Lectures

Danielle at the front of a classroom of people sitting at desks.

The Cozy Tea Cart has several Tea Lectures to offer, all of which are available in the shop, and also offsite through Zoom. Give us a call if you’d like us to present one of our lectures to your business, service or organization. (603-249-9111)

Our Tea Lectures are available for libraries, private functions, business wellness programs, hospital outreach programs, college adult education programs and community events. For more information, lecture rates, or to schedule a Tea Lecture for your organization please contact Danielle by email or by calling 603-249-9111. Visit our Calendar of Events to find upcoming lectures that are open to the public.

All Tea Lectures are presented by The Cozy Tea Cart’s owner Danielle Beaudette. Danielle is one of the first 15 individuals in the world to be certified as a Tea Specialist through the Specialty Tea Institute, NY. She has researched and learned first-hand about the production of tea through her Asian tea travels. Her tea shop in Brookline, NH sells only the finest, high quality, freshly imported teas, and has earned the title of “Best of NH”  from New Hampshire Magazine. Since opening her shop Danielle has been dedicated to educating her customers. The invaluable information she has received from her travels to the tea estates in Asian countries, from attending World Tea Expo seminars, and from the Specialty Tea Institute certified educational programs has provided her with insights on the current trends of the tea industry and advanced awareness of the latest studies on the health benefits of tea.

Two people plucking tea in the sun.

Basics of Tea – From the Field to the Cup

Ever wonder about the differences between white, green, oolong and black teas or loose tea vs. tea bags? Come learn about the different types of tea and production processes. Let Danielle demystify all your questions. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Six white ceramic leaf-shaped tea caddies, each holding a small amount of different teas.

Beginners Guide to Herbal Infusions

We will discuss the difference between herbals and tea, the health benefits of herbals, and the historical significance of healing herbs. We will also discuss which parts of the plants to use, how to create your own blends, and how to properly prepare herbal beverages. Throughout the lecture, you will sample four different herbal blends. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf

Boston Tea Party Lecture

In this lecture we discuss the discovery of tea and its impact on history as early as the 1600’s. We will discuss how tea impacted England, the East India Company, the Townshend Revenue Act, the Boston Massacre, the Tea Act of 1773, and of course let’s not forget the Boston Tea Party. Also discussed will be the Intolerable Act, smugglers, and financial, technological and agricultural innovation, all brought about because of a simple cup of whole leaf tea! Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Three bowls and two measuring cups with tea and herbs.

Cooking with Tea

Bring your appetite! Throughout this lecture, you will sample a variety of seasonal foods cooked with the newest “secret ingredient” – tea! Danielle will teach you how tea can enhance your food and you will benefit by the essential nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants found in tea. Our recipes are easy to follow step-by-step so you can re-create the recipe at home! Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
A large basket about 1/3 full of freshly plucked tea leaves.

Health Benefits of Tea

During this lecture, attendees will first learn about the health benefits of adding whole-leaf tea to their daily diet. Danielle will answer commonly asked questions regarding tea and antioxidants, caffeine, and which tea is best, black, oolong, green, white, or pu-erh. Throughout the lecture, attendees will sample a variety of specialty whole leaf teas. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Pitcher of iced tea next to a short glass filled with iced tea.

Iced Tea Reali-TEA

In this interactive lecture, attendees will first learn about how iced tea was discovered and its history in the US. We will talk about the different brewing methods for loose tea, and the healthiest ways to drink your tea iced. Ready to drink (RTD) teas, sun tea, and the importance of the type of water used to brew your tea will be part of our discussions. During the lecture, indulge yourself in our freshly brewed teas! Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
A cup of tea next to a plate with bread and cheese.

Pairing Tea with Cheese

We’ve enjoy tea with rich clotted Cream on scones, and as an accompaniment to desserts made with dairy products. Why not enjoy tea with cheese? For this class, a variety of specialty teas and cheeses has been carefully chosen for sampling and discussion. We will study the different pairings by strengths, aroma, and texture of both the teas and the cheeses and learn how they complement each other. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
A sample of tea next to broken bar of chocolate.

Pairing Tea with Chocolate

Enhance your taste buds with a chocolate and tea pairing! In this interactive lecture you will start by sampling a variety of chocolate with specialty teas. Next, you will learn a brief background on the production of the cocoa bean and the tea plant and the similarities between the two of them. Then you will learn how to properly taste chocolate and tea and what you should be looking for. We will finish with sampling five different teas paired with chocolate ranging from 35% – 85% cocoa! Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Black teapot on a white grid background, text overlay "Tea Bingo."

Tea Bingo ~ fun for Seniors

A fun and entertaining game to bring people of all ages together! Every word on the board is focused on afternoon tea. There are five fun categories with over 50 tea related items. When done, you will be educated in the rich tradition of entertaining an afternoon tea. A sampling of a variety of teas will be provided throughout this event.

new tea cart leaf
Cloth bags of tea, plates of tea.

The Social Impact of Tea in Our History

This lecture provides an engaging discussion on the social impact of tea in our history and society. We will begin with the discovery of tea and learn first about the spread of tea throughout Europe. The tea trade with China and the Opium Wars, its impact on the US, and the First World War will be discussed, and the current status of tea today. Throughout the presentation, enjoy sipping teas from the major tea producing countries. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf

Tea Tasting and Tea Production

(Featuring fall/winter teas)

This lecture is similar to the Basics of Tea Lecture, however, it
includes a tea tasting of 4 or our fall/winter tea blends. You will
learn about the different types of tea and production processes. Let
Danielle demystify all your questions while you enjoy tea samples from
around the world. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf

Tea Tasting and Tea Production

(Featuring spring/summer teas)

This lecture is similar to the Basics of Tea Lecture, however, it
includes a tea tasting of 4 or our spring/summer tea blends. You will
learn about the different types of tea and production processes. Let
Danielle demystify all your questions while you enjoy tea samples from
around the world. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Three women plucking tea from plants as tall as they are.

