series of shows on tea and health. Manish Shah takes you back to the good ol’ days of tea, in fact the good very old days of tea, when it was first discovered and its many health benefits were first noted.
It is one week before producer Tere Clark becomes Mrs. Tere Lebaw, and in celebration Manish has taken her to tea. Manish and Tere record this week from the Chantilly Tea Room, where they delight in tasty treats and “Wedding Tea” as they discuss wedding traditions and upcoming nuptials. Congratulations, Tere!
It is good, strong women that make Maya Tea the smooth-running and vibrant company that it is, so owner and host Manish Shah appreciates such women when he comes across them. Just such an example is Suzan Sculatti of the Tea Time Trading Company, whose brilliant One-Touch Teapot is turning heads across the world.
Peering into products and people reveals great use and great potential. This week, Manish and Tere take a deeper look at the gadget that won “best accessory” at the 2010 World Tea Expo. What is the Squeezmo, and why do you need one?
George Jage of the World Tea Expo returns this week to recap June’s spectacular event. He and Manish look forward to World Tea East, premiering in six weeks’ time in Philadelphia. In the third and final segment, Manish attempts to restore confidence with one of our listeners. Can he do it?
We’ve gone from extravagance to efficiency in this episode, as Manish and Tere introduce another incredible iced tea maker. John Lown of Takeya Tea Company joins Manish at the World Tea Expo to tell the story and inspiration behind one of the most complete, well thought out iced tea makers we’ve ever seen.
As the hot summer months settle in, we turn our attention once again to iced tea. Around this time last year, Manish explained the many ways that you could make cold-brewed iced tea from home. This week, he introduces listeners to one of the most dramatic devices for that cold-brew on the market.
Manish and Tere reflect on their findings at the World Tea Expo, and introduce you to some of the best new tea gadgets of 2011. For those who love loose leaf tea but need a better way to enjoy it on-the-go, this episode is for you.
Who ever thought that Manish Shah could continue Steeping Around for fifty-two consecutive weeks? Certainly not us, and you may be astounded as well as we revisit some of our earlier material. Join Manish, Tere, and the crew of Steeping Around in celebration as we travel through some of the most memorable moments of our last year making this podcast.
Let’s face it– looks do matter. While the most important thing is that a tea tastes good, often it is our eyes that first draws us to a particular variety. This week, Manish and Tere explore the eye-pleasing ingredients in our tea blends: flowers. Tune in to learn about roses, sunflowers, cornflowers and malva flowers.
Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark step into the fabulously fragrant world of lavender flowers. The distinct aroma of this flower has earned its place in history, which spans several continents and time periods, each lavishing in one or another of its multitudes of uses.
Manish and Tere jump back into the vast world of herbal teas this week, departing from green colored herbals and opening a new chapter: florals. Up first is chamomile, renowned across the globe for its delicate flavor and soothing effects (among a slew of other less-known health benefits).
This week Manish Shah is joined by George Jage, founding father of the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. George and Manish discuss today’s tea trends, from the baby boomers to generation Y, from first-class celebrities to first-time shop owners. Join them as they peek behind the scenes of one of the fastest growing industries in the world today.
Host Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark launch an exploration into an herb that is usually left to felines: Catnip. In response to a listener email, Manish and Tere sip on large cups of catnip as they discuss the herb’s history, uses, brewing techniques, and most importantly, its effects on human consumers.
This week, Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark discuss the green herbal tea, Yerba Maté. One of the favorites of the Maya Tea Company staff, Yerba Maté holds a very special place in the hearts of drinkers, and for good reason: it pumps them up!
Manish and Tere leap back into their discussion of herbal teas this week, focusing on fresh and healthful Fenugreek. Tere tastes this maple-like herb for the first time as they discuss its history, health benefits, and unique flavor. Fenugreek is an aid to detoxification as well as digestion.
In continuation of last week’s episode, we return to Monday- a day full of pushing. From back-breaking yoga to mind-bending meetings, Manish recaps the happenings of one of the busiest days at Maya Tea Company, revealing within his stories the reason for all of this pushing.
Manish Shah takes you deeper than ever into the daily life of Maya Tea, and on the wildest of days: Monday. Join he and Tere Clark as they talk about all things Maya- the place, the people, and the particulars.
Manish and Tere are on the grass this week… Lemon grass, that is! Join them as they divulge the history, health benefits, and delectable flavor and scent of this zesty herb.
This week is all about rest and relaxation. Manish and Tere talk all about lemon balm: its flavor, its history, and its fabulously soothing effects on the body. And, if that’s not enough to smooth your nerves, stay tuned for the final segment!
This week, Manish begins to make predictions about the near future of the tea market. On the top of his mind: Tulsi. Manish and producer Tere Clark reveal to you all that the eastern hemisphere has known for centuries about this sacred plant.
