O’ways
Flavours Of Kindness
Behind The
Tea Cans
With
Peter Orwa
PEOPLE, Issue 1
I opened my heart. That’s how I learned.
As you enter our teacafe in Cape Town, you will be greeted by the sight of sixty large, shiny tea cans, each holding a unique recipe for your peaceful and joyful experience. In front of these tea cans, you will often see a calm gentleman packing tea, ready to share his knowledge and passion with you.
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with this gentleman, who has become an integral part of our tea community. He will share with us his journey into the world of tea and the lessons he has learned along the way. So please sit back, relax, and let’s delve into the world of tea together.
O’: What are some of your favourite teas or tea experiences, and why?
Peter: Black tea in the morning is my favourite because it’s a part of my breakfast. If I don’t have black tea in the morning, I don’t feel right. Some people like coffee, but I prefer to take black tea and a slice of toast. I would recommend those who don’t drink coffee to try Ceylon or African breakfast tea. African breakfast has Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, or Malawi. You can mix four or three. I prefer Ceylon on weekdays and a mix of African breakfast on the weekends.
O’: So you prefer to have more caffeine, stronger tea on the weekend?
Peter: Black tea in the morning is my favourite because it’s a part of my breakfast. If I don’t have black tea in the morning, I don’t feel right. Some people like coffee, but I prefer to take black tea and a slice of toast. I would recommend those who don’t drink coffee to try Ceylon or African breakfast tea. African breakfast has Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi. You can mix four or three. I prefer Ceylon on weekdays and a mix of African breakfast on the weekends.
O’: Do you have any recommendations for fellow tea lovers, such as favourite books or resources or other tea communities you enjoy being a part of?
Peter: I recommend people drink green tea, herbal tea, or rooibos, which naturally benefit our bodies. Honey Bush is good for breathing and relaxing our body, reducing our chances of getting cancer. People need to know more about tea and what are the benefits. I drink tea according to the benefits. If I drink this tea, what will I get from it?
It’s about humanity, you and me. When you started this journey, did you want to finish, or do you want to stop?
The Subtle Art of Tea Packing
Step #1:
Choose the right size metal scope
Step #2:
Use Electronic scale for accuracy
Step #3
Slow & steady hand
O’: How did you get your tea knowledge?
Peter: It’s a long story. You need to open your heart and love the tea. Some of the stuff will come naturally because I grew up with tea. I met MingWei (Owner of Nigiro), and he gave me a lot of knowledge about tea. My trainer was Craig. That’s how I got my experience, day by day.
In general, I love tea. I love to work with tea. I’d love to know more about tea, and I can help people with tea. Maybe they are stressed or have other sicknesses, I can recommend something to them. It’s about humanity, you and me. When you started this journey, did you want to finish, or do you want to stop?
O’: How long have you been working for Nigiro?
Peter: Almost ten years. It seems like two years, but it’s been a long time.
O’: What is your role in Nigiro?
Peter: I work as a warehouse supervisor. I check the stock, what’s coming in and out, and how we can improve the business.
O’: What are the most fulfilling activities in the Nigiro
Peter: I like being here. Being introduced to vegetarianism, tea, and MingWei. When I come here, I make my tea, and I feel at, home.
I love to be here.
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