FoodBanter.com - View Single Post - Iced Pu-erh?

Michael Plant

4/11/06

>
> John Grebe wrote:
>> Nothing wrong with it in my opinion, I frequently let my puerh sit
>> around to become room temperature before drinking it. I've never tried
>> chilling puerh before but after reading this I think I'll try it on the
>> next real hot day to see how it gets.
> Hi guys,
> I frequently let my tea get room temp sometimes I have more than a cup
> at a times. I really like puer at room temp, and to me also oolongs get
> better as they cool. Thats in my taste bud.. SOmetimes like wine they
> open up in the cup and you can detect different flavors but so far
> havent tried it iced. I will try a new idea
>
> Jenn
>

It opens up an interesting issue in general. I find some teas do readily
take to ice such as Formosa Oolong/Oriental Beauty and most Pu'erhs. I also
find that some teas diminish considerably when they cool, while the flavors
of others are enhanced. This also carries over to the aroma you get off the
lid of your gaiwan or from the spent leaves. In some cases, the aromas
dissipate quickly into nothingness while in others they linger on and
change. I could be wrong and probably am but I *think* greener oolongs are
OK with a bit of cup cooling, while more roasted types suffer for it. I'll
pay more attention next time.

Michael