Though the tea industry offers a number of roles in areas of tea plantation, if you are someone who just cannot do without tea, tea tasting is the perfect thing for you. We tell you all you need to know about being a tea taster.
As a kid, I always wanted to know how good tea tasted, as my parents used to have it quite a number of times during the day. Talking of tea, what all know what keeps Indians on their toes. Be it the southern part or the northeastern part of the subcontinent, you cannot go anywhere in India without seeing people sipping on small cups of steaming tea. If you are one of those who are consumed by the love of tea, this is the right thing for you.
Tea being one of the most sought beverages across the globe, is produced in bulk and contributes majorly to the revenue of many countries. Though the tea industry offers a number of roles in areas of tea plantation, if you are someone who just cannot do without tea, tea tasting is the perfect thing for you. We tell you all you need to know about being a tea taster. Read on.
Eligibility
Primarily there are no formal degree courses available in tea tasting. However, the demand for a tea sommelier has enabled a few certificate courses in tea tasting that impart training about scientific knowledge and different techniques of tea tasting. The basic eligibility criteria for the course is graduation, though if you possess a sound knowledge about a career in tea tasting, then having an educational background in food sciences is an added advantage.
Job prospects
A tea taster is expected to be trained and possess good knowledge about tea tasting. The recent boom in the demand of tea sommeliers has made reputed hotels eager to employ tea tasters at different levels. As a tea sommelier, you’re supposed to create tea blends, tea pairing menu or tea infused food, your options are endless. If you’ve a degree or diploma in hotel management, you could easily get a job abroad as well.
Pay package
Depending on the number of responsibilities you’re expected to fulfil and the experience you have, your salary could range from 20,000 INR to 80,000 INR and beyond. If you work as a tea sommelier with a 5 star hotel you starting salary could probably be 50,000 INR.
Pros and Cons
P: You make big bucks for your love of tea. Because it is an upcoming trend in the hospitality sector, the demand for tea sommeliers is on a rise. You get to explore different cultures of the world along with different flavours of tea.
C: The initial struggle you’re required to put in is a lot. So, you can be a successful tea taster only if you love tea beyond anything else.
To begin your good mornings with a cup of tea is great, but to pursue an offbeat career could be rather challenging. But what good is your love for tea, if the flavours you taste and identify are not rewarded.
