(Part 2) Best coffee & tea books according to redditors
We found 347 Reddit comments discussing the best coffee & tea books. We ranked the 83 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Here's a few things I think most Coffee lovers would enjoy.
Gear
For home espresso enthusiasts
Mugs
Books
Misc.
edit: continually adding things as I think of them
The World Atlas of Coffee: From Beans to Brewing By James Hoffmann, is walks through the different varietals of coffee, and impact of different processing methods and roast.
In terms of general knowledge of tea, I've found these books immensely helpful.
The Story of Tea This is the official textbook of the Tea Association of Canada's Tea Sommelier certificate program (of which I'm taking) and is probably the best tea book out there right now, in terms of amount of content and quality of content. At least of the ones I - and everybody I talk to in the community - have come across. Comes in paper and in e-book form.
Tea I've had the chance to talk to Kevin, one of the authors of this book. He, not to mention his co-authors, are immensely knowledgeable. He and the three others are taster-importers, and have been in the business for twenty years. This book has beautiful pictures, and is a great general resource on tea. I used to manage a tea shop owned by a taster-importer, and once I started, he held up the book and asked "Have you read this book? Yes? Good. Because it'd be the first thing you do on this job if you hadn't." What I'm trying to say is that it's a good book. Not on e-book, to my knowledge, but it's a great thing to have on hand.
The Tea Companion This was the first book I picked up on tea, and after a fair amount of time, it's stayed among the books I'd recommend to people. It's an incredible, gentle introduction to the world of tea.
Finally - and this may be a little audacious of me - but I'm currently writing a tea book. I'm in the rough draft stage currently, but I'm uploading all of my content for free on a blog I run. When the time comes to publish, I think I'll set up a pay-what-you-want for the e-book format. I've gotten the thumbs up from one of the co-founders of the Tea Guild of Canada, and like to think the information is pretty good and relevant. It's not done yet; not even halfway done, but if you want an opportunity for a bunch of free content on tea, which will eventually become a book, here's my blog.
Hope you can find some use! (and by the way, if you guys have a problem of me promoting my to-be book, I will totally take down the last link. I don't monetize it, I don't have a shop, and truly just want to share my knowledge of the lovely camellia sinensis plant, but just let me know and it'll be gone!)
A friend of mine who has been teaching classes on fermentation for years on the west coast has a book coming out soon as well- She doesn't have the caché of Rene Redzepi maybe, but based on the work she does I'm gonna say it's worth checking out. (Not an affiliate link) I've preordered a copy for myself.
I'd get Tony's new book and a toy for my dog. (If you shop at smile.amazon.com instead of www a small percentage of your purchase goes to the charity of your choice)
Edit: smile.amazon.com is not a referral/affiliate link. The URL is not unique to me in any way and I get no kickbacks for encouraging people to lazily get Amazon to donate to charity.
Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea From East to West was thoroughly enjoyable and seems to be well-researched. It's a readable precis and history of tea, but doesn't dwell on ceremony or metaphysics the way Okakura can at times.
Quick reference book which will help you! coffiest manifesto
Google Scholar has a ton of academic works on tea.
I've heard good things about Tea in Health and Disease Prevention but it's pricey and 1612 pages!
I really like this book. I read it back when I was first getting into loose leaf tea. Not only does it help you know how to steep the different types of tea it also has recommendations for specific teas as well. It really helped me to experiment with different teas I like and figure out how to make them better than I already was.
When it comes to the history of tea (all tea from everywhere), this one can't be beat: http://www.amazon.com/The-True-History-Tea-Erling/dp/0500251460 also, +1 for the ridiculously meticulous appendix on the etymology of the word "tea." Also, one of the authors just posted this to their blog: http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=16145
I'm reading Liquid Jade now. If you're up for some tea history, I definitely recommend it.
Well, there's Tea: Users guide, that in pretty straightforward fashion goes through different ways of processing tea, some known physics and chemistry surrounding it and different types of tea: https://www.amazon.com/Tea-Users-Guide-Tony-Gebely/dp/0998103004
It's the classic tea book. Taught me about the principles behind Japanese esthetics.
Another tea book I read is this: Cha Dao: The Way of Tea, especially the chapter about the history of tea. It turns out that tea bricks were being used as money in Asia, in a similar fashion to oil in the present international trade.
I like this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1592535631/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_iN7IDbKP3JR86
Here's a couple of scientific papers that might interest you:
I read in The Art and Craft of Coffee by Kevin Sinnott (http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Craft-Coffee-Enthusiasts/dp/1592535631) that the fines and super-fines that stick to the grinder hopper/ recipticle/ etc via static should be removed as they can contribute towards bitterness if included in the brew. I use a fine brush to clean my hand mill after each use, just takes a few seconds.
