Engaging with tea through the lens of the Tea Huntress Tea School goes beyond understanding flavors and brewing techniques. Rather, our focus is on cultivating a connection with the spirit of tea, sharing the way that culture and agriculture (people and land) have shaped the evolution and meaning of tea and then guiding each student towards their own way of practising and sharing tea to enrich lives. 

1. Japanese Tea Ceremony: A Meditation

In Japan,  tea ceremony, or "Chado" (the way of tea), is a meditation rooted in Zen Buddhism. Known for its elegance and precision, the ceremony follows specific steps, from the preparation of the matcha (powdered green tea) to the way that it is served. Every movement in the Japanese tea ceremony is deliberate, promoting mindfulness and respect.

In Tea Huntress Tea School, you can learn about the tools, gestures, and symbolism involved in this ceremony. Through guided instruction, you’ll gain an understanding of how each element in this practice contributes to a holistic experience.

2. Chinese Gongfu Tea Ceremony: A Skillful Art

The Gongfu tea ceremony is a Chinese tradition that emphasises skill, patience, and attention to detail. The term "Gongfu" means “skill” or “effort,” which highlights the mastery required in preparing tea. This ceremony uses high-quality loose-leaf tea, a small clay teapot, and traditional brewing techniques to draw out the full depth of the tea’s flavour profile.

In Tea Huntress courses, participants can explore the Gongfu method through hands-on instruction, practising precise brewing techniques and learning to appreciate the layers of aroma and taste in each cup. The Tea Huntress Gongfu classes make this ancient art accessible to anyone eager to explore tea beyond a casual experience.

3. British Afternoon Tea: A Social Tradition

British Afternoon Tea, an iconic tradition dating back to the 19th century, is less of a ceremony and more of a social ritual. It typically features a selection of British style black served with a variety of pastries, finger sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream. This ritual represents sophistication, hospitality, and an indulgence in the simple pleasures of life.

Tea Huntress offers insights into the British afternoon tea tradition, teaching students how to select teas like Darjeeling or Assam to pair with traditional accompaniments. Participants also learn about proper tea etiquette and tips for recreating a classic afternoon tea gathering for family and friends.

4. Moroccan Mint Tea Ceremony: Hospitality and Warmth

In Morocco, tea is an embodiment of hospitality. Moroccan mint tea, made from gunpowder green tea, fresh mint and sugar, is an intoxicating ritual to delight and entrance guests.  In this style of ceremony, tea is steeped and poured in a specific rhythm, often from a height, into small glasses to create a light froth. This pouring technique enhances the tea’s flavour, cools it down and adds to the experience of the ritual.

What to Expect from Tea Huntress Tea School

Tea Huntress Tea School is taught by founder and tea expert, Sarah Scarborough. With over 30 years experience as a tea buyer, herbalist and formulator and also as a yoga teacher and reiki master, Sarah provides a unique lens through which to learn about tea. Sarah balances the practical side of tea (history, origin, types, terroir, technique) with the more emotional and spiritual side (ritual, ceremony, cultivation of life, meditation) and empowers students to learn to share tea in their communities with authenticity and impact.

Students are able to earn tea certifications in order to start tea circles, add value to teams and organisations and amplify an already exciting healing modality.

Steeping and Experiencing Tea/  Sensory Evaluation

Practice is a central part of tea education at Tea Huntress, as it allows participants not only to hone their own skills but also to understand and appreciate the distinct energetics, frequencies, tastes and textures unique to each tea. Students are guided through the courses with a number of teas from Tea Huntress’ Ceremonial, Women's, Wellness and Single Botanical collections. We seek not to memorise metric and rules, but rather to understand the leaf through experience and .experimentation

Exploring Tea Certifications and Advanced Learning

For those who wish to turn their love of tea into a credentialed skill, Tea Huntress offers a pathway toward tea certification with the full program: The Art & Ritual of Tea Online Certification Course. This certification provides deeper tea knowledge but also serves as a recognized achievement in the world of tea. The certification program moves through  4 modules in 3 months: Earth, Water, Wind and Fire, to cover advanced topics, including tea’s history, origins, types, grades and meaning as well as practical skills like blending, ritual, ceremony and preparation. It includes recipes, rituals, meditations and also the science and chemistry of tea, equipping participants with both practical skills and a comprehensive understanding of tea as well as a deeper appreciation for tea and life.

Bringing Tea Rituals into Your Daily Life

One of the most rewarding aspects of studying tea at Tea Huntress is learning how to incorporate tea rituals into your daily life. Through these courses, students are encouraged to develop  their own tea practices, drawing inspiration from the diverse ceremonies and traditions they have encountered. On any given day, a tea ritual might look like preparing an invigorating cup of chai, a meditative matcha, a long, slow tea session with an ancient arbor tea or simply  taking a few quiet moments to prepare a mindful cup. Regardless of the style you are drawn to, tea will share the energy of healing, nourishment and connection back to Nature, Self and others.

Why Choose Tea Huntress for Your Tea Education?

Tea Huntress stands out for its dedication to authenticity, accessibility, and the richness of its tea education programs. Designed for a U.S.-based audience, each course is crafted with the intention to build both knowledge and community. Through diverse offerings, students can learn about tea at their own pace, guided by expert instructors who share a passion for tea culture and ritual.

Tea Huntress Tea Schools bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern lifestyles, creating a welcoming space for anyone in the United States looking to deepen their understanding of tea. Whether you’re drawn to the meticulous art of the Japanese tea ceremony, the warmth of Moroccan mint tea, or the social elegance of British afternoon tea, Tea Huntress offers an invitation to explore tea as a lifelong journey.