We learn all about the tea plant, including its varieties and distribution across the tropical ‘Tea Belt’. Peter Rohrsen describes everything from picking, processing and transport, letting us in on the mysteries of how black, green and other teas emerge. He presents the vast growing regions and leading varieties, from Assam and Darjeeling to Sencha and Uva. He explains how tea is quality checked to ensure it benefits our health and does no harm while also looking at aspects of the sometimes controversial legacy of the British Empire and its commercial plantation business. We also learn how today’s global players operate in the contemporary tea market and what alternative forms of production and trade have developed. Last but not least, Peter Rohrsen walks us through the vast tea-drinking cultures of Asia and Europe with tips on how to make the perfect cup of tea - both for ourselves and the enjoyment of others!

As the old saying goes, ‘The Path to Heaven passes through a Teapot’.