A Day Steeped in Aroma: High School Students Immerse Themselves in Taiwanese Tea Culture

Programs for this blog post

Chinese Language & Taiwanese Culture

Authored By:

Vanessa Hsu
tea

     Today, the students had a delightful and fragrant day in Taiwan, deeply immersing themselves in the island's unique tea culture. This activity offered the students a chance to participate in picking the leaves, tasting cold brew tea, and making their own tea bags!

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     The journey began with the students donning traditional bamboo hats as they embarked on their tea-picking experience. In the verdant tea fields of Taiwan, sunlight bathed the tea trees, creating a vibrant scene. A tea expert introduced the students to the techniques for picking tea leaves. The students learned to carefully select the leaves and delicately pluck the tender green tips. These leaves are more than just parts of a plant; they embody Taiwanese tea farmers' wisdom and hard work.

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tea

     After their labor in the tea gardens, the students moved on to the tea-tasting session. They had the privilege of tasting Taiwan's famous Oriental Beauty tea. The fresh and rich aroma, coupled with the delicate and smooth flavor of the Oriental Beauty tea, sparked a profound interest in tea culture among the students.

     Lastly, the students participated in making tea bags of Taiwan's specialty, Wenshan Pouchong tea. This traditional semi-fermented tea is renowned for its fresh aroma and light flavor. Under the guidance of the instructors, the students learned to make Wenshan Pouchong tea bags, requiring meticulous attention and patience at every step. Through the hands-on process, they felt the craftsmanship and passion of the tea masters. This experience made them realize that making a good cup of tea is not just about technique but also an expression of art and emotion.

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     Reflecting on the day's activities, from picking tea leaves and tasting tea to making tea bags, each aspect left a lasting impression on the students. This was not merely a simple experience but a vivid cultural lesson. Through active participation, the students gained a more multidimensional and profound understanding of Taiwanese tea culture. Sharing their handmade tea bags with friends and family allowed more people to appreciate the uniqueness of Taiwanese tea!