Lisa Boalt Richardson’s book, Modern Tea, is one of the few single-subject food books I have on one of my favourite beverages – tea. I loved how easy her book was to read, but how informative it was – perfect for a beginner like me (you can read my full review of Modern Tea here)

I was very excited when Lisa agreed to do a Q&A on kitchen frolic. As I continue to increase my tea knowledge, learning a little more about Lisa and her journey was definitely something I wanted to share with my readers!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Atlanta with my husband and I have 2 (almost) grown kids. My tea business was started in 2000 and I consider myself a complete tea geek!

Three fun facts about you that we wouldn’t read in your ‘official’ bio.

I was raised in South Florida and went to college in Southern California so I didn’t own a real coat until I had graduated from college and moved to North Carolina.

My first job was when I was 10 and began babysitting. I was also a papergirl from the time I was 12 to 18 for my local afternoon paper. I rode 6 miles everyday delivering papers 6 days a week. It taught me so much about business, customer service, and dedication.

I have lived in the South since graduating from college. States include: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. In my heart, I still consider myself a Florida gal!

What first triggered your interest in tea?

I had a great cup of tea at a place I used to love to visit when we lived in Florida. I bought the loose leaf tea to bring home and make along with some books they sold. When I went on bed rest in 1996 with my second child, I read the tea books. I knew I wanted to have a business in tea after reading them. I took my time and researched for the next 4 years to gain as much knowledge as possible while being a mom to two kids and working part time.

How did you become a ‘tea-expert’?

Early on in my career, it was personal study. I then attended a few seminars that expanded my knowledge. I also took Specialty Tea Institute certification classes, and have gone to countries of origin to have a better understanding of how tea is grown and processed. I continue to learn about tea still and hope to go to more countries of origin. Each country has its own flavor to tea and there is always more to know.

Although tea is super popular around the world, it’s only been lately that it has enjoyed an increase in popularity in North America. Why do you think that is?

We became a coffee drinking nation during the Revolutionary War when tea was considered the drink of tyranny. Coffee caught on and hasn’t really stopped. I think the USA is embracing tea now because all the buzz in the news concerning health benefits and more exposure to the drink itself. Specialty tea 25 years ago was hard to find in the USA. That isn’t the case now. Americans don’t have any history or ritual with tea so we tend to embrace it differently than some countries who grew up with a certain ritual and “right” way to have tea.

Oolong Tea (photo copyright: Chronicle Books)

There are so many varieties and ‘flavours’ of tea – what are some great introductory blends for someone new to the world of tea?

I think there are many wonderful “gateway” teas to introduce people to tea. I like to ask people questions before I would make a suggestions of what kind of tea to start with. Everyone’s palate is different.

I loved the section on tea ceremonies in Modern Tea. Do you have a favourite ceremony?

I enjoy my quiet meditative tea. I should do it more often and allow myself the time. When I do, I am a much better person. I also love to go out for an English Afternoon Tea when I feel like being pampered.

You’ve travelled extensively, attending conferences and giving lectures on tea. What are some of the most common misconceptions people you meet have about tea?

Most people don’t realize that all tea comes from one type of plant – the Camellia Sinensis. It is the post manufacturing process that makes it the class of tea that it becomes. Also, I think there is lots of misunderstanding about health benefits and caffeine levels of tea. That is one of the reasons I wrote Modern Tea.

(photo copyright: Chronicle Books)

During your travels, which country has taught you the most about tea?

In each country I have learned different things.

(I know this will be a tough one to answer, but I have to ask) What is your favourite tea? 🙂

I don’t have just one favorite tea. It truly depends on the time of year, time of day, and the mood I am in. Some of my favorites are: First Flush Darjeeling, Tung Ting Oolong, Keemun, Jasmine Pearls, Golden Monkey, and Lovers Leap Ceylon just to name a few.

A very special thank you to Lisa for taking the time to answer my questions! You can learn more about the Lisa (and tea!) on her website, Lisa Knows Tea, or by following Lisa on Twitter @lisaknowstea.

You can purchase Modern Tea from The Book Depository (free worldwide shipping) or Amazon.

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