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Tea report from New York

When you ask for tea...

In Japanese, the word "cha" refers strictly to Japanese tea. But in English of course, "tea" comes from all over the world and people generally distinguish tea by color.

When you order tea in the States, it's not unusal to be served with a tea bag, even at four star hotels. The setting may be luxurious - a silver pot of hot water and a fine china cup - but the leaves come in the little bag with a string. In fact, it's very rare that you see tea brewed in a pot and served through a tea strainer.

Relaxing at Brooklyn Promenade with a cup of tea in one hand.A Midtown cafe
Relaxing at Brooklyn Promenade with a cup of tea in one hand.A Midtown cafe

What you do see however, are supermarket shelves packed with a whole gamut of tea bags. In addition to the standard green and black teas, you find shelves filled with tea flavored with fruits such as peach, raspberry and cherry, as well as combinations such as French vanilla and vanilla maple.

In contrast to the Japanese who pay attention to getting the most flavor and aroma using water temperature and leaf quality, Americans take a more casual approach to drinking tea.

And that casualness has apparently spread to me. I too find myself picking tea flavors to match my mood.

A wall of varieties of teabagsExamples of tea flavors
A wall of varieties of teabagsExamples of tea flavors

Reporter:Keiko Taniguchi