Hi.
I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something. I
recognise that my recent post about fine teas offended some people, and I'm
sorry for that. I didn't mean to appear like a capitalist jock, although,
couching my enquiry in economic terms didn't help my case. I'm not rich, if
that's what you're thinking, I'm just a student. The tea I drink comes from
the supermarket and gets brewed ina mug, so I'm by no means knowledgeable.
In fact, I know nothing. That's why I came here, I was just looking for
some advice really. If I just wanted the most expensive tea, I could have
gone shopping and picked the pricyest one off the shelf. What I was really
trying to say was, what's a good tea, a fine tea, a respected tea, an
impressive tea, and if it's costly, I'm willing to cover that in order to
acquire something really wonderful. That's the way round I meant it, not
what's a pricey tea because it's bound to be good, but, rather, what's a
wonderful tea and I guess it'll therefore be pricey. I didn't mean to
appear ignorant, although I now see that's how it came across. I just
wanted to know what teas people respect, people who know about these things,
unlike myself. I didn't want to just buy the most expensive thing off the
shelf, I wanted to know what you guys go for, seeing as it seems like you
know a thing or two. So I'm sorry, Ripon, if I offended you, I didn't mean
to, I'm not some spoilt brat, I'm just looking to find something that isn't
PG Tips for a change. I thought you might be able to help. Thanks.

Hi,

Fludge wrote:

> Hi.
> I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something. I
> recognise that my recent post about fine teas offended some people, and I'm
> sorry for that. I didn't mean to appear like a capitalist jock, although,
> couching my enquiry in economic terms didn't help my case. I'm not rich, if
> that's what you're thinking, I'm just a student. The tea I drink comes from
> the supermarket and gets brewed ina mug, so I'm by no means knowledgeable.
> In fact, I know nothing. That's why I came here, I was just looking for
> some advice really. If I just wanted the most expensive tea, I could have
> gone shopping and picked the pricyest one off the shelf. What I was really
> trying to say was, what's a good tea, a fine tea, a respected tea, an
> impressive tea, and if it's costly, I'm willing to cover that in order to
> acquire something really wonderful. That's the way round I meant it, not
> what's a pricey tea because it's bound to be good, but, rather, what's a
> wonderful tea and I guess it'll therefore be pricey. I didn't mean to
> appear ignorant, although I now see that's how it came across. I just
> wanted to know what teas people respect, people who know about these things,
> unlike myself. I didn't want to just buy the most expensive thing off the
> shelf, I wanted to know what you guys go for, seeing as it seems like you
> know a thing or two. So I'm sorry, Ripon, if I offended you, I didn't mean
> to, I'm not some spoilt brat, I'm just looking to find something that isn't
> PG Tips for a change. I thought you might be able to help. Thanks.

I found Ripon's answer a bit over the line myself.

If you want a good tea which is relatively expensive, and not white tea,
try some Golden Yunnan, sometimes named Yunnan Superior. It's my "Tea of
the month" ;-)

Laurent
--
Laurent Bugnion, GalaSoft
Webdesign, Java, javascript: http://www.galasoft-LB.ch
Private/Malaysia: http://mypage.bluewin.ch/lbugnion
Support children in Calcutta: http://www.calcutta-espoir.ch

"Laurent Bugnion, GalaSoft" > wrote in
:

