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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/11/2007 1:42:29 PM | This is aimed at brewing and drinking of hot tea. While it can contribute if you have tried an infusion "cold" and liked it, there are other iced tea threads on the boards so please put your iced tea inquiries on those. There are other "green tea diet" threads but not a general Tea forum like this. Talk about the different types of tea: Assam, Oolong, Green tea, gunpowder tea, Coca Tea, herb teas, or even fruit infusions.
How do you brew your tea?
Do you use a pot?
Have you had good or bad luck with a certain brand?
Did you go to a restaurant that served you tea well? Poorly?
Talk about your habits or traditions in teamaking. For example, I never, ever, ever re-use tea bags or leaves. Not only is tea cheap enough to not need to do that, it loses much of its potency after the first brew. I also use a tea ball infuser or loose leaves if I am making a pot. To me, bags were designed to be a modern convenience to make one cup of tea, and are to be used in a cup. And always put the bag or leaves in first THEN add boiling water. Again, you just dont get the potency if you put the water in first. This is very much a "what is your preference" thread, not a who is right and who is wrong. Tea has been consumed for too many thousands of years by too many people to be arguing that. lol. Quotes or info from tea research is most welcome.
Have you found a Tea Room near you? What's your opinion of the tea at Starbucks? The best tea I ever bought anywhere was at Dunkin Donuts (Boston) and I'd bought a large, and they even used 2 tea bags to account for the larger cup size. I even saw her blast the bags with boiling water and thought "finally, a place in the US that has a clue how to make tea" lol. And it was Tetley, a name tea connoiseurs know and trust. Something else that I am not convinced on but maybe someone can scientifically explain if its the same or not, is heating tea in the microwave. That to me just screams sacriledge :o) . To the Europeans, yes I am American and yes I'm talking about hot tea :o) , come join in. | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 3:02:14 PM | | I drink Brooke Bond Red Label (Assam) or Lipton Green Label (Darjeeling). I probably drink more of the red but the green is a nice break. I use a pot and a strainer when I pour it. | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 4:42:47 PM | Never been to a tea room, or had Starbucks tea....
My favorites hands down are English Breakfast and Earl Grey, loose.....I have a teaspoon that folds over, (my favorite infuser), I also have some tea infuser balls that squeeze open.....I have a special tea cup with a steeping lid I found at Goodwill.....of all places...
I like herbals too, mint, lemon and Red Zinger being a few favorites, Sassafrass (hard to find)......Celestial Seasonings has some good stuff, wish they had loose leaf tea....maybe they do online....
I like mine strong and sweet.... | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 5:03:35 PM | | Oooo...I like this thread...My favorite tea places is the Dunbar Tea Room in Sandwich, Cape Cod and Teaism in Washington, DC...Overseas I loved the Orangery Tea Room on the grounds of Kensington Palace in London.....Never had tea at Starbucks before...My favorite tea includes Courtship Tea (blended on the Cape), Earl Grey with extra Bergamont from Tealuxe in Boston, Mango Passionfruit, White Peach, British version of Lady Di tea, and extra strong Oolong tea with a touch of Chai and spicy Darjeeling...I like to steep my tea loose using a tea ball or strainer....either in a pot or just a single cup or mug..Steaming hot but not boiling....2 minutes in my microwave...5 minutes on the stove kettle..Liberal dose of honey or raw sugar cane to follow...I dont like any milk thou...To me that just dilutes the flavor | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 5:26:06 PM | | Teavana at the mall has high quality loose teas of all kinds and allows free samples. I like the green tea with rice (like you get at the sushi bar) as well as red tea (Roobios). My favorite is Mate Vana, a chocolate flavor which has 100% the caffeine of coffee, mixed with some herbal mint tea - tastes like a peppermint patty and the smell alone puts you in heaven! I have read that the antioxidants in green tea are surpassed by white and then red but both tea and coffee have less than cocoa! | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/11/2007 5:30:18 PM | | I am also not keen on microwaves, they have been proven to alter the molecular structure of food. | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 5:41:52 PM | I have a tea bag squeezer that I use to get my teabag out of my cup. I extract all the flavor out of the bag into the cup this way. It looks like a mini pair of tongs with one side perforated/slotted.
