I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

My question: Would I be going overboard by including a scale in the gift
package or should I let them use a measuring spoon? I don't want to
overwhelm them by such attention to the details of brewing tea that they
think it's too much trouble, I want to turn them on to loose tea, not
confirm that teabags are the best way to go, but we know it makes a
difference and they're in a location where small scales like we use aren't
available and they don't have an ISP to shop online (they didn't shop online
when they used to have an ISP, anyway).


--
~~Bluesea~~
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Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

I'm fairly new to loose tea and haven't decided yet about buying a
scale. That might seem over-the-top to a new tea drinker, since we
tend to be more casual. What I've been finding really useful is the
recommendations on the sample packets from Upton Tea. They include
quantity in teaspoons as well as time and temperature. My other
samples came in nice little tins but the recommendations as to time
and temperature were generic, and quantity was left out completely.

On Nov 24, 7:29 am, "Bluesea" wrote:
I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

My question: Would I be going overboard by including a scale in the gift
package or should I let them use a measuring spoon?

"Janice" wrote in message
...
I'm fairly new to loose tea and haven't decided yet about buying a
scale. That might seem over-the-top to a new tea drinker, since we
tend to be more casual.

Thanks, that's exactly my concern. I'm thinking that maybe they're ready to
branch out to loose tea since they sent me a couple of loose Hawaiian blends
earlier this year, unless that was because they know I'm into tea and
somebody else told them that if I'm really into tea, I'm into loose leaf.

The samples I'm giving range from rooibos to Earl Grey to gunpowder to
white. Measuring gunpowder and whites by volume is nigh impossible because
guns are so dense (Upton's recommendation for one gun I bought a couple of
years ago was twice what's needed - gag!) and whites are so voluminous they
can't balance to stay on my spoon. These variances make measuring by volume
unreliable and meaningless. I bought a scale in self-defense.

For you, I think it will depend on to which types of teas you gravitate. If
your selections are consistent in form, you might be able to stay with a
spoon. If they vary, however, it's a lot easier to use a scale than it is to
remember, "For this tea, I need a scant teaspoon. For this other tea, I want
more than a teaspoon. For that tea, I better use a tablespoon." If you're
able to take the industry standard cited by Upton (2.25 g per 6 oz. cup) and
compare your favorites, the volumes might turn out to be very close or
widely varied.

I s'pose I could limit what I give to teas similar in volume and drink the
others myself, but that's not as much fun for the gift recipients.


--
~~Bluesea~~
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Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

On Nov 24, 6:29 am, "Bluesea" wrote:
I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

My question: Would I be going overboard by including a scale in the gift
package or should I let them use a measuring spoon? I don't want to
overwhelm them by such attention to the details of brewing tea that they
think it's too much trouble, I want to turn them on to loose tea, not
confirm that teabags are the best way to go, but we know it makes a
difference and they're in a location where small scales like we use aren't
available and they don't have an ISP to shop online (they didn't shop online
when they used to have an ISP, anyway).

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

A scale is exactly what to give, I think- a luxury to buy for oneself,
yet great to have if somebody else gives it to you. Topci

On 11/24/2007 7:29 AM, Bluesea wrote:
I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

My question: Would I be going overboard by including a scale in the gift
package or should I let them use a measuring spoon? I don't want to
overwhelm them by such attention to the details of brewing tea that they
think it's too much trouble, I want to turn them on to loose tea, not
confirm that teabags are the best way to go, but we know it makes a
difference and they're in a location where small scales like we use aren't
available and they don't have an ISP to shop online (they didn't shop online
when they used to have an ISP, anyway).


First, I think you should add me to your gift list, please!

I'd include the scale, and get them involved from the beginning the
right way, with a note explaining that a spoon works, but the scale is
more accurate, blah blah. I've yet to get one for myself simply because
I have a hard time rationalizing it - I can guesstimate the teas I drink
often with a spoon. But, I know the tea isn't as perfect - receiving one
as a gift would be an ideal present.

On Nov 24, 8:29 pm, "Bluesea" wrote:
I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

I think you should spend more on tea and less on extra stuff. The
experience would seem less scientific that way.

On Nov 24, 11:09 am, Mydnight wrote:
On Nov 24, 8:29 pm, "Bluesea" wrote:

I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

I think you should spend more on tea and less on extra stuff. The
experience would seem less scientific that way.

Yep. I'm in 100% agreement. I'd ditch as much periphery as possible
and just get a great assortment of tea and maybe an easy to follow
basic temperature guide. I did a similar thing for my sister one year
and I went with a nice stove top teakettle, a three piece ceramic tea
mug and a bunch of fairly forgiving, but excellent, teas. Then have
them give you some feedback on what they liked didn't like and slowly
turn them on to more/better teas and some technique.