> Hi,
>
> Fludge wrote:
>
>> Hi.
>> I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something. I
>> recognise that my recent post about fine teas offended some people,
>> and I'm sorry for that. I didn't mean to appear like a capitalist
>> jock, although, couching my enquiry in economic terms didn't help my
>> case. I'm not rich, if that's what you're thinking, I'm just a
>> student. The tea I drink comes from the supermarket and gets brewed
>> ina mug, so I'm by no means knowledgeable. In fact, I know nothing.
>> That's why I came here, I was just looking for some advice really.
>> If I just wanted the most expensive tea, I could have gone shopping
>> and picked the pricyest one off the shelf. What I was really trying
>> to say was, what's a good tea, a fine tea, a respected tea, an
>> impressive tea, and if it's costly, I'm willing to cover that in
>> order to acquire something really wonderful. That's the way round I
>> meant it, not what's a pricey tea because it's bound to be good, but,
>> rather, what's a wonderful tea and I guess it'll therefore be pricey.
>> I didn't mean to appear ignorant, although I now see that's how it
>> came across. I just wanted to know what teas people respect, people
>> who know about these things, unlike myself. I didn't want to just
>> buy the most expensive thing off the shelf, I wanted to know what you
>> guys go for, seeing as it seems like you know a thing or two. So I'm
>> sorry, Ripon, if I offended you, I didn't mean to, I'm not some
>> spoilt brat, I'm just looking to find something that isn't PG Tips
>> for a change. I thought you might be able to help. Thanks.
>
> I found Ripon's answer a bit over the line myself.
>
> If you want a good tea which is relatively expensive, and not white
> tea, try some Golden Yunnan, sometimes named Yunnan Superior. It's my
> "Tea of the month" ;-)
>
> Laurent

I am new (lurky) to this group and I think it is a great group from what
I have seen so far.
I get my teas mostly at the grocery, they sell them in bulk and I have
been trying different greens, one organic black, one celestial seasons
white and plan to try some red soon. I do not really have much of a
recomendation but just to try different teas and see. Many of the teas they
talk of in here are ones I have not ever heard of, but hope to eventually
become familiar with. Be sure to check out different stores also, the first
Jasmine I tried was from a local Chinese import store when I was looking
for some green, jasmine is currently my favorite tea, and I happened to
happen across it.
I also waned to respond to Laurent's post, and say how kind you were, and
that you (Laurent) have a very very beautiful family, you are a very lucky
man indeed! and you drink tea!!
well anyway, peace to all,
happy holidays and
o yeh
be sure to drink some tea.
(=
peace
(sluurp)
sodapop

"Fludge" > wrote in message
...
> Hi.
> I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something. I
> recognise that my recent post about fine teas offended some people, and
I'm
> sorry for that. I didn't mean to appear like a capitalist jock, although,
> couching my enquiry in economic terms didn't help my case. I'm not rich,
if
> that's what you're thinking, I'm just a student. The tea I drink comes
from
> the supermarket and gets brewed ina mug, so I'm by no means knowledgeable.
> In fact, I know nothing. That's why I came here, I was just looking for
> some advice really. If I just wanted the most expensive tea, I could have
> gone shopping and picked the pricyest one off the shelf. What I was
really
> trying to say was, what's a good tea, a fine tea, a respected tea, an
> impressive tea, and if it's costly, I'm willing to cover that in order to
> acquire something really wonderful. That's the way round I meant it, not
> what's a pricey tea because it's bound to be good, but, rather, what's a
> wonderful tea and I guess it'll therefore be pricey. I didn't mean to
> appear ignorant, although I now see that's how it came across. I just
> wanted to know what teas people respect, people who know about these
things,
> unlike myself. I didn't want to just buy the most expensive thing off the
> shelf, I wanted to know what you guys go for, seeing as it seems like you
> know a thing or two. So I'm sorry, Ripon, if I offended you, I didn't
mean
> to, I'm not some spoilt brat, I'm just looking to find something that
isn't
> PG Tips for a change. I thought you might be able to help. Thanks.
>
>

It helps if we know your tastes. Otherwise the question is almost
impossible to answer. However, since you don't know what you like, here are
some questions.

1. Do you smoke?
2. Which of the following flavors appeal to you- Flowery, smoky, wine-like,
yeasty, grassy, or woody?
3. When you brew PG Tips, are you going for taste or the caffeine rush?
4. Do you drink tea in a hurry, or do you use it to relax?
5. What time of day are you most likely to drink tea?
6. Do you prefer to have tea with food, or do you drink it alone?
7. Finally- sugar, milk and sugar, lemon, or nothing?