I really like English Breakfast tea, with, well...breakfast! And it is nice with chocolate or desserts too. The reason its called that is beacuse English breakfasts are so greasy that they require a bold, robust tea like that. Its a little more bitter than most teas so it goes well with the sweets and the carbs. | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/11/2007 5:48:01 PM | If I'm looking for a late-night something warm (in a hurry for it), I'll use a teabag, pour the boiling water directly over the bag and into the cup, then let it steep. When I want to relax and have a cuppa, then I use a tea pot that holds about 3/4 litre and loose tea in an infusing spoon. I have about 4 or 5 varieties of loose tea in the pantry and my camping kit- typically there's Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Jasmine, a home-made herbal mix, and Lapsang Souchong.
For loose tea I pour boiling water into the pot first whilst I prep the teaball, dump it out, then pour more boiling water over the ball to steep. Unless I'm making a large pot, then it's hot water o heat the pot, dump it, add loose tea, boiling water, steep and strain while pouring.
I also only drink tea from a glass, never a ceramic mug. I have a couple of pyrex glass mugs just for tea.
Best herbal tea I had was a blend of sassafrass and just a pinch of wild sage. There' also (probably not at all really) Russian Tea; English Breakfast added to about 2 teaspoons of raspberry preserve then well stirred.
I wonder if it's more a ritual for most people in how they prepare it then just habit. | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 6:17:26 PM | I used to do that preheat thing like charon mentioned. But over time I have tasted and figured out the best tea should never hit almost boiling water. It should be ever so slightly cooler. I don't know if studies have been done about this, probably, but I would bet more of the essential oils remain which is often the case with spices and even coffee... that's why those pots that have been on the heat for 3 hours don't taste like the first cup!
So what I do is boil a whole gallon of water in my stainless steel dutch oven. I shut it off and add the tea leaves. Cover with lid. I let it steep 15-20 minutes. I later pour this into two pitchers I put in the frig and reheat in the microwave as needed -- I know, this might be sacralidge by some people's views but I got the habit from making iced tea(when I usually add lemon and sugar) and its more conveinent this way I have tea ready when I awake without having to wait for it to steep. If I did that I would never get out the door with some caffeine in my system as I don't drink coffee most days. I never reuse -- I try to stick the used tea leaves in the garden as they have some natural anti-insecticidal properties. But that depends on the time I have and how cold it is outside.
OP, your descripttion makes me think I am going to stop into the next dunkin donuts I see.
If you read about they say for teas like sencha they use water of dif temps. I think it was 170 or so.
I don't recall trying assam yet.
I've got four pots ranging from a quart size down but I usually find them all a little on the small side which is why I stick with the dutch oven. The large one is a yellow pot made by lipton and its smartly made == strainer in the spout. 1 quart capacity. Then a gold rimmed china one. A white porcelain one complete with a matching porcelain/white china tray and set of tea cups and sugar/creamer containers... a complete proper set (only I paid next to nothing for it at a garage sale!  ) This one mostly stays on display. It's guest use only, mostly.
Then I have a baby green one which is perfect for one bag of tea. It's a good "sample pot" by my standards.
I keep forgetting to look for other varieties because I'm usually in a rush when I shop.
I also make true herbal teas when I have a health issue I might want to treat.
