University of California, Davis

Tea Foundations: Brewing Skills & Flavor Profiles

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University of California, Davis

Tea Foundations: Brewing Skills & Flavor Profiles

Brendan Shah

Instructor: Brendan Shah

Included with Coursera PlusLearn more

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
No prior experience required
8 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Recently updated!

September 2026

Assessments

10 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

Welcome to Module 1! In this module, we'll begin by building a strong foundation in tea knowledge by exploring the six major tea categories (white, green, yellow, oolong, black, and dark tea) and the role of oxidation in creating their unique characteristics. Learn how tea moves from farm to cup, understand tea naming conventions and menus, and develop confidence navigating tea shops, grocery stores, and online retailers. You'll also discover the key differences between specialty and commodity tea, helping you make informed tea selections. Ready to steep your knowledge? Let's begin!

What's included

7 videos2 readings3 assignments

Welcome to Module 2! In this module, we'll learn how to evaluate tea before you buy it by reading labels, understand packaging and harvest dates, and recognize key quality indicators. Explore the factors that influence tea pricing, discover how to assess value, and learn important questions to ask when purchasing tea. You'll also be introduced to ethical sourcing concepts such as Fair Trade and Direct Trade, helping you select teas that align with your preferences, values, and budget. Let's get started!

What's included

8 videos2 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

Proper storage is essential for preserving tea’s flavor, aroma, and quality. In this module, you'll learn how to protect tea from its biggest threats: air, moisture, light, heat, and odors - and select the right storage methods for different tea types. You'll also discover how to recognize signs of tea degradation, understand which teas can benefit from aging, and organize your home tea collection to maximize freshness while minimizing waste.

What's included

4 videos3 assignments1 discussion prompt

Bring your tea knowledge to life by mastering the fundamentals of brewing and tasting. In this final module, you'll learn how water quality, temperature, time, and tea-to-water ratio influence every cup. Explore Western, gongfu, and Japanese brewing methods, select appropriate teaware, and troubleshoot common brewing issues. You'll also develop foundational tea tasting skills using sensory evaluation techniques, flavor wheels, and descriptive vocabulary to better understand and communicate your tea experiences. Let's finish strong!

What's included

10 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Brendan Shah
University of California, Davis
0 Courses0 learners

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