The answer to these question will help us help you. While I agree that
Ripon was brusque, I understood where he was coming from. If you can use a
computer, then you are capable of reading a bit of something on tea before
asking 'what's the most expensive one?' I say this because I just bought a
friend cigars, and I actually spent a few hours reading up on them so that
when I asked questions of cigar smokers regarding my purchase, I didn't
annoy them and I could make sense of the answer.

For the record, if you like PG tips, you might also like Taylor's of
Harrogate or Twinings. Prince of Wales (Twinings) is good with milk and
sugar. Imperial Tea Room (Taylors) is strong and is good for waking up in
the morning. Both come in gift tins. I would also suggest going to
Imperial Tea Court in SF and asking for help- you can actually taste teas
there, which will make it easier.

>For the record, if you like PG tips, you might also like Taylor's of
>Harrogate or Twinings.

My favourite "normal" tea is Taylors of Harrogate's Yorkshire Tea. It might
be the first step away from the main brands. I find the loose leaf variety
a tad bitter, but the bagged version is incredibly versatile and makes a
great brew in a pot or mug.

Perhaps Fludge's first step is to get a pot, and experiment with the
ceremony?

Cheers

Blippie
--
Visit the alt.aviation.safety FAQ online at www.blippie.org.uk

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 08:46:58 -0000, in article
>, Fludge wrote:

> I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something.

I don't see any need for it.

> I
> recognise that my recent post about fine teas offended some people, and I'm
> sorry for that.

I didn't see any sign of offense taken to your article.

I interpreted your article to ask, "What's the best tea?"
I interpreted the responses as saying, "It depends on the tastes of the
drinker."

> I didn't mean to
> appear ignorant, although I now see that's how it came across.

How does one learn? I read a book on tea, subscribed to this newsgroup,
and bought many varieties of tea. What did I learn? I don't like green
tea or Lapsang Souchong; there are many teas I like but they're all at
least a little different.

> I'm just looking to find something that isn't
> PG Tips for a change.

Of the teas I've had recently, I really (really) liked Sungma
(second-flush) Darjeeling and the Bai Hao (Formosa) Oolong.

And what's wrong with PG Tips? I was thinking about buying some. A local
store has a package marked "Only 89p" but they're asking $4.95.

> I thought you might be able to help.

I find this group quite friendly and helpful. There are some, including
myself, who come down hard on shills and spammers, but that's a good thing.

Jules Dubois > writes:

> [...ignorance and knowledge...]
>
> How does one learn? I read a book on tea, subscribed to this newsgroup,
> and bought many varieties of tea. What did I learn? I don't like green
> tea [...]

I hope you regard that as a provisional judgment, because:

- there are countless varieties of green teas to try;

- your taste may change;

- some greens can be delicious or horrible depending on how you brew them.

/Lew
---
Lew Perin /
http://www.panix.com/~perin/babelcarp.html

>I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something.

You have nothing to apologize for. You asked a legitimate question, and
received a mean-spirited response from a dick.
One of the problems with purchasing high end teas is that the field lacks the
centuries old delineation of growing areas and a standardized designation of
expected quality that one finds in the world of wine. One company's "supreme"
grade may well be inferior to another's "superior" grade, and both may be less
appealing than another's "standard". A high price alone does not assure
quality.

Other than extremely rare teas, where price is determined more by market forces
than virtue, high end items tend to top out at around $300 per pound, or so.
That still makes for an affordable drink, and is a pittance compared to other
beverages (a similarly exalted wine could go for hundreds of dollars per
glass). For that price, or a whole lot less, there is an enormous variety of
styles to choose from, and that's where your own particular palate takes over
and your own subjective tastes come into play.



