Mydnight wrote:
I'm starting to buy Artisan teas from a vendor in Shanghai.

Actually, I've heard many people say that buying these teas can be
harmful to your health because they have to add certain things into the
teas when making them; plastics to hold the shape of the "seed pod",
dyes, etc. Most people I've talked to only view the teas and never
drink them. I mean, it is just a bunch of flowers.

I have heard the same and have drank a few that I instantly picked up
an "off" taste from that was a chemical taste. I have also had a few
that were very good, but not mind-blowing. I think artisan teas are
just a novelty, nothing more nothing less. Generally a novelty that
ends up costing more than a high quality tea that produces a much
better brew.

FWIW the one that sticks out in my mind as having the chemical taste
was a lotus shaped lotus flavored green tea brought back from Bejing.

Also FWIW, I tend to find that the "elitest" or "Orientalism" stuff is
found mainly online/forums/NG's/etc. Most all
Chinese/Vietnamese/Korean/Japanese people I have met have been very
helpful and while they may be a bit wary of the large American who
attempts to speak their language and has a solid understanding of their
culture, food, and tea they quickly warm up to me. I'm sure some folks
who I genuinely thought liked me have ripped me off, but that is my
fault not really theirs. I guess I fall somewhere in the middle of the
debate (a rarity for me) I would be just as leary at first of a total
outsider and stranger trying to discuss and express their knowledge of
Italians, and our food and culture... but once I'd see they were
genuine I would be fine with it and flattered. People are people, I
don't think this is exclusive to the Chinese. Everyone likes to have
some national pride, and think that their culture is too deep and
difficult to share the full backstory on with an outsider who may not
understand or appreciate it the way we do. We sell $5 bottles of junk
Chianti at Italian restaurants for $25 to "outsiders" that we wouldn't
give to a dog... same difference.

- Dominic