Put The Kettle On

Story and Illustration : Ben Hopkins

I enter the Yixing Yuan Tea House in the central district of Singapore - traditional Chinese music rings forth at a volume loud enough to almost rattle the myriad of tea accessories on display. An old lady feather dusts the  rosewood tables and sneezes loudly as if to alert the attention of the tea shops proprietor. Vincent Low, a native of Singapore and an international ambassador for the world of green tea steps forth to greet us with a friendly smile and a dip of the head.

Before pulling out a chair the feather dusting lady turns down the music and hurries over to our table with an array of clay pots, kettles, strainers and cups necessary for an afternoon of serious tea appreciation. Meanwhile Victor Low pulls up his chair and motions our attention upon the various types of tea before us. What follows is an educational tour de force through the history of tea from the misty mountain tops of Japan across the vast landscapes of China and into the lush green valleys of the Indian Himalayas.

Whilst preparing and sipping 15 cups of green, black, white and Oolong tea we learn that there is archaeological evidence to suggest that the consumption of tea dates back over 5,000 years, with India and China being the first two countries to cultivate it. Vincent carefully explains the differences between the various types of tea but saves his enthusiasm for the health benefits of green tea.

“For centuries the Chinese and Japanese have appreciated the health benefits of green tea. The Japanese of Okinawa live longer than any one else in the world. It’s no coincidence that they also drink more green tea than anyone else.”

Vincent goes on to elucidate this point.  “Take for example a recent experiment carried out on fruit flies. It’s been discovered that fruit flies share 97% of human genes but only live for 15 days.”

Vincent pauses for effect while I consider what on earth I might have in common with a fruit fly, besides a general aimlessness in life and a predilection for hanging around when people don’t finish their drinks.

“During the experiment the fruit flies that were fed green tea lived for an average of 40 days. The others died after 15 days.”

When I enquire into the health benefits of the more commonly consumed black tea his shoulders wilt like a used tea bag.  “With black tea, such as you consume in the west, all the antioxidants have been roasted out. Herbal tea is corrupted. Only green tea, white tea and Oolong tea maintain their health qualities.”

In a world where fatty meats, sweet desserts and even coffee are seen as health hazards it seems green tea maybe the one thing that can deliver us from cardiac arrest.

A former banker with a degree in Business Administration from the University of West London, Vincent is well versed in the art of presentations. Last week his premises were booked by a team of delegates from the IMF who were holding an international conference somewhere amongst the lofty sky scrapers of Singapore. The fact they chose the Yixing Yuan Tea House instead of The Raffles Hotel to spend their brief time away from the conference table speaks volumes for the presentation skills of Vincent who speaks of the fine art of tea production and consumption with an almost reverential air.

“In certain regions of China, when the time comes for a cup of tea all work must stop and even the most dour  and serious show signs of at least a little jollity.”

As an Englishman man from a large family of  hyperactive boys, tea breaks were always considered the one moment during the day when our mothers virtues of civility would be respected. Steam would rise from the teapot and a golden moment of calm would descend before all hell would once again break loose.

Looking up between the Chinese lanterns and amongst displays of  Japanese calligraphy hangs a framed photo of Queen Elizabeth of England and her prince charming sipping tea in surroundings remarkably similar to the Yixing Yuan Tea House.

“Did she?”
“Oh yes, a few years ago the Queen of England chose
to stop by here for an afternoon.”
“And what was her choice of brew?”
“The same as you. Several cups of green tea from
the hill tops of Taiwan.”

Well, if its good enough for the Queen it’s good enough for the fruit flies, and if its good enough for the fruit flies then it’s good enough for me.

Put the kettle on and enjoy  a long life. But don’t invite the fruit flies over, they may never leave. 

Yixing Yuan Tea House
Tel: +66(0)224 6961-30 to 32 Tanjong Pagar Road.
Open 11am to 11pm.

Tropical Living: July 2007, Volume 7 Issue 2

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