Peaceful times on the Big Island with tea(2)
Among numerous health benefits, tea is said to reduce cholesterol levels, stimulate the immune system, lower high blood pressure and fight cancer and viral and bacterial infections.
"Tea has a lot of vitamins and antioxidants, but it also gives you a gentle, heightened awareness and helps you relax and enjoy the moment," Lee said. "I drink tea several times a day, pairing it with whatever food I'm eating. In the evening I have a cup of tea before I go to sleep. It's nice to end my day embraced by the soothing, comforting feeling that tea provides."
In addition to growing and processing tea for sale, Tea Hawaii propagates plants for purchase by farmers and hobbyists statewide. It also markets the products of two other Big Island growers: Volcano Tea Garden, four miles away, and Johnny's Garden in Hakalau, 12 miles north of Hilo.
HOURLONG TOURS of Tea Hawaii began five years ago. Lee first provides participants with a brief introduction to tea in an 864-square-foot redwood studio with skylights, handmade shoji doors and 25-foot-high ceilings.
Following that, she leads guests into the forest and garden to get close-up looks at the tea plantings. The group then returns to the studio to sample different teas with complementary treats that might include tea truffles that she created in conjunction with Big Island Candies.
A small shop in the studio sells tea, tea plants, and artwork by Leong and the couple's daughter Asia, a jewelry designer who divides her time between France and the family's tea estate.
Depending on the season, tour-goers also might see tea being planted, harvested and "withered" (when the leaves are left to wilt in the sun for about 45 minutes). If they're lucky, Leong will be sitting at his potter's wheel, shaping bowls.
Response to the tour has been enthusiastic; Lee and Leong have welcomed visitors from around the world, including India, Brazil, Australia, China, Japan, Tahiti, Austria and Germany.
"We've met many interesting people from all walks of life -- priests, healers, businessmen, families celebrating special occasions, tea connoisseurs -- those who are curious about and new to tea and farmers from notable tea-producing countries," Lee said.
On each tour, new friendships are forged over cups of tea. "Tea heals, it calms, it seems to bring out the best in people," she said. "As our guests sip tea and listen to the songs of the apapane (Hawaiian honeycreeper), they feel a bond with humanity and discover a part of their own personal grace."