Think of how you started. I'm sure you weren't measuring tea to the
microgram in a scale with instant read thermometers. If anything the
complications may keep them with teabags.

- Dominic

"toci" wrote in message
...
On Nov 24, 6:29 am, "Bluesea" wrote:
I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three
Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

My question: Would I be going overboard by including a scale in the gift
package or should I let them use a measuring spoon? I don't want to
overwhelm them by such attention to the details of brewing tea that they
think it's too much trouble, I want to turn them on to loose tea, not
confirm that teabags are the best way to go, but we know it makes a
difference and they're in a location where small scales like we use
aren't
available and they don't have an ISP to shop online (they didn't shop
online
when they used to have an ISP, anyway).

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

A scale is exactly what to give, I think- a luxury to buy for oneself,
yet great to have if somebody else gives it to you. Topci

That's a good point. So many times, we'll do for someone else as a gift, but
won't for ourselves because we rationalize that we don't really need it.
Then, when someone else gives it to us, we don't know how we ever managed to
do without and it becomes a permanent part of our routine.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Mydnight" wrote in message
...
On Nov 24, 8:29 pm, "Bluesea" wrote:
I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three
Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

I think you should spend more on tea and less on extra stuff.

The scale won't affect what's spent on tea. I won't spend less on tea by
buying it and won't spend more by not buying it.

The experience would seem less scientific that way.

Thanks, yes, I see your point. Also, I could tell them they can use a spoon
if they want for the CTC type of stuff and the scale for the uncontrollable
voluminous stuff.


--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Serendip" wrote in message
. ..
On 11/24/2007 7:29 AM, Bluesea wrote:
I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three
Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

My question: Would I be going overboard by including a scale in the gift
package or should I let them use a measuring spoon? I don't want to
overwhelm them by such attention to the details of brewing tea that they
think it's too much trouble, I want to turn them on to loose tea, not
confirm that teabags are the best way to go, but we know it makes a
difference and they're in a location where small scales like we use
aren't
available and they don't have an ISP to shop online (they didn't shop
online
when they used to have an ISP, anyway).


First, I think you should add me to your gift list, please!

Okay .

I'd include the scale, and get them involved from the beginning the
right way, with a note explaining that a spoon works, but the scale is
more accurate, blah blah.

Thanks, that's something I didn't think about on purpose - instilling good
habits from the beginning. I wanted them to have enough to start and jump
past all the accessories that didn't work and save the money I wasted in the
past on learning by trial and error which would happen if I gave only the
teas. By including a note as you suggest, they'll know that they won't have
to use the scale if they don't want, but if it's already there, it'll be
that much easier for them to start using it right away rather than waiting
to get one.

I've yet to get one for myself simply because
I have a hard time rationalizing it - I can guesstimate the teas I drink
often with a spoon. But, I know the tea isn't as perfect - receiving one
as a gift would be an ideal present.

Thanks for your input.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Dominic T." wrote in message
...
On Nov 24, 11:09 am, Mydnight wrote:
On Nov 24, 8:29 pm, "Bluesea" wrote:

I'm planning on giving a household of three adult teabag-users three
Bodum 8
oz. mini travel tumblers, three Finum brewing baskets, an instant-read
thermometer, and an assortment of loose tea samples.

I think you should spend more on tea and less on extra stuff. The
experience would seem less scientific that way.

Yep. I'm in 100% agreement. I'd ditch as much periphery as possible
and just get a great assortment of tea and maybe an easy to follow
basic temperature guide. I did a similar thing for my sister one year
and I went with a nice stove top teakettle, a three piece ceramic tea
mug and a bunch of fairly forgiving, but excellent, teas.

Heh. By leaving how the water's heated up to them and not including anything
of significant weight, I'm keeping the shipping cost down and they get to
receive the most bang from my bucks.

Then have
them give you some feedback on what they liked didn't like and slowly
turn them on to more/better teas and some technique.

Sorry, I don't see that happening. Communication is problematic so it's best
for me to get them started and let them look on their own for teas similar
to what they like of what I'm sending them or venture out to others from
there. Sometimes, merely learning that all kinds of teas exist is enough to
get someone exploring after they've had some tea that tastes better than
supermarket quality.

Think of how you started. I'm sure you weren't measuring tea to the
microgram in a scale with instant read thermometers.

Yes, and I still don't always do that because, for some teas, there is such
a thing as good enough. Just pour boiling water over a teaspoon of black tea
and three minutes later...Voila!

As for my start in making my own tea, it was frustrating, time-consuming,
and expensive. I wish I had me around to show me the ropes from the get-go
so my good experiences with tea outweighed the poor experiences. If I liked
coffee or Coke or the other more popular beverages, I might not have stuck
with tea as long as I did. But then again, knowing me, it might have ended
up the same anyway. shrug

If anything the complications may keep them with teabags.

