The Alchemy of Tea -Tea Blending Handbook For the first time, this book reveals the secrets of tea blending: the fascinating and mysterious science and profession of blending teas and infusions. The Alchemy of Tea is the definitive tool for tea-lovers and entrepreneurs that will arouse their creativity and awaken their desire to discover aromas, textures and flavours. Victoria Bisogno, engineer and author of the Tea Sommelier Handbook, shares her knowledge and years of experience to guide readers in raising tea blending to a state of the art expertise in the field. CONTENTS: Acknowledgements ................................................. 7 Introduction ............................................................. 9 Chapter 1. Tea blending ......................................... 17 Chapter 2. Ingredients ............................................ 37 Chapter 3. Tea......................................................... 65 Chapter 4: Fruits, flowers, spices and herbs .......... 97 Chapter 5: Essences............................................... 153 Chapter 6: Blending prerequisites .......................... 181 Chapter 7: Blending techniques ............................. 197 Chapter 8: Post-blending care................................ 221 Chapter 9: 10 Golden Rules of Tea Blending ......... 245 Chapter 10: Quality. Identification of defects.......... 261 Annex I – Tips to prepare tea correctly ................... 291 Bibliography ............................................................ 299 Sites of Interest........................................................ 303