![]() ![]() The tea you are drinking comes with citrus notes. The fourth infusion is for your relaxation.’ Tea tastings, by the way, are also an emblem of sociability in Asia. The second infusion is for your indulgence. The tea ritual is a proper explanation for a Chinese saying: ‚The first tea infusion serves the taste. We need the repetition, that mental process. But in fact, the need for rituals is still there. People tend to think that there is a lack of time for things like these. But they have begun to vanish in our modern societies. In Asia, rituals have been important ever since. But after a while you begin to experience yourself in this. At first, time and practice are required to come to that point. We do something for us and, at the same time, for the moment itself. There is this special attention and thoughtfulness we dedicate to preparing tea. When you are in Asia you see that there is a belief in the spirit of tea. How would you describe the fascination of tea and tea ceremonies for people? The “P&T” Store in Bleibtreustrasse, Berlin. To enrich life through tea and tea culture! Creativity, communications, and culture are the core elements. Is there a special mission behind “Paper & Tea”? Jens de Gruyter, the Paper & Tea founder. Even though I started my tea business after my first career had come to an end. To convey the aesthetics of tea kind of became my secret mission in those moments, I guess. I don’t think that “Paper & Tea” would exist without this in mind. I left Wild Lily feeling refreshed and vital. It was my first experience with the Japanese tea ceremony. Four infusions! The procedure lasted one and a half hours. Then they brought water for another infusion of the loose-leaf tea, and another, and another. I remember hesitating, but then ordering it – fortunately! I had one infusion first. My very first Wild Lily visit was seminal. But in my New York years it meant rest for me. Unfortunately it closed a couple of years ago. In those years I regularly went to the Japanese tea house in Chelsea, Wild Lily. There was a third influence on me: my time in New York City, working as Creative Director of a photo agency in Manhattan. Every few weeks, Uncle Helwig sent me parcels with coffee. The second thing which had an impact on me were my study years in Canada. Helwig Hooss belonged to a coffee dynasty. ![]() He used to conduct many tea ceremonies at a renowned tea institution, “Deutsches Teebüro”, in Hamburg, sort of a German tea council. The first one is my godfather Helwig Hooss. There are three main experiences that led me towards “P&T”. How did you come up with the idea of starting the company? Tell me more about the idea behind “Paper & Tea”. “Sacred Emily” Tea – Copyright: Paper & Tea, Berlin It takes up to six infusions with durations between 30 seconds and two minutes before the tea leaves unfold their aroma. For the slow awakening of the tea leaves, called „Waking up the Leaves“, the teapot is getting preheated with hot water. The teapot is filled with 1-2 teaspoons per 250 ml which serves as a good reference amount. A legend tells that she lives on the moon among sweet blossoms, the Osmanthus petals. „Chang-e“ is a Chinese deity, the Chinese Moon Goddess. Let’s have a „ Chang-e“, an Oolong Tea with strong citrus and apricot notes of Osmanthus petals. Which tea do you recommend for a meeting like ours? Your Shop „Paper & Tea“ is a success story. In this moment, Jens de Gruyter is preparing an Osmanthus Oolong Tea for me. In their tea seminars, the staff impart knowledge and passion for contemporary tea culture. The large table in the adjacent room is the heart of tea seminars the expert team of “Paper & Tea” offers bi-weekly for private participants and companies. The small and elegant kitchen is a comfy tea space in the back of the shop. Jens de Gruyter in front of his store in Bleibtreustrasse, Berlin-Charlottenburg. I dive deeply into the cosm of tea and paper, clear and austere in its design. As soon as I have entered his rooms, noisy Kantstrasse nearby seems to be far away. I meet Jens on a busy Tuesday in March in Bleibtreustrasse, Charlottenburg. But it was not before 2012 that he started a business out of it: He opened his first „Paper & Tea“ store in Berlin. ![]() The German-Canadian tea expert grew up in Ontario, Canada, where his love to tea began to flourish early. Patience, sic, is not necessarily a capacity Europeans are known for. Countries like China, Korea, and Japan, where tea ceremonies have been existing for ages, teach us patience when it comes to tea. To make oneself familiar with the Asian tea culture is special and wonderful. ![]() Celebrating a good tea needs time, leisure, and the knowledge of its true promise. In his stores, the founder offers thoroughly curated products that match his own special story. You cherish paper and tea? Get to know Jens de Gruyter. ![]()
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