Yes, that's exactly why I asked. I want to avoid that. I'm very much aware
that most people aren't like me, willing to pay a little more attention to
detail in order to get the most from an experience.

Thanks for your input.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Janice" wrote in message
...
I'm fairly new to loose tea and haven't decided yet about buying a
scale. That might seem over-the-top to a new tea drinker, since we
tend to be more casual.

What would you think if someone gave you a scale?

Since you're fairly new and haven't decided about buying one, would it seem
less OTT if a scale was given to you? Would you be more, or less, willing to
try using one, to experiment to see if your tea came out any better?


--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

On Nov 24, 1:18 pm, "Bluesea" wrote:
Thanks for your input.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

I must have read in a bit more than you meant... I assumed these were
close personal friends not distant people whom you don't talk to
often.

I guess if this is a fire-and-forget gift, then yes, including all of
the accouterments and letting them sort it out is fine. I'd still
venture to guess though that even a typed guide from you would be
fine. Keep it semi foolproof and use terms like "a teaspoon of tea to
however many ounces of water at boil/not quite boil/warm temperature."
Include a little guide like that with each container of tea and geared
for the teaware you are including.

I still think a scale is overkill, I rarely to never use one even with
very prized and expensive teas. Just my thoughts, it's your gift feel
free to go in any direction you want

- Dominic

"Dominic T." wrote in message
...
On Nov 24, 1:18 pm, "Bluesea" wrote:
Thanks for your input.

I must have read in a bit more than you meant... I assumed these were
close personal friends not distant people whom you don't talk to
often.

It's hard to explain, so whatever picture you got of the situation is
understandable. If email was still an option for them, I could count on
feedback, but not at this time nor in the forseeable future.

I guess if this is a fire-and-forget gift, then yes, including all of
the accouterments and letting them sort it out is fine. I'd still
venture to guess though that even a typed guide from you would be
fine. Keep it semi foolproof and use terms like "a teaspoon of tea to
however many ounces of water at boil/not quite boil/warm temperature."
Include a little guide like that with each container of tea and geared
for the teaware you are including.

I still think a scale is overkill, I rarely to never use one even with
very prized and expensive teas. Just my thoughts, it's your gift feel
free to go in any direction you want

Yes, of course I will, eventually. There are so many different ways of
thinking about tea, however, that I prefer to convert through the path of
least resistance which is why I'm soliciting opinions. Right now, the votes
are three against and 2 for.

I've got a friend who uses teabags and won't consider even timing his
infusions much less anything to do with loose tea because it's too much
trouble and not worth the effort. He's stuck on using supermarket teabags
and he brews by color. When we go to Starbucks, he pockets one of the
teabags to make tea at home later. When I said that tea gets bitter from
oversteeping, he said that's okay - he just dumps sugar in it. That was
over five years ago. With that kind of mindset, I'm not wasting any of my
time because he simply doesn't want to make any effort no matter how small.
He thinks he's getting more value for his money by using only one teabag and
steeping it longer to make the color the way he thinks it should be. People
like him are happy with what they do and don't want to fix what they're
unable to perceive as being broken. It's their life, their choice, their
tastebuds. I'm not into beating my head against their walls, but you know I
view him with amazed amusement and he does the same about my brewing loose
tea.

For the gift package, I'm currently leaning towards including a scale with a
note as you and Serendip suggest saying that the scale is provided as a
convenience because some of the teas are too voluminous for easy measuring
with a spoon. It's the reason I was compelled to buy a scale for myself. If
I explain it that way, hopefully, they'll view it as an option without
losing the aesthetic pleasure of making tea by getting scientific about it
as Mydnight pointed out.

For the guide, I'm thinking to stick colored stars on the different teas to
categorize type (silver stars for white teas, green stars for green teas,
red stars for black tea, etc.). I'll have to see what colors are available
besides those and gold to sort out the green & black oolongs, yellows, and
tisanes; might have to use colored circles, too.


--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

On Nov 24, 1:56 pm, "Bluesea" wrote:
"Janice" wrote in message

...

I'm fairly new to loose tea and haven't decided yet about buying a
scale. That might seem over-the-top to a new tea drinker, since we
tend to be more casual.

What would you think if someone gave you a scale?

Since you're fairly new and haven't decided about buying one, would it seem
less OTT if a scale was given to you? Would you be more, or less, willing to
try using one, to experiment to see if your tea came out any better?


I had to give this some thought but now that I've pictured myself
weighing out the fluffy Silver Needle tea leaves on my little scale it
seems less obsessive and more practical. It's really just a way of
measuring weight directly rather than using volume as a proxy.