Because I like tea so much is why I have so many pots. I might have three different kinds going. A no caffeine one for night, a normal, and a flavored one. Sometimes 'Throat Coat" if I have a cold. With slippery elm bark, works pretty good. If anyone is interested I can dig out my Chai Tea recipe. | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 6:39:24 PM | Wow, neat. I thought it was just me and the English that did that. lol. I do the pot warming thing with the hot water too, when I'm serving tea for others or making a larger pot of tea. And of course there's the tea cozy. And I have no idea where mine went, so a towel wrapped around the pot is what I use for now to keep it warm. I used to have a blue willow one I got at Marks & Spencer. I remember right where I was too. At the Brent Cross M&S. For those who dont know, thats where the M1 motorway starts in north London.
And why can't I get a US made tea pot that doesnt leak or drip? I dont mean its cracked but just that its designed so it doesnt go over the sides of the spout or lid opening? I tell you, the English are the only ones that really know how to design those things right, it seems.
I am a true, self confessed tea freak. Yep. I said it. I'm a freak. heh. | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 7:47:06 PM | Hi!
I am DEFINATELY a major tea drinker!!!! My current faves are from TeaTime International. There's a shop at Merrit Square and it's a little tiny hole in the wall!!!
One of my friend's told me about the Rooibos, so I had to try it.
I LLLLOVE Serenitea, a blend with chammomile, calendula, hibiscus, lavender, cornflowers. It's soo pretty, reminds me of potpourri, but, you just relax and melt after you drink it!!!! It's awesome as it has NO CAFFEINE!!!
Also, I love their Rooibos Provence blend- lavender, red and black currents and raisins. It reminds me of vanilla and caramel. Their Earl Grey is flavorful and also, lavender and rosebud is really nice. I haven't found any tea rooms locally, but the BEST TEA EXPERIENCE I ever had was at Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel!!!
For $32, you can get tea for two including your own pot of tea and 3 courses- unique sandwiches- marinated veggies in a cucumber half, for example, 2 scones with clotted cream and jam and 3 pastry choices. Yes, VERY EXPENSIVE, but the experience is well-worth it!!
There's also a nice tea room in Lake Mary called Magnolia Tea Room in a barn with other varied shops.
I'm enjoying reading about all your favorites and look forward to contributing more!!!
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/11/2007 7:59:21 PM | Tea
Earl Grey
Hot!
Our "instant on" hot water at work isnt quite hot enough (190F) but it gets the job done! | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/11/2007 8:16:46 PM | | I'm a major tea drinker too, and the Breakfast teas are my favorite. I usually look for organic teas-Stash has a great organic English breakfast tea, and I've had Choice brand organic teas. I also try to buy fair trade teas. And it also has to be with filtered water or forget it. I drink it black(or is it brown?) I've made loose tea in a tea ball, but seem to stick to tea bags mostly because it's easier in the clean up department. I've been drinking yerba mate which is kind of a nice change once in awhile, but I love my caffeine. Mostly when I've ordered tea out(hot or cold) it is usually disappointing, so when I go out I buy coffee-even though I'm not really a coffee drinker. Tea never leaves a bad taste in my mouth(like coffee does). There you have it-tea and me. Melinda | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/11/2007 8:32:34 PM | I agree about the hot water temps. The best I can usually get away from home is the hot water tap out of the Bunn coffemakers cistern. Like you said, it gets the job done.
Never tried Yerba Mate but been reading about it. Can't drink coffee. Just can't. My taste buds wont let me. Heh. Starbucks (Tazo) Awake is a nice black blend. You can buy it by the box from the supermarket for less than they'll charge you, but they make it well if you need a cup on the go.
My current dilemma is with the travel mugs. I need a cute travel mug that will actually take boiling water in it. Too many say not to put boiling water in them. What use is that?
Looks like I got a good topic going, huh? Tea drinkers unite! | |
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Posted: 12/11/2007 8:52:35 PM | I drink Tetley or Red Rose tea with creme or milk in it. They don't taste very good , so I may try orange pekoe or another brand.
