2025 Saturday Lectures                 

Dating back to ancient Egypt, the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) have long been used over the centuries as a traditional herbal 'tea' in the Mediterranean region. Revered for its many health benefits, olive leaf is high in polyphenols and antioxidants. Discover the olive leaf processing technique that yields a loose leaf tisane with a crisp and clean, delicate flavor profile. Olive leaves lend themselves to a healthy tisane, served either as a hot or cold beverage. We welcome Lisa Forsyth, owner of Oli Tea Company from Texas for this informational presentation on the ever growing popularity of olive leaf tea.

Dive into the rich history of Nepali tea, cultivated in the Himalayan foothills, and learn how Nepal Tea Collective is revolutionizing the industry through sustainability, traceability, and direct partnerships with smallholder farmers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience award-winning teas from Nepal and taste a rare black tea from the highest elevation tea garden in the world. Join the Communi-Tea Ambassador of Nepal Tea Collective at this informative lecture as they share the flavorful world of tea in Nepal.

How well do you know the world of tea and everything that goes with it? Do you consider yourself a tea aficionado? Even if you’re not, join us, as we play a TRUE or FALSE interactive tea game. Come and discover the world of tea through various tea statements and determine if they are TRUE or FALSE. For example… All “tea” is made from the Camellia sinensis plant or how about this one… Rooibos Tea is also known as Redbush. So, whether you’re an avid tea-lover or just looking for something fun to do and a playful way to learn more about tea, grab your paddle (provided) and play along. You might just be surprised at some of the answers! Returning guest lecturer, Judi Slack is a passionate tea devotee and "game show emcee" from Cleveland. With a lifelong interest in tea, she is a Certified Tea Specialist, Certified Tea Professional, Certified Tea Sommelier, and Certified Tea Health expert by the World Tea Academy. 

The equipage associated with teatime has a varied and fascinating history. Lorna Reeves, editor of TeaTime Magazine, will share the fascinating history behind these collectible pieces—teapots, caddies, strainers, and more—and how they came to be and how many of them can still be used to serve afternoon tea. The art of afternoon tea offers the perfect opportunity to incorporate a variety of useful gadgets, family heirlooms, and elegant silver pieces to boost your tea service to the next level. Lorna is an avid tea enthusiast. Her speaking engagements take her to various tea festivals across the United States and Canada. In addition, she has hosted tea themed travel adventures abroad with TeaTime Magazine, the premier magazine for tea enthusiasts. It is with great appreciation that we welcome Lorna Reeves to the PA Tea Festival this year. 

 We often have a predetermined idea of the qualities of certain regional teas. We understand the general differences between Chinese and Japanese greens, between Chinese and Assam’s black teas. More often than not we are surprised with artisanal teas from a new region and their unique processing methods. Discover how terroir affects the tea you drink. We will 'travel' to the Doke Tea Farm, a small family owned business, where tea is their life. Hear the Doke story and taste their organic, and completely handmade artisanal teas. We are pleased to welcome returning Certified Tea Specialists and tea mentors Deb and Mike Raab of Tea-for-All in Trenton, NJ 

Sachiko Houck, born in Fukuoka, Japan but currently residing in Lancaster, PA will share her knowledge of the Japanese style of tea. With a strong background in the ‘way of tea’, learning from her mother during her early years, and continuing her studies with Chado Urasenke Tankokai in  Philadelphia, (a kyokai or alumni association of the Urasenke international school of tea ceremony), Sachiko will offer a glimpse into Japanese tea traditions. This class will provide an introduction to the cultural aspects of the tea ceremony, which provides a once in a lifetime moment, never to be repeated.  The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a lifelong learning process, incorporating the four principals of the tea ceremony; harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility,  while essentially creating a moving meditation for the guests and host. Featured in the tea ceremony is Matcha tea, a powdered green tea. The ever growing popularity of Matcha tea has placed a spotlight on the early cultural use of this tea. The unique variety of equipage used in the preparation of ceremonial Matcha will also be discussed.