CORE.05 The Infusion

OVERVIEW

Most of the classes in the core curriculum focus on the tea plant and how and where it is grown and manufactured. This class explores the process that transforms the tea leaf into the final product – a cup of tea. By looking closely into the three components of the process we will explore what is in the cup and how it got there.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

Name and define the three components of the infusion process.
Understand how the chemical and physical characteristics of the tea leaf influence the infusion.
Understand how the chemical and physical characteristics of water influence the infusion.
Understand how the conditions of the infusion process influence its outcome.
Name the chemical components found in the infusion.
Describe what each chemical component contributes to the flavor and aroma profile of the infusion.

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 3 teas

Course Length:

3 weeks (plus one week grace period to submit assignments and complete any tests.)

COURSE OUTLINE
- Introduction
  - The Infusion
  - Your Instructor
- Week 1
  - Overview
  - Tea is a Beverage of Leaf + Water
  - Section 1: The Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the Tea Leaf
  - Section 2: The Physical and Chemical Characteristics of the Water
  - CORE.05 Assignment 1.1
  - Week 1 Classroom Assignment
  - End of Week 1 Quiz
- Week 2
  - Overview
  - The Beverage
  - CORE.05 Assignment 2.1
  - Week 2 Classroom Assignment
  - End of Week 2 Quiz
- Week 3
  - Overview
  - Sensory Evaluation and Professional Cupping
  - How to Brew Tea Without a Chart
  - CORE.05 Cupping Exercise
  - Week 3 Classroom Assignment
  - Final Exam

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: CORE.01; CORE.02

Schedule

June 2018 class: Registration runs May 1 through May 28. Session is open June 4 through July 1

August 2018 class: Registration runs June 26 through July 30. Session is open August 6 through September 2.

October 2018 class: Registration runs August 28 through September 24. Session is open October 1 through October 28.

Reviews

Freya RadleinMay 08, 2018
Excellent course which provided numerous cupping opportunities. Very interesting to compare and contrast different types of water and how each one affects the outcome of the infusion. The science of the components of the tea leaves was challenging but certainly necessary to appreciate the information in this class.
DonnaLee YeattsSep 26, 2017
I found the material in Core.05 especially valuable in its comprehensiveness. All the previous core courses were preparing us for this one that ties it altogether!
Diane GalvanSep 26, 2017
Definitely interesting to see how water can effect the final cup of tea. I had no idea how many different factors effected the final product.
Heather LoneySep 25, 2017
I really enjoyed the experiments and in depth discussion of various water sources and their role in the infusion process.
Doni NeufeldJul 23, 2017
Fascinating course with lots of quite technical information about the infusion. Fortunately you don't need to understand it all to appreciate the many factors that go into the infusion.
Tony DickApr 01, 2017
I loved this course, it helped to search more for differences and nuances in the infusion, specially by using different sources of water.
Christian SemaanMar 31, 2017
This course gave me the tools to understand how to infuse tea and taught me to rely on my growing knowledge.
sonia rapaportMar 26, 2017
This was a great course for practically applying everything we have learned so far.Thanks,
Michele SchwienMar 24, 2017
Loved, loved, loved Core.05. It was great pulling everything I've learned in Core. 01 - Core.05 into the art of the final infusion. Brewing without a chart is fun too!
Lori DiverseyMar 21, 2017
In this course two HUGE takeaway's for me were the vast differences in the various kinds of water and what an important part water plays in brewing an exceptional cup of tea and the video about the conditions of infusion: containers. I have changed some of in home methods for brewing tea. Thanks!
Judi SlackJan 26, 2017
This course teaches the chemistry behind the infusion of tea. A very thorough and in depth course that I enjoyed. It made me think a lot about all the factors that make a good cup of tea.
Carrie MakaiJan 25, 2017
This was the most challenging course so far. The tasting exercises were interesting, but the "book learning" left me able to truly understand, at a basic level, the chemistry of an infusion. No small feat, for this science-challenged tea-lover.
Christina MilsteinAug 30, 2016
Best level till now. A lot of practical learning. totally enjoyed.
Naiya MehtaAug 28, 2016
I have enjoyed all of the courses I have taken. I intended to only go as far as Tea Specialist but am now thinking of pursuing an upper level certification.
James FahrnyAug 23, 2016
This course was quite technical for me but certainly helped me understand and appreciate the nuances of water and tea more. Thank you!
Victoria WongAug 18, 2016
This course teaches so much about the chemistry behind a cup of tea. Very interesting.
Georgia RaynaAug 18, 2016
Very in-depth information on infusion and the science behind it!
Juliet TiuApr 29, 2016
Examining the actual infusion process is an area of study that doesn't get as much attention as it should, I think. Glad this course is here to do that.
David PasiekaApr 25, 2016
In my opinion this was one of the better of all the Core classes. The exercises were definitely some of the most interesting and helped to clarify and give some personal experience to some of the commonly shared concepts surrounding tea infusing and water. A lot of good info here. I will move forward with my own tea making with a lot more confidence. Thanks!
Gwen RussellApr 22, 2016
Very informative! I love how this explains the more scientific side of enjoying a nice cup of tea!
Shawna EvansFeb 22, 2016
Very interesting results with the different waters!
Sofia CampbellFeb 21, 2016
informative and scientific
Ting NicholdsNov 28, 2015
Amazing module, it really expanded my knowledge tremendously.
Michael HemlingSep 27, 2015
Great course! Really dove into the chemistry of the infusion and I appreciated the in-depth scientific approach.
Ariel BeverlyJul 27, 2015
Would be great to add some more details on the various components of water and how they affect tea i.e. ph levels for optimal green, black, oolong etc. Overall great course.
Andrew PerrymanJan 31, 2015