There are a lot of good books on tea out there, ranging from in depth historical studies of ancient tea discoveries to modern day tea pairing and tea food recipes and everything in between. I wanted to list a few tea reference books and helpful tea study guides here from some of the best and most recognized experts in the industry – predominately on Chinese origin teas.
The Tea Enthusiast’s Handbook – A guide to Enjoying the World’s Best Teas
The Tea Enthusiast’s Handbook – by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss
by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss
An excellent “must read” authoritative tea book covering many key aspects of tea including gauging tea quality, where to find good tea, how to brew tea properly, and much more. An essential book for the tea enthusiast or anyone interested in learning more – authored by two recognized experts in the industry. Primarily focused on Chinese origin teas, it is a well written and intelligently presented book with good photographs. The perfect companion to accompany their previous popular publication The Story of Tea.
Available here on AMAZON
Price: $13.37
The New Tea Companion (2015) – A Guide to Teas Throughout the World
The New Tea Companion – by Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson
by Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson
A widely used tea guide and reference book used by tea industry professionals, sommeliers and students alike and endorsed by many leading tea enterprises and tea study programs. This book has up to date details, information and photographs covering the main tea growing regions in the world.
This classic publication covers everything from the ancient origins of tea to the modern day tea culture including health benefits, brewing methods, detailed descriptions of different tea tastes, character and appearances. A “must have” tea reference book!
Available here on AMAZON
Price: $24.95
New Tea Lover’s Treasury : The Classic True Story of Tea
New Tea Lover’s Treasury – by James Norwood Pratt
by James Norwood Pratt
The first part of this book is an enjoyable account of the fascinating history of tea, written in a personal and elegant way. The book explores how some of the past biggest and most lasting monopolies were built around the power and business of tea. The trading of tea really did play a significant part in shaping of some segments of history in England, the US and even India.
The second part includes colorful descriptions of some of the great teas of the world along with full color photographs of tea gardens and harvesting from different tea growing regions around the world. A very enjoyable read.
James also published a very comprehensive and detailed Tea Dictionary.
Available here on AMAZON
Price: $19.75
Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties – 2nd Edition – The Camellia Sinensis Tea House
Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties – 2nd Edition – by by Kevin Gascoyne, François Marchand, Jasmin Desharnais and Hugo Americi
by Kevin Gascoyne, François Marchand, Jasmin Desharnais and Hugo Americi
A beautifully illustrated and definitive guide on the world of tea. An excellent reference book for everyone involved in tea from the newbie to the professional tea connoisseur.
This book provides a comprehensive coverage of teas from the world’s main tea growing regions including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka and Africa covering all tea varieties including black, green, oolong, yellow, white, pu erh as well as smoked teas, perfumed teas and more. The authors delve into the importance of “terroir” – i.e. the soil and climate and environment characteristics that makes each tea unique.
The book also explores the history of tea, tea varieties and cultivars, international tea trade, tea industry personalities, tea customs and ceremonies, antioxidant and health properties, plus a special bonus of 15 gourmet tea recipes.
Available here on AMAZON
Price: $42.78
Aside from the above mentioned recommended books, here are some other good tea books to compliment your tea library – mostly focusing on Chinese teas and tea culture. All are available on Amazon.
Have you read a good tea book recently? Please add any recommended books in the comments below and/or comments you may have on any of the books listed here.
I really want one of your books and I think will take The New Tea Companion.
I love tea and I always like to try some new taste . I would like to know more about.
I am sure this book will satisfy my curiosity and I will learn the magic powers and the taste of a different kind of tea,
Thanks for sharing and as soon as I buy it and read it I will tell you my opinion.
There are some recipes in the book?
Thank you for your comments Cristina. Yes, this book is an excellent book for learning all about tea with expert guidance on how to brew different teas and includes an extensive tea directory featuring over 130 different teas. It is full of beautiful photography of tea gardens, tea scenarios and tea ware products and much more.
For tea recipes I would recommend Tea-Time Recipes by the same author – Jane Pettigrew. Cooking with Tea by Robert Wemischner is another good book on tea recipes.
Nice! It’s interesting because I’ve started drinking a lot of tea lately, for a variety of reasons – anxiety, depression, sore throat, relaxation, to help with sleep, etc. I never used to drink tea or even coffee, but at 29 I’ve found both extremely beneficial to my overall health. Tea is also known to burn fat as well, which is pretty cool.
Thanks for the recommendations! What are your favorite types?
-Stu
Thanks for your comments Stu. I have a lot of favorite teas. I would say my top 3 favorites are 1.) High mountain Oolongs, 2.) A nice aged Pu erh, 3.) Oriental Beauty Oolong. If you get a chance to pick up the book The New Tea Companion by Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson, you will find it provides an excellent overview of many of the popular tea in the world.