--

"Fludge" > wrote in message >...
> Hi.
> I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something. I
> recognise that my recent post about fine teas offended some people, and I'm
> sorry for that. I didn't mean to appear like a capitalist jock, although,
> couching my enquiry in economic terms didn't help my case. I'm not rich, if
> that's what you're thinking, I'm just a student. The tea I drink comes from
> the supermarket and gets brewed ina mug, so I'm by no means knowledgeable.
> In fact, I know nothing. That's why I came here, I was just looking for
> some advice really. If I just wanted the most expensive tea, I could have
> gone shopping and picked the pricyest one off the shelf. What I was really
> trying to say was, what's a good tea, a fine tea, a respected tea, an
> impressive tea, and if it's costly, I'm willing to cover that in order to
> acquire something really wonderful. That's the way round I meant it, not
> what's a pricey tea because it's bound to be good, but, rather, what's a
> wonderful tea and I guess it'll therefore be pricey. I didn't mean to
> appear ignorant, although I now see that's how it came across. I just
> wanted to know what teas people respect, people who know about these things,
> unlike myself. I didn't want to just buy the most expensive thing off the
> shelf, I wanted to know what you guys go for, seeing as it seems like you
> know a thing or two. So I'm sorry, Ripon, if I offended you, I didn't mean
> to, I'm not some spoilt brat, I'm just looking to find something that isn't
> PG Tips for a change. I thought you might be able to help. Thanks.

Fuldge:

We all have good day or bad day. The day I answered your post, I had a
very bad business day(Some labor crisis in the factory). Everyday
after work, I come and join to this tea group and brass off all my
work stress. We all love tea here and talk about it. Somehow I just
felt someone is showing off and posted that mail. But however after
posted that, I personally felt very bad too,I overeacted I am sorry, I
am not trying to say- it was all my bad business day fault. I am just
trying to explain why I posted that mail. I also appologise for my
over reaction or better say bad attitude. Usally i don't talk like
that, again i am sorry. I hope we both can forget it and think ahead.

Your question answer is(Good white tea):-

Chainese:
Lin Yun White Downy Tea
Chinese Bai Mei

India:
Darjeeling Arya Estate white tea

Sri Lanka:
Ceylon Silver tips

Bangladesh:
Meena Orthodox white Darjeeling slope tea
(I had this white tea once then never find it again, I didn't try hard
though.

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 16:26:49 -0000, in article
>, Blippie wrote:

> My favourite "normal" tea is Taylors of Harrogate's Yorkshire Tea. It might
> be the first step away from the main brands. I find the loose leaf variety
> a tad bitter [...]

I'm no tea-master, but have you tried reducing the steeping time? A
Ceylonese tea I really liked is quite sensitive to the time; it goes from
delicious and smooth (steeping 2:30) to slightly astringent (3:00) to quite
astringent and slightly bitter (3:30).

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 16:26:49 -0000, in article
>, Blippie wrote:

> My favourite "normal" tea is Taylors of Harrogate's Yorkshire Tea. It might
> be the first step away from the main brands. I find the loose leaf variety
> a tad bitter [...]

I'm no tea-master, but have you tried reducing the steeping time? A
Ceylonese tea I really liked is quite sensitive to the time; it goes from
delicious and smooth (steeping 2:30) to slightly astringent (3:00) to quite
astringent and slightly bitter (3:30).

"Laurent Bugnion, GalaSoft" > writes:

>
> If you want a good tea which is relatively expensive, and not white
> tea, try some Golden Yunnan, sometimes named Yunnan Superior. It's my
> "Tea of the month" ;-)


If the OP is buying to give a gift to someone who likes basic tea,
then I'd suggest four different teas to total a pound and tea
cannisters for them if the person getting the gift doesn't have those
already (Specialteas has those).

My favorite oolong is something I pick up in Chinatown (Philly) for
around $8 a box (comes in a double-lidded rectangular double lidded
tin inside a celophane wrapped cardboard box). It's intensely
fragrent when opened. Equivalent oolongs from the local tea stores
are around $9 to $10 a quarter pound.

What people said about a big jump between tea bag teas and teas priced
at around $5 to $7 for four ounces and a more subtle jump between
those and the $15 to $20 for four ounce teas has been true in my case.

White teas are rather a special taste. I don't think they're going to
appeal to someone just moving up from supermarket teas compared to the
gaudy little oolong I drink or the Golden Yunnan. I was drinking
Keemun and Yunnan blacks for a few years before I tried whites and
greens.