Tea Travels through China

Learn all about traveling throughout China, from the tea fields of the Hunan Province to those of Anhui. We will present tea rooms in Shanghai and Beijing as well as historical ancient sites. The processing and harvesting of tea will be covered as well as Danielle’s personal experiences with the growers and people of these countries. Throughout the presentation, enjoy sipping teas harvested directly from these tea estates. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Danielle and a Sri Lankan woman picking tea.

Tea Travels through India & Sri Lanka

Join TCTC owner Danielle Beaudette as she discusses her travel experiences in the tropical tea lands of Sri Lanka and India. In this presentation, you will learn about the tea leaf from harvest to production, as well as the amazing people who cultivate the leaf. Included are Danielle’s personal experiences with the growers and people of these countries, as well as picturesque views of their landscape. Throughout the presentation you will have the opportunity to sip teas harvested directly from these tea estates. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Danielle with a large basket on her back in a tea field.

Traveling through Kathmandu and the Tea Estates of Nepal

Travel through the tropical tea lands of Nepal! In this presentation, you will learn about the tea leaf from harvest to production, as well as the amazing people who cultivate the leaf. Included are Danielle’s personal experiences with the growers and people of these countries, as well as photos of picturesque views of Kathmandu, the temples, and other landscapes. Throughout the presentation you will be able to sample a selection of specialty teas from Nepal. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
White teacup and saucer with holly leaves and holly berry design, words inside the cup "A Cup of Christmas Tea."

Victorian History of Christmas and Tea

In this lecture we will explore the early Christmas traditions in England — the first Christmas tea parties, teapot lore, and Victorian holiday traditions. We will sample four TCTC seasonal holiday tea blends throughout the lecture. Join us for an evening of tea and holiday nostalgia. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Tea cupping set with loose-leaf tea in four cups.

Cupping Tea: Black Tea Types and Manufacturing

In this class, we will cup four teas from around the world. We will conduct a tea-tasting for you using professional cupping sets. While you are led through a sampling of black teas, we will discuss their origin and how they are manufactured. All participants will leave with a solid knowledge of the harvesting and production of black teas from a variety of countries, and their proper brewing and storage methods. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
dark tea

Cupping Tea: Dark Tea Types and Manufacturing

In this lecture, we will cup four unique Dark teas from China. We will conduct a tea-tasting for you using professional cupping sets. While you are led through a sampling of dark teas, we will discuss their origin, how they are manufactured, and the different nuances of flavor and aroma of each tea. All participants will leave with a solid knowledge of the harvesting and production of dark teas, and their proper brewing and storage methods. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Close-up of green tea in a cup and tea leaves on a caddy.

Cupping Tea: Green Tea Types and Manufacturing

In this lecture, we will cup four unique Green teas from China , Japan, Ceylon and Korea. We will conduct a tea-tasting for you using professional cupping sets. While you are led through a sampling of green teas, we will discuss their origin, how they are manufactured, and the different nuances of flavor and aroma of each tea. All participants will leave with a solid knowledge of the harvesting and production of green teas, and their proper brewing and storage methods. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
White teapot pouring green tea into a teacup.

Cupping Tea: Japanese Green Tea Types and Manufacturing

We will explore a variety of unique organic specialty teas from small tea estates in Japan. They will be prepared using Japanese teaware and customs. Both cold brew and hot brew will be explored. This is an opportunity to taste exquisite teas that are not exported from Japan! Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Danielle in a tea field putting tea leaves into a basket.

Cupping Tea: Oolong Tea Types and Manufacturing

In this lecture, we will cup four exquisitely rich Oolong teas from China and Taiwan — well known for their premium oolongs. We will conduct a tea-tasting for you using professional cupping sets. While you are led through a sampling of oolong teas, we will discuss their origin, how they are manufactured, and the different nuances of flavor and aroma of each tea. All participants will leave with a solid knowledge of the harvesting and production of oolong teas, and their proper brewing and storage methods. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
White tea in a teacup with a sample of loose-leaf white tea next to it.

Cupping Tea: White Tea Types and Manufacturing

In this lecture, we will cup four unique white teas from China. We will conduct a tea-tasting for you using professional cupping sets. While you are led through a sampling of white teas, we will discuss their origin, how they are manufactured, and the different nuances of flavor and aroma of each tea. All participants will leave with a solid knowledge of the harvesting and production of white teas, and their proper brewing and storage methods. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom.

new tea cart leaf
Four cups of different teas with samples of loose-leaf tea on table next to them.

Tea Tasting

Join us online for a tea tasting and lecture. In this fun, informational class we will discuss the processing and harvesting of all types of tea including the differences between each tea type. Also discussed will be topics such as caffeine content in tea, how to prepare loose tea, the differences between loose tea and tea bag tea, and more! In addition to the informational lecture we will provide you with a Tea Tasting Kit via mail prior to the zoom event. The kit will include: a selection of 4 tea samples in natural brown tea bags (to ensure that you experience the best teas for any given time of year, we carefully choose which teas to include for your tea tasting), a Tea Fact sheet, Tasting Crackers (to clear your palette), a list of additional items you will need to optimize your Tea Tasting experience, and TCTC’s Tea Menu. Offered in the shop, and also offsite on Zoom. There is a limit of 10 people per zoom session. You will need to book your Tea Tasting Class a minimum of 2 weeks prior to your chosen date. Please visit our Events page to see the available dates, then give us a call to schedule your tea tasting! 603-249-9111. Cost: $30.00/person.