I've tried herbal teas, but I don't care for them very much.. | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/12/2007 12:47:13 AM |
And why can't I get a US made tea pot that doesnt leak or drip? I dont mean its cracked but just that its designed so it doesnt go over the sides of the spout or lid opening? I tell you, the English are the only ones that really know how to design those things right, it seems.
yes most american made tea pots almost seem like antiques made to put up on a wall and look at. They just don't function very well at all.
If anyone comes up with specific suggestions for good tea pots I am all ears. Links would be ideal. I feel like I need a 2 quart tea pot plus one with one of those infusing baskets so I can get the whole leaves out easily and rinse it & clean it easier. | |
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Posted: 12/12/2007 6:05:32 AM | I need an automatic kettle too. In college we called them "hot pots" but we know they're just water boilers. I am looking for a cordless european-style kettle, with a 360-degree base. I pay attention to things like water level viewer and capacity, etc.
By automatic I mean automatic switch off :) . The ones in Britain heat up in half the time ours do, because they have 220V, but ah that is life in the USA :) . | |
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Posted: 12/12/2007 6:47:06 AM |
If anyone comes up with specific suggestions for good tea pots I am all ears.
All but one of the ceramic pots I have are antiques- never a leak in any of them, and the only non-antique is 25 years old. I'd haunt the antique and thrift stores looking for kettles, pots, etc. Especially in and around senior-type neighborhoods.
RE, you can also look at some of the historic re-enactor suppliers for heavy copper kettles. I lost all my links when the old 'puter died so you might have to google it, or look at the advertiser list for Backwoodsman magazine. There's a couple of them that have the pots, strainers and infusing baskets you're looking for. I think Lehman's is one of the names, it's an older style hardware store.
What I miss is a Samovar. My g'father had a silver one he used for tea- a small candle under it kept things just at the right temperature. When I was just a little one we used to share 'a glass tea' sitting in the corner booth of his luncheonette, looking out the window while the world passed by.  | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/12/2007 6:52:31 AM | I'm actually quite a fan of it. Coming from an Irish background, there was always a teapot of strong tea on the table.
I like Earl Gray, which is still a classic to me.
Some others , like rooibos (I've found a blend with vanilla that's quite amazing) , are very healthy and good for you. Rooibos is quite popular in the Netherlands, with it's ties to the Africaan's speakers in South Africa. My l'il sis introduced me to that.
There's also Japanese Matcha tea, which is really different. It's like this florescent green type of colour, and one prepares it in the traditional Japanese whisk. It's got some great health benefits too. It's traditionally served with a sweet like chocolate, rolled in the tea powder. It's got this wonderful taste , which is hard to describe.
At my favorite resto, Yuan, they offer a Taiwanese tea service . One pours the tea into a special container, from the pot. One smells the tea in that container, and then you pour it into your regular cup. Quite refined....
There's another tea room near my apartment, which offers an amazing assortment of teas . There's even a green tea with white chocolate added into it, which is quite delicious.
And finally, there's bubble tea. I suggest everyone find a place that prepares that from scratch (not from powders), and sample it. One takes a green or black tea, combines that with something else (like fresh fruit juices) , and then also adds large pre-cooked tapioca balls (hence the "bubble" in the name) to it.
Very refreshing. | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/12/2007 12:09:43 PM | Ooo, I've got a treat for you all.
www.specialteas.com
I've visited many teahouses, and bought from ~15 tea stores online. Specialteas is by far the best.
May I suggest my favorite teas on their website (you can search by # in the search box):
114 Darjeeling Tukdah FTGFOP1 First Flush.
If the only Darjeeling you have tried is that loose leaf at the grocery store... you are in for a big surprise.
617 Formosa Oolong Fanciest Grade
Most oolongs are not high quality; they taste musty like potting soil, or are bland, or even "fishy"... But this oolong is perfection. Possibly my favorite tea ever. Tastes cinammony.
507 China Yunnan Imperial
It is thought that tea originated from the Yunnan province. This tea is probably closest to what the original tea tasted like. Such a fresh, flowery, slightly spicy flavor.