A nice gift package might be a second flush Darjeeling, the Yunnan, an
oolong, and a Japanese green tea, with a set of proper cannisters
(glazed ceramic with clamp lids and rubber seals or metal cannisters
with lids that seal well). Just work on getting a range of tastes,
watch which one disappears first, and use that as a guide for future
gifts.

--
Rebecca Ore
http://mysite.verizon.net/rebecca.ore

"Fludge" > wrote in message
...
> Hi.
> I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something. I
> recognise that my recent post about fine teas offended some people, and
I'm
> sorry for that. I didn't mean to appear like a capitalist jock, although,
> couching my enquiry in economic terms didn't help my case. I'm not rich,
if
> that's what you're thinking, I'm just a student. The tea I drink comes
from
> the supermarket and gets brewed ina mug, so I'm by no means knowledgeable.
> In fact, I know nothing. That's why I came here, I was just looking for
> some advice really. If I just wanted the most expensive tea, I could have
> gone shopping and picked the pricyest one off the shelf. What I was
really
> trying to say was, what's a good tea, a fine tea, a respected tea, an
> impressive tea, and if it's costly, I'm willing to cover that in order to
> acquire something really wonderful. That's the way round I meant it, not
> what's a pricey tea because it's bound to be good, but, rather, what's a
> wonderful tea and I guess it'll therefore be pricey. I didn't mean to
> appear ignorant, although I now see that's how it came across. I just
> wanted to know what teas people respect, people who know about these
things,
> unlike myself. I didn't want to just buy the most expensive thing off the
> shelf, I wanted to know what you guys go for, seeing as it seems like you
> know a thing or two. So I'm sorry, Ripon, if I offended you, I didn't
mean
> to, I'm not some spoilt brat, I'm just looking to find something that
isn't
> PG Tips for a change. I thought you might be able to help. Thanks.
>
>
Others have given you some good suggestions of fine teas. I just thought I'd
add a couple of my favorites. The best white tea I've ever had is Adams Peak
Estate white from Sri Lanka. I've only found it from Strand Tea Co.
(888-718-6358). They have a web site (http://www.strandtea.com), but this
particular tea isn't listed on it. It has a wonderful fruit and honey
flavor. It's a bit pricey at over (US)$6/oz, but can be steeped at least 3
times. I also love lightly oxidize oolongs that have a floral aroma and
taste. Tung Ting or anything called a 'jade' oolong would be this type. My
favorite is called Four Seasons, and I get it at Taiwan Tea
(http://taiwantea.etoad.com/). It's actually one of their cheaper teas.
Their Pure and Fragrant oolong is also excellent. It's a little more highly
oxidized and has more of a toasty flavor than the Four Seasons which is very
floral. It's reasonably priced too. Both of these, like the Adams Peak
Estate, can be steeped several times. Have fun!

Agalena

Hi,

Loiskelly1 wrote:

>>I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something.
>
>
> You have nothing to apologize for. You asked a legitimate question, and
> received a mean-spirited response from a dick.

Oh come on. Ripon's not a dick, even if his answer was not the best.
Besides, he apologizes for it in this very thread (though you might not
have seen it yet). Ripon's posts are usually interesting and very
tea-related. We all have our bad days. A bit of understanding on every
part helps to be happier and more relaxed. Especially in a tea related NG.

Laurent
--
Laurent Bugnion, GalaSoft
Webdesign, Java, javascript: http://www.galasoft-LB.ch
Private/Malaysia: http://mypage.bluewin.ch/lbugnion
Support children in Calcutta: http://www.calcutta-espoir.ch

1. Long live Ripon and Laurent Bugnion, may they continue to infuse
our conversations with their gentility.

2. Ripon just asked about Japanese cast iron pots (tetsubin). I
recently went shopping for these (just browsing, really, keeping my
eyes open for them while I bought tea) and found two things:

a) They are often advertised as kettles, but all of them have
accompanying material which says not to put them on open flames.
What's the use of a kettle which is sensitive to heat? Are they
really only pots? But doesn't tea cool quickly in an iron pot?

b) Some (e.g. in fancy Japanese department stores) are very expensive
and others (in Chinatown trinket shops) quite cheap. Do cheap ones
wear out quickly?

