Tea gets equal time next week at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s National Convention, which will be in Houston Wednesday and Thursday (April 27-28). For the first time ever in Texas, tea certification classes will be offered. The classes are open to the public.

Students will come away with an understanding of the five basic tea types and the two traditional styles of orthodox tea production. Topics include the essential components of teas, where and how teas are grown, processing and what differentiates the different types and classifications of tea. Yes, there will be sampling involved.

Students completing Levels One and Two qualify to continue their tea education with Level Three classes. By successfully completing the seven courses comprising Levels One, Two and Three, students are awarded the title of Certified Tea Specialist (CTS) by the Tea Association of the USA. Kyle Stewart of the Cultured Cup in Dallas is the first Texas CTS and was recently appointed to the board of the national Specialty Tea Institute; he will be teaching the classes.

What & When

Tea Certification Classes given by Specialty Tea Institute (STI) during the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) National Convention:

April 27, 2011 (Wednesday)

Level 1:  Foundations of Tea (8 am-5 pm)

Level 3:  Green and White Tea, Part 1 (8 am-5 pm)

April 28, 2011 (Thursday)

Level 2:  Foundations of Tea (8 am-5 pm)

Level 3:  Green and White Tea, Part 2 (8 am-5 pm)

Where

George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de Las Americas, Houston

To Register

Visit TEAusa.com for more details.

Please contact Ellainy Karaboitis at 212-986-0250 or  email:  ekaraboitis@teausa.org