I highly recommend this book
I don't know if this book will be exactly what you're looking for, but - The World Atlas of Coffee: From Beans to Brewing -- Coffees Explored, Explained and Enjoyed
I've seen it recommended often on r/coffee. I've had it on my amazon list forever but haven't gotten around to ordering it yet.
How much money do you have? haha
Just saying that because, while not a chemist, I do have a small library of coffee books and I looked into picking up some books on the chemistry coffee and was shocked to see the cost of them. One example is:
http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0471720380.html
I like coffee as much as the next guy but I'm not going to shell out $600 for a book.
Here's a more affordable alternative (in two volumes), which according to a review, is just as comprehensive as the one above:
https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Chemistry-R-J-Clarke/dp/9401086931/ref=pd_sim_14_2/155-3075849-3844321?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=9401086931&pd_rd_r=4QT7Y7XYNYCMF824HMW8&pd_rd_w=irbRq&pd_rd_wg=Nw0Xf&psc=1&refRID=4QT7Y7XYNYCMF824HMW8
https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Technology-R-J-Clarke/dp/9401080283/ref=pd_bxgy_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=9401080283&pd_rd_r=RDBEBTM4J7MXM0B7TY34&pd_rd_w=ZO0Y7&pd_rd_wg=wixOF&psc=1&refRID=RDBEBTM4J7MXM0B7TY34#reader_9401080283
I've found both A Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide and The Tea Enthusiat's Handbook: A Guide to the World's Best Teas to be quite good.
Tea: A User's GUide would likely have the info you're looking for.
Tea: History, Terroirs, Varieties is recommended pretty often here, haven't gotten ahold of it yet though. I'm currently reading The Story of Tea which is very comprehensive, but the writing could be better, the author's style can be a little jumpy, sometimes they pick up a thread a couple of pages later or they repetitively restate information from a few pages back.
Books by Bruce Richardson and Jane Pettigrew are usually very informative. I have [this book] (http://www.amazon.com/New-Tea-Companion-Jane-Pettigrew/dp/0979343178/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1343274244&sr=1-1&keywords=jane+pettigrew) in a previous edition, and it was excellent. Also, Harney and Son's [tea book] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Harney-Sons-Guide-Tea/dp/1594201382) was very educational as well.
First:
Dance bracelet
Maybe some bath products for relaxing/soaking her feet? Philosophy bubble bath, bath salts, arnica pain relief
Gift card for a pedi
​
Second:
Mug and some of her favorite teas
Tea mug
Mini tea packs
Book about tea
Tea infusing basket
China cup and saucer
​
Third:
Succulent garden
This planter and purchase a succulent for it
This planter
​
Boss:
GoT cutting board
GoT tumbler
Cane sugar is the go-to for making kombucha but you just have to make sure that if you use plain white sugar the packaging says “cane sugar” as sometimes white sugar is actually genetically modified sugar beets.
Coconut sugar has many variations in grades and production methods but is also an acceptable sugar to use. It is recommended that if you choose a brand to try out that you do so on an experimental batch in case you get mold growth or the relationship with the SCOBY is not working out.
Source:
The Big Book of Kombucha
I know that the west knows very little about tea drinking culture but it still angers me when incorrect information is spread. The tea thrown into the harbor was compressed green tea colored with bismuth [Hoh], not puerh (a fermented tea which is pictured). The processing methods for the cake pictured above weren't even discovered until the 1920's.
Here's a link to a great book on tea history
Another great book on Yumcoin, available in all the popular formats:
You can also find this book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Coffeeist-Manifesto-More-Coffee/dp/1480047201
TEA: In Health and Disease Prevention edited by Victor R. Preedy
It's a massive book on a bunch of research done on tea
Here is a link if anyone is interested.
I haven't, but it seems like a decent book for beginners.
The book that I recommend, and have read is this one by Blue Bottle. It's a gorgeous book for your coffee table (hehe) in hardcover and is by a highly respected coffee roaster. Do check it out.
I also agreed with you until the last paragraph. Then you kinda went of the deep end. First off, cannabis is very unlikely to be laced with another drug as it simply doesn't make economic sense for a dealer/supplier to give you extra drugs for no extra charge. If it is laced with anything they are damn sure gonna let everyone in the supply chain know and charge accordingly. Second, The only way cannabis has been "genetically altered" is through selective breeding-- the same process that Gregor Mendel used in the 1500s(?). If you are really worried about "genetic modification" you basically should stop eating any processed fruit or vegetable product if you live in America (If this interests or concerns you see Chapter 2 of "The Revolution Will Not be Microwaved" by Sandor Katz). Third, If something works for you then by all means use it. The way I understand the argument for medical marijuana is that patients with their doctor's guidance should have the right to choose the medicine that is best suited for them. Is this really any different than what you are saying?