Manish and Tere are talking all things mint this week, from its mythological Greek origins to its prolific health benefits. Not to mention its unmatched flavor… Manish has stolen into his mom’s recipe box, and in the final segment he’ll reveal one of her tasty and traditional Indian recipes.
We’re taking a break this week from our discussion of herbal teas to talk with you, to answer the questions that have been sent in by listeners. It’s not all about tea this week- tune in for an update on the Arizona shootings, the effect of Japan’s recent misfortunes on their tea supply, and more.
Manish and Tere are just recovering from colds, and bitterly regret not having sipped on healing rose hip tea during the height of their sickness. This week, Manish peels back the petals of the beautiful red rose to expose the hip – an exceedingly healthy part of the rose that should not be overlooked.
Manish and Tere sip on decadent hibiscus cocktails as they relay information about the widespread cultivation and uses of this beautiful and delicious tea. From China to Africa, Mexico to the Hawaii, hibiscus is enjoyed in numerable ways, and you too can indulge in this delightful tea – even with tequila.
Manish Shah introduces another spectacular South African tea this week, Honeybush (not to be confused with Rooibos, of last week). Along with show producer Tere Clark, Manish explores the fine attributes of this other red tea, its history, cultivation, and availability.
Introducing Rooibos, the first of a line of herbal teas that Manish will be examining in detail. Manish reveals its origin and history, how to make it from home and how to spice it up a bit, and finally, the many ways that Rooibos can influence your health.
Show producer Tere Clark joins host Manish Shah this week for an introduction to herbal teas. What is the difference between an herbal tea and a regular tea, anyway? How is it that some pick us up, and others calm us down?
Have you ever seen that strange green tea with little bits of popcorn stuck in it? Manish Shah introduces listeners to Gen Mai Cha this week, a deliciously different tea that perhaps isn’t as bizarre as you may think. Manish explains what it is, the origins, and the ways in which we can experiment with this incredible tea.
Host Manish Shah introduces listeners to another famous scented tea this week: the smooth and smokey Lapsang Souchong. To aid in his exploration, Manish welcomes Chef Robert Wemischner to the show to discuss his books about cooking with tea. Don’t miss the final segment, where Chef Wemischner discloses a mouth-watering recipe for Lapsang Souchong Butter.
Manish continues his exploration of Jasmine scented teas, distinguishing the key differences between grades and varieties and describing the methods to make each into a spectacular cup. In place of the Question of the Week, Manish invites you into his kitchen, where he lets loose one of his personal recipes using Jasmine green tea.
Manish Shah details the difference between the flavors imparted in teas like Earl Grey and those of scented teas, like Jasmine. He describes the intricate, several-month process involved in creating Jasmine tea, as well as the varying grades available on the market
Tea master Zhuping Hodge joins Manish Shah for a chat about Puer tea, live from Seven Cups tea house here in Tucson, Arizona. Zhuping details the history of Puer, how it went from both rags to riches and from an “old person’s tea” to a delicacy enjoyed by people of all ages, all around the world.
What do wine, cheese, and scotch all have in common? There are numerous answers to this question, but the one we have in mind is the process of fermentation. Joining the list of fabulous fermented products is Puer tea.
With the start of a new year and the inevitable influx of “top ten” lists of every type and flavor, Manish has prepared his own “top things” list. Don’t worry, he’s keeping it short! In fact, he has narrowed to down to the two top things that everyone should know about tea.
Manish Shah welcomes two guest hosts this week as he wraps up his overview of oolongs. Learn how to determine if an oolong is of good quality, and if it is, how to make an excellent cup.
In his first guest interview, Manish Shah speaks with Diana Rosen, author of Chai: The Spice Tea of India. Diana recounts the history and healthful aspects of chai, what makes a perfect cup, and some of the ways that you can enjoy it at home.
Host Manish Shah introduces Chai tea this week, the first tea he ever consumed and the first tea offered by his company. Manish details what Masala Chai consists of, and shares a family recipe for listeners to enjoy from home.
Manish takes another exciting detour in his program this week, in response to an email from a listener: Lisa, in California. Tune in for a look at Earl Gray tea, its flavor, popularity, and even its namesake! And, for those of you fiening for caffeine, don’t miss the Question of the Week!
From thieving to opium, the history of black tea more closely resembles a Hollywood blockbuster than a chapter from the history books. Tune in to this week’s episode to learn all about black tea’s misguided past. For the Question of the Week, Manish answers: Can black tea help ward off fleas?
We’ve all heard about the extensive health benefits of green tea, but black tea has some up its sleeve as well. Host Manish Shah details the benefits and flavor profiles of some of the leading varieties of black tea.
