Tea tasting at the library

by Marsha Chartrand

Samantha Musil, owner of local tea company S*TEA*P, shared tons of “expert-teas” with attendees at Manchester District Library last Saturday.

Samantha Musil took her "COVID break" to learn more about the different properties of teas — how to brew them, how to taste them, and how to make each one taste individually unique. Photos courtesy of Laura Wohlgemuth and the Manchester District Library.

Five years ago, Samantha Musil left her 20-year career in Campus Activities at the University of Michigan to care for her one-year-old daughter, and to pursue her passion for learning about tea.

From her home in Ypsilanti, she learned how to blend, brew, and teach others about the various kinds of teas.

“And then we had to take a COVID break, just like everyone else,” she says with a smile. That break gave her the opportunity to learn more, so she could share her knowledge with others and expand her tea palate. She discovered some retail outlets for her products, which at the time included Acorn Farmers Market and Cafe, right here in Manchester, and allowed her to do outreach and education to her customers. Now, she's enjoying appearing at the Manchester District Library.

Musil explained how the water quality, temperature, steeping time, and the water-to-dry tea ratio will affect the flavor and health benefits of each individual tea as it becomes a beverage to enjoy. Not all teas will create a satisfactory brew for each drinker.

With a Michigan-based theme to S•TEA•P teas, they'll be easily recognizable in retail outlets — their handcrafted loose leaf teas are inspired by Michigan cities and landmarks ... Mighty Mac, Belle Isle Breeze, or The D Darjeeling, you can explore Michigan one cup at a time. At S•TEA•P, Samantha is passionate about creating connections through tea.

Discover those connections at her web site, S•TEA•P, https://www.specialtyteaproducts.com/.You can order by mail or make contact via Facebook or Instagram.

The library hopes to offer more of these educational programs in the near future.

Each type of tea is brewed at different temperatures, to different specifications, and to a unique formulation.

The ancient art of pouring tea was cultivated in Japan and China. Photo courtesy Manchester District Library.

White tea, the freshest and "youngest" can be formed in a cube. Photo courtesy Manchester District Library.

Samantha Musil provided colorful and informational charts to educate those who attended the presentation.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.