eighty degrees - the culture of tea



Eighty Degrees, a Tea focused periodical based in Portugal, goes well beyond what is somewhat expected from a journal. Tea is the number one beverage consumed in the world (next to water), and eighty degrees offers a well rounded look into that world. From interviews with tea shop owners and photographers, to detailed articles regarding the history of Tea and possible extinction of relatives of the plant, the first issue of eighty degrees is a winner.

I purchased the journal quite some time ago yet didn't begin reading it until this weekend. Wow, better late than never. This 140+ page journal is a good start for someone who wishes to learn more about Tea. In being an owner of a Tea company, I have had many people tell me how they "don't know much about Tea" or they "don't drink it because it's not coffee" or Tea was nothing more than "tepid salad water". After reading the first issue of eighty degrees, I wish I could purchase many copies of this journal and just hand them out to people. Tea has been around for thousands of years and those who work within the industry (like me!) love to share what we have learned about the camellia sinensis. The first issue of eighty degrees is obviously a labour of love - each page offers a rich and colourful look into the world of Tea with no frills, no smoke and mirrors, but all accessible information provided by ordinary people who just love Tea. I especially loved the interview of photographer Michael Freeman and discussion of his book, The Life of Tea (will be buying soon!). Plus, the journal has an excellent article about the kinds of water to use when making Tea. I actually learned this while studying to become a Certified Tea Specialist. Not all water is the same and in using different kinds of water, your Tea will not come out the same!


Like I said before, the first issue is filled with colourful pages just ready to leap out at you. The photos are stunning, the articles engaging, and I found myself wanting Tea even more so than usual. I'm glad that issue two is now available; I'll be purchasing my copy very soon. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the staff of this periodical at the 2019 World Tea Expo and they were a delight.


Much thanks to the people at eighty degrees!



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