An introductory look at black teas: discover what specifically makes a tea “black,” and the various ways that people around the world enjoy it. In the Question of the Week, Manish takes a look at one of the more common additions to black tea- milk. How does that creamy companion alter the health benefits in
In light of recent elections and heavy political climate here in the United States, host Manish Shah takes a slight detour from the informative shows on specific tea types. This week, we’re remembering the Boston Tea Party: how it came about, what actually happened, and what its effect has been on American tea consumption.
Manish Shah welcomes two guest hosts this week as he wraps up his overview of oolongs. Learn how to determine if an oolong is of good quality, and if it is, how to make an excellent cup.
This week, Manish explains in detail what the process of oxidation is, and what it means in terms of beer cans, cars, fires, and of course fine oolong teas. In the Question of the Week, Manish defines what is likely the most misunderstood and misused word in the tea lexicon.
Host Manish Shah begins to talk about his favorite variety of teas: oolongs. He touches on their history, preparation, and what it is that gives oolongs their delicate, unique flavors. In the Question of the Week, Manish reveals his top three oolong favorites and explains how you can try them at home.
If you’ve ever had a bitter, unbearable cup of green tea, this episode is for you! Host Manish Shah gives you the tools you need to judge great green tea, and once you’ve got it, he tells you how to make it properly.
This week, Manish Shah details the many, many positive effects of green tea consumption. From oral health to diabetes, cholesterol to cancer prevention, brain function to weight loss, nearly every part of your body reaps the benefits of this “miracle drink!”
Manish Shah begins to tackle the vast subject of green tea, the original tea consumed. He explains the differences between green and white teas, and relates the long and rich history of its cultivation. In the Question of the Week, Manish answers: “What do you mean by ‘eyebrow’?” Show 14 – Grateful for Green: The Colorful History of Green Tea.
Host Manish Shah examines the finer aspects of white tea, including flavor, aroma and health benefits. He describes the four main types, detailing characteristics of each. In the Question of the Week, he provides tips on what to look for when you’re shopping for your own. Show 13 – The Ultimate White Tea Guide
This week on Steeping Around, host Manish Shah touches on the lighter side of tea: white tea, that is. What is white tea? Where does it come from? Is it rare, is it expensive? Manish answers these and other questions, as he begins to unmask one of the more obscure varieties of tea on this weeks episode.
Much of Steeping Around is dedicated purely to history and hard facts, but this week, Manish is getting a little opinionated. Manish Shah distinguishes the key differences between loose leaf tea and tea found in teabags, revealing his preferences. If you find yourself wondering, “Why should I be listening to his opinions, anyway?”, tune in and find out!
Now that we’ve given you the tools to make an incredible cup of tea for yourself, we’re going to backtrack a little bit- to the beginning! Where does tea come from, and when did people begin to take notice of it? Manish Shah answers these and other questions as he introduces the tea plant itself.
Host Manish Shah cracks open his liquor cabinet, as he draws his focus to tea and mixology. He examines several liquors that blend wonderfully with iced tea, as well as many mixers that are non-alcoholic. For the hands-on enthusiasts, a recipe to make tea-infused liquors from home. Get ready to par-tea!
Never added cool cucumbers to your glass of iced tea? You are in for a treat! Open your mind, as host Manish Shah counts the numerable and memorable ingredients that can add spice and zest to your favorite summer drink. Manish addresses the question: “What are tannins?”
By now, I presume all of you have mastered the art of making flavorful, fragrant, fabulous iced tea. I imagine that you are enjoying the radio show or reading this blog, glass in hand, thoroughly chilled and perfectly content. But for some of you, something is missing. In episode seven of Steeping Around, Manish disembarks into the world of sweet tea.
It has been an excruciatingly sticky summer, but those of you who have been tuning in to Steeping Around have likely found a bit of relief. Since last week, you all should be able to produce excellent iced tea from the comfort of your kitchen.
Last week on Steeping Around, your host recounted the short but colorful history of iced tea and made honorary mention of some of the delicious variations that have become popular in different cultures and regions. Among these were the infamous Southern Sweet Tea, the rich and creamy Thai Iced Tea, and the increasingly available gourmet premium brewed iced tea.
In sweltering Tucson, where the Maya clan has planted their stakes, we are feeling every excruciating second of summer. The average high temperature during the past week was a staggering 106°, and amidst sweaty brows and steaming asphalt we don’t even want to talk about hot tea anymore.
It is not uncommon for a member of Maya Tea to be dubbed a “tea snob.” While the phrase, in its inclusion of the word snob, carries a negative connotation, it is not a label that we shy away from. Being a tea snob means that we understand the qualities and characteristics of a good cup of tea and how to achieve it.