TEA TIME is a collection of audio recordings and text notes taken with friends, A and L, some time ago.
Participants were seated at a table with bowls containing a variety of traditional Chinese ingredients. Each ingredient serves as a prompt for discussion relating to the emotions or memories associated with the connotation or flavor of the ingredient, as all participants had similar ethnic backgrounds. Ultimately, TEA TIME served as a warm gesture and an attempt to foster conversation amongst friends preoccupied with busy lives.
Utilizes horizontal participation format.
Jasmine green tea (茉莉花茶) is the most popular scented tea in China. It has been proven to have immunity benefits. It contains several different antioxidants which replenish the membranes of red blood cells.
American ginseng is a native perennial plant that is often exported to Asia for its perceived superior quality and sweetness over the East Asian variety, panax ginseng. It was initially imported by China via the seaports of Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
When taken as a preventative supplement, it is sometimes believed to reduce the length of colds.
Chen pi (陈皮) is a preserved sun-dried tangerine peel used in food seasoning and traditional Chinese medicine. In Chinese herbology, it is considered warming.
It is known to reduce ‘dampness’, aid in abdominal discomfort, and reduce plegm.
Jasmine Green Tea
A Says:
It smells floral. It tastes floral and bitter. It makes me feel peaceful and calm. It reminds me of dimsum and meals with family. She has tea by herself often as well.
L says:
It smells like water moving with a gummy texture. It makes me excited. It reminds me of Chinese grocery and my dad.
Ginseng
A says:
It smells herbal and tastes bitter. Inspires a feeling of aversion. Reminds mw of an herbal medicine shop on Grand Street and of my grandmother. Grandma would purchase ginseng as gift for friends and family back in China. It smells floral. It makes me feel peaceful and calm. It reminds me of dimsum and meals with family. I have tea by herself often as well.
L says:
It smells smoky. It’s a mystery. It reminds me of a dark, hazy place and someone with bright loose clothes.
Chen Pi
A says:
It tastes medicinal, tart, citrus-y. The texture is leathery.
Reminds me of home and of my grandmother, again. Definitely had this as a snack as a kid.
L says:
It smells sweet and nutty. It tastes sour and savor. It reminds me of the lakehouse basement of my mom’s English teacher’s house.