“Looking deeply into your tea, you see that you are drinking fragrant plants that are the gift of Mother Earth.”
–Thich Nhat Hanh
Even more than our other senses, the nose knows nostalgia. The rich, earthy aroma as fallen leaves are crunched underfoot. The pulpy, sweet vanilla smell rising as you turn the pages of your favorite book. Even steeping your favorite tea brings olfactory comfort; a rush of fragrance floods your sinuses as hot water saturates the leaves. Sometimes, one sniff can melt away the here and now.
The reason for the heightened speed and depth of the scent/memory connection is the fast track between the olfactory and limbic systems. Immediately upon the detection of a scent by the olfactory receptors, located on nerve cells within the nasal epithelium, there is a direct response in the amygdala (linked to emotion) and the hippocampus (central to memory) in the brain. Stimuli to the other senses are processed through a more indirect route.
Tea’s aromatic complexity invites contemplation. Before the first sip, it’s the fragrance of tea that greets us. Connoisseurs delight in identifying notes of fruit, spice, or wood, while newcomers may simply feel comfort in a familiar briskness. In either case, tea’s aroma encourages mindfulness, turning an everyday act into a meaningful experience.
With that in mind, a tea’s aroma then becomes a bridge to personal experiences. Each wisp of steam carries more than flavor — it holds memory and emotion, connecting us to moments that linger. The ripe, fruity notes of a second flush Darjeeling may call you back to a brilliant autumn afternoon spent apple picking, while the earthy scent of Pu-Erh may stir memories of rainy afternoons or walks in the woods. These connections are not random; they are shaped by individual life experiences and cultural associations, making the act of drinking tea deeply personal.
Ultimately, tea’s aroma is more than fragrance; it is an intimate conversation between the leaf and the individual. It speaks to memory, emotion, and presence, reminding us that a simple cup of tea can touch the heart as much as the palate.
As we enter a cozy time of year that is particularly ripe with traditions, reflection, and nostalgia, Upton Tea Imports is pleased to highlight the return of an autumnal favorite, a perfect selection for a Halloween tea:
This limited-season, fall-inspired black tea is full-bodied and fragrant with pronounced cinnamon apple notes, complemented by hints of honey and clove. The velvety smooth cup invites that first sip with its cinnamon forward mélange of rich, warming spices, which supports notes of sweet apple and a whisper of orange. The finish lingers on a crisp note. This tea blend is the perfect choice for cozy warmth on a brisk autumn day.
If your fall festivities include a pumpkin tea, look no further:
As the fiery colors of autumn blaze across the landscape, this delightful, limited-season Chai selection will bring a rich warming flavor to your teacup. A sweet cinnamon aroma portends notes of warming spices that provide the perfect complement to the luscious pumpkin flavor. The finish lingers with a velvety smoothness.
And how about a perennial smoky classic, to evoke autumn bonfires:
The best China Lapsang Souchong we have found. To our knowledge, we are the only importer of this grade of Lapsang Souchong tea. Superior in flavor. Very smoky, yet quite mellow.
Or a couple of aromatic caffeine-free favorites, sure to spark memories:
Turmeric Lemon Apple Herbal Blend Organic
A pronounced lemon fragrance introduces this caffeine-free, organic herbal blend. The smoothness of apple, the zest of turmeric and the freshness of lemon weave together to create a delicious tapestry of flavors.
South African Rooibos flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, citrus peels, star anise, pepper, and cloves. A caffeine-free beverage.
This harvest season, as you consider a tea for Halloween, take time to reap some rich recollections — and perhaps sow a few new ones.
Until next time, keep sipping!