502 China Keemun Imperial
I will try my best to explain this one. It has a somewhat spicy, smokey, "oriental" flavor. Very unique and I love it.
Specialteas.com. Go there now. :) Lipton drinkers will be amazed that tea can come in such a variety of flavors...
As for me...
I grew up drinking tea, but really got into it about 7 years ago. Ever since then I've been blending spices, teas, syrups (ie, agave syrup, or even molasses), milk, half&half, etc...
There are so many possibilities. I love that I can make something new every time. I also am experienced enough to know what I am making will taste like when it's done... so I can make what I'm "craving."
Yep, tea is amazing. | |
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Posted: 12/12/2007 1:00:02 PM | I bought a nice oolong from Tom Thumb (Safeway stores) called Dragon Eye Oolong Tea. It isnt musty at all, its almost fruity, it has a real distinct flavor.
But I am a purist, I dont add anything to pollute my tea, regardless of the tea type. No lemon, honey, milk, etc. I want to taste the tea :) . I like it unadulterated.
I think I have heard of Specialteas once or twice but didnt know it was lauded. I like Stash myself.
For those who dont know, Formosa is Taiwan, which is owned by China. Their tea is popular because the Chinese taught them how to do it :) . | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/12/2007 4:33:12 PM |
617 Formosa Oolong Fanciest Grade
Most oolongs are not high quality; they taste musty like potting soil, or are bland, or even "fishy"... But this oolong is perfection. Possibly my favorite tea ever. Tastes cinammony.
17 dollars for 4 ounces of tea? Good single malt is cheaper than that! Maybe I'll buy it for myself for Christmas.
All but one of the ceramic pots I have are antiques- never a leak in any of them, and the only non-antique is 25 years old. I'd haunt the antique and thrift stores looking for kettles, pots, etc. Especially in and around senior-type neighborhoods.
3 of my 4 are old pots. I don't have troubles with leaks rather if I fill them up all the way it starts to come out the spout. Besides that they are just too small. 1 quart is rediculous to me and it takes like 45 minutes, including steeping time, before the tea is cool enough for me to drink. Which is why I do it by the gallon in the dutch oven and reheat as needed. But you're right I should look into tea accessories and see what is out there.
The ones in Britain heat up in half the time ours do, because they have 220V, but ah that is life in the USA :)
Probably even quicker than that since when you double the voltage you also double the current which in turn quadruples the power consumed for the same wattage heating element. | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/12/2007 4:43:38 PM | | Yeah some of those kettles have uber-thick cable.... kind of reminds me of when I had some cooker cable installed while there. That stuff was as thick as rope! | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/12/2007 5:45:26 PM | Being an Irish/Brit, I drink a lot of tea. Growing up with Irish parents, there was always a pot of tea on the brew. My favorites are Twinings Irish and English breakfast teas.
I use a kettle to boil the water, never the microwave. I have a traditional English teapot that I always warm before I add the tea. I like to try and use loose leaf tea, gives a better taste. I usually let the pot sit for about 5 mins to let the flavor develop, I have a tea cozy that keeps the pot warm.
Then its just pour myself a cuppa and sit and enjoy........:) | |
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| Tea Lovers' Forum
Posted: 12/12/2007 6:56:30 PM | | I have a "English brown betty" from WWII. My mom gave it to me. I collect tea pots but most are for display and one blue and white striped is my service tea pot. I went to a Victorian Tea recently at a local church, herbal rose tea or Earl Grey and tons of goodies. It was so relaxing. I am a lazy tea maker at home. I have a purifier which heats and chills water. The hot water is just before it boils and creates the best tea. But sometimes I think it is about the attitude. Snuggled up on the couch with a blanket around me, the dog next to my feet, a good movie and the cupa' mandrain orange or green tea. Now if I could just find a good man who shared my love of tea........... | |
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