Chronicles
24 June 2025
Rediscovering tea in the great outdoors
Rediscovering Tea in the Great Outdoors
Sipping tea outside—whether in a park, on a mountain trail, by a lake, or simply on your balcony—offers a completely different experience from enjoying it indoors. The change of scenery transforms everything: your environment subtly influences your senses, your mood, and even how you taste. Summer, with its light and freedom, is the perfect season to explore tea in a new light.
Why Does Tea Taste Better Outdoors?
Drinking or eating outside isn't just aesthetically pleasing—it’s also backed by science. Studies show that the sensory elements of being outdoors—natural light, fresh air, ambient sounds—heighten our perception of flavor. Tea, being a delicate and aromatic beverage, benefits especially from this:
- No competing household odors (like food or cleaning products), allowing the tea’s aromas to shine;
- Contact with nature encourages relaxation and deeper attention to subtle flavors;
- After physical activity (hiking, biking, gardening), the body is more alert and receptive, enhancing flavor perception.
In short, tea doesn’t just taste better—it feels different, thanks to a rich interplay of sensory, psychological, and even biological factors (reduced stress, increased dopamine...).
Tea in the Heat? Yes, Really
It may sound surprising, but drinking hot tea in summer can actually help you cool down. In many cultures—like among the Bedouins of North Africa and the Middle East—hot mint tea is consumed in desert heat to regulate body temperature. Warm liquids promote slight perspiration, which cools the body naturally.
Tea also hydrates—especially low-caffeine teas—which makes it a smart choice for staying refreshed on hot days.
What Teas Are Best for Summer Outdoors?
When it’s warm, we’re naturally drawn to lighter, fresher, more floral or fruity teas. Here are a few perfect picks for sunny tea moments: White teas – delicate, ethereal, and often enhanced by a natural setting; Japanese green teas, like bancha or kukicha – vegetal yet mellow, with a pleasing balance or Green Wulongs, with floral explosions that awaken the senses; Not forgetting Young Sheng Pu-erhs, known for their juicy, apricot-like notes.
Not into hot tea in the sun? Good news: all of these are excellent candidates for cold infusion!
Cold Infusion: A Simple Method
Easy and refreshing:
- Add 10g of tea leaves to 1 liter of cold water (in a Mason jar or carafe with a filter);
- Let steep in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours;
- Strain and enjoy—no need to heat anything!
Cold brews often bring out new, mellow, and thirst-quenching layers of flavor.
Planning Your Outdoor Tea Session
A peaceful tea moment outdoors is best with a little preparation. Here are some simple tips to enhance your experience:
- Choose a quiet, shaded spot—under a tree, near a stream, or in a tranquil part of a park;
- Use lightweight, durable gear: Mason jar, thermos, bamboo cup, or camping bowl;
- In extreme heat, opt for cold or lukewarm tea to stay safe and comfortable;
- Bring your own water, or make sure local water is safe to drink;
- Pre-infusing your tea can simplify things, especially on hikes.
And always respect the environment: leave no trace—not even tea leaves, which you can compost at home.
Your Outdoor Tea Checklist
- Blanket or cushion for sitting
- Brewing vessel (gaiwan, bowl, jar, etc.)
- Cup(s)
- Carefully selected tea(s)
- Tray or flat surface to work on
- Thermos with properly heated water (or pre-brewed tea)
- OR a camping stove and kettle to heat water on-site
- Snacks to pair with your tea
- Cloth and waste bag to clean up completely
Let Nature Enchant You
Changing the setting changes your perspective. Bringing tea outdoors lets you rediscover its aromas, textures, and even its effects. Nature becomes a tasting companion, enriching the experience, awakening your senses, and opening the door to new ways of enjoying something you thought you already knew.
This summer, let yourself be surprised—your favorite tea likely still has a few secrets to reveal.