Judging from this small writing sample, maybe those anti-depressants aren't working as well as you think they are. Nobody is threatening to take away your medicine and this rant simply comes off as misguided and paranoid with a helping of a victimization complex. Nonetheless, best of luck to you in handling your issues. I hope that the medicine you choose continues to work for you and that some day you don't need to take anything to feel "right" anymore.
This book has tons of recipes and talks about other teas you can use. I got it for my Kindle via my library so check yours 😁
The Big Book of Kombucha: Brewing, Flavoring, and Enjoying the Health Benefits of Fermented Tea https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z8CZPKU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Rp58Ab23Z665J
I liked this one, Curious Baristas Guide to Coffee
Not only is it a good book, it is a gorgeous coffee table ornament!
Reading Rainbow! Or this one or even this one...
https://www.amazon.com/Cha-Dao-Way-Tea-Life/dp/1848190328
I really liked "Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West"
LIQUID JADE: THE STORY OF TEA FROM https://www.amazon.com/dp/0312333293/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mgDSAbDECE30S
New book from one of the people at Square Mile has a fantastic overview: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1465419551/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/280-3680952-0790055?keywords=coffee%20obsession&qid=1404124092&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2
I own way, way too many coffee books. Most weren't worth buying. Of the ones I own I'd recommend:
Scott Rao's books (all of them) - http://www.scottrao.com
For history I prefer Anthony Wild's "Black Gold" over Uncommon Grounds (which is just more US centric, rather than giving an accurate global history of coffee). Wild's book is a little dated, especially when it comes to speciality and to C-market pricing (it has been a time of great turmoil since it was written!). However, no one has written a more accurate, myth-dispelling history.
Merry White's "Coffee Life in Japan" was thoroughly enjoyable, as she's more food anthropologist than coffee person, so it was very accessible and entertaining. She once scooped me up from a coffee shop in Cambridge, MA and drove me round a bunch of places before feeding me icecream and dropping me at my hotel. She's amazing.
Also - my business partner Anette Moldvaer has a book out here.
Finally, I also have a book coming out in about a month (6th Oct in the English speaking world, except North America which is 21st Oct) but I might do an AMA or something closer to the time if people are interested...
According to my sources (this book and this book - great reads BTW, i suggest OP check them out) it's made like green tea but there's an additional process after firing the leaves, called Smothering, men huang, or "sealing yellow" that involves multiple iterations of lightly heating/steaming the leaves -> wrapping them in paper/cloth -> letting them rest to "reabsorb their aromatics and breathe at the same time".
The descriptions in the two books differ, but only slightly:
Pettigrew specifies that the process is a "non-enzymatic fermentation" and the leaves are wrapped in something called "cow skin paper" (Heiss just notes it's "a cloth").
Heiss brings up the names smothering/men huang/sealing yellow, and notes that the heating method for this step is steaming (as opposed to Pettigrew's "gently firing")
The other tea book I have (Harney&Son's guide to tea) just confesses his ignorance on the process and makes a wild guess on how yellow tea is made. But since it's just speculation it's safe to ignore it.
The Tea Enthusiast's Handbook
The New Tea Companion
Liquid Jade
http://www.amazon.com/The-Tea-Companion-Connoisseurs-Guides/dp/0762421509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406872031&sr=8-1&keywords=the+tea+companion
Upon further research, I see that there is a "New Tea Companion"; is that the one you were referring to? I assume it's better than mine, being New and what not, but I only just learned about it now.
I can't recommend this book enough:
http://www.amazon.com/The-True-History-Tea-Erling/dp/0500251460
Definitely hit up liquid jade I read that and tea lovers treasury. They ended up being very similar books however liquid jade had information that was much more transparent and provided every aspect of an idea, not only what the author thought was correct. Liquid jade was also written more elegantly and easier to read.
The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved opened my eyes to raw milk and other lies about the food supply.
Theres a huge difference between the health benefits of raw and pasteurized milk.
I haven't read the book in years, but they cite a study where they took salmonella and induced it into two separate petri dishes. One with raw milk, the other with pasteurized milk. Guess which one was able to kill the salmonella, and guess which one was flourishing with salmonella.
However, I've read too that milk in general is not suitable for non infants. After a certain age, our bodies lose the hormone needed to digest it properly. The same article also mentioned that about 85% of blacks are lactose intolerant. They never developed the ability to digest any milk past infancy.
I've cured myself of lactose intolerance by consuming raw milk. It works just like real yogurt with real bacteria.
You can agree or disagree on its benefits and problems.