Making tea is like making food: the result depends on--and nutures-- our state of being, like a meditation.

Whether you're using a thermos or an Yixing pot, it's first important to slow down and tune in to body, breath, and awareness.

The more one applies curious attention from the heart, the more the tea will express. This is perceptible in the form of color, smell, taste, texture, mouthfeel, body feel, and overall expression.

As within, so without: sound and silence, company and solitude, indoors and outdoors, simple and complex--all impact and reflect the internal state, which is then expressed through the tea.

Gaiwan, Chinese teapot, french press, English style teapot, small cup, big cup, glass, porcelain, clay...oh my! How to choose?

Shape, material, and size of vessels all have an impact on how tea may steep, pour, hold heat, exude aroma, impact palate, and land in the body.

We recommend simple wares that either carry the tea neutrally, or accentuate the qualities you enjoy most from that particular tea type.

Most importantly, develop relationships with your teaware: form and function should also be fun! Teapets develop personality and petina over time, and the cup gifted to us by a dear friend will always tell a story.

What you do here depends on your resources of mind and material. If all you have is a french-press, fear not! Simply focus on these three factors:

Ratio

of leaf to vessel volume
Temperature

of the water in the pot, but also as it reaches your lips
Time

of steeping, before pouring off into a pitcher or cup

The practice reveals itself: your preferences will transform over time. Don't be afraid to brew too strong. You can always adjust on the next pour.

The method of brewing is tied in with our model of sourcing, which is reflected eloquently as Garden to Gaiwan.