3. An old student (more precisely, a young former student) is going to
Hong Kong and asked if he could buy me tea (word gets around).
Despite being a native he doesn't know the first thing about tea
(the usual case). He drinks Coke and eats in fast food joints,
there or here. So I need to give him explicit instructions. I'm
thinking of asking him to bring me one of those pu erhs (I think
that's what they are) which are aged in a grapefruit skin or bamboo
section. The former seems like it would yield a sort of Earl Grey
Pu Erh, a concept I find at first horrifying but perhaps vaguely
attractive in a musty sort of way, something like Diane Keaton
doing a nude scene. Any suggestions?

Wishing you a fulfilling Saturnalia,

Rick.

It was open stage night in rec.food.drink.tea, when Rick Chappell
stepped up to the microphone and muttered:

> a) They are often advertised as kettles, but all of them
> have
> accompanying material which says not to put them on open
> flames. What's the use of a kettle which is sensitive to
> heat? Are they really only pots? But doesn't tea cool
> quickly in an iron pot?

Not if you pre-heat the pot with hot water first. Ever cooked with
a cast iron skillet? Pay attention to just how long that darned
thing retains heat after you take it off of the stove.

--
Derek

Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
But it rocks absolutely, too.

Rick Chappell > writes:

> [...gentility...]
>
> 2. Ripon just asked about Japanese cast iron pots (tetsubin). I
> recently went shopping for these (just browsing, really, keeping my
> eyes open for them while I bought tea) and found two things:
>
> a) They are often advertised as kettles, but all of them have
> accompanying material which says not to put them on open flames.
> What's the use of a kettle which is sensitive to heat? Are they
> really only pots? But doesn't tea cool quickly in an iron pot?

I don't know the answer but I have to admit I've been wondering about
those tetsubins with bumpy surfaces: are they heat sinks or what?

/Lew
---
Lew Perin /
http://www.panix.com/~perin/babelcarp.html

(Ripon) wrote in
om:

> We all have good day or bad day. The day I answered your post, I had a
> very bad business day(Some labor crisis in the factory). Everyday
> after work, I come and join to this tea group and brass off all my
> work stress. We all love tea here and talk about it. Somehow I just
> felt someone is showing off and posted that mail. But however after
> posted that, I personally felt very bad too,I overeacted I am sorry, I
> am not trying to say- it was all my bad business day fault. I am just
> trying to explain why I posted that mail. I also appologise for my
> over reaction or better say bad attitude. Usally i don't talk like
> that, again i am sorry. I hope we both can forget it and think ahead.

Ripon, I have not been reading the group a long time, but your initial
response did seem out of character for you. I deeply respect your
willingness to apologize.

--
fD

"Fludge" > wrote in message
...
> Hi.
> I just wanted to right and set the record straight on something. I
> recognise that my recent post about fine teas offended some people, and
I'm
> sorry for that. I didn't mean to appear like a capitalist jock, although,
> couching my enquiry in economic terms didn't help my case. I'm not rich,
if
> that's what you're thinking, I'm just a student. The tea I drink comes
from
> the supermarket and gets brewed ina mug, so I'm by no means knowledgeable.
> In fact, I know nothing. That's why I came here, I was just looking for
> some advice really. If I just wanted the most expensive tea, I could have
> gone shopping and picked the pricyest one off the shelf. What I was
really
> trying to say was, what's a good tea, a fine tea, a respected tea, an
> impressive tea, and if it's costly, I'm willing to cover that in order to
> acquire something really wonderful. That's the way round I meant it, not
> what's a pricey tea because it's bound to be good, but, rather, what's a
> wonderful tea and I guess it'll therefore be pricey. I didn't mean to
> appear ignorant, although I now see that's how it came across. I just
> wanted to know what teas people respect, people who know about these
things,
> unlike myself. I didn't want to just buy the most expensive thing off the
> shelf, I wanted to know what you guys go for, seeing as it seems like you
> know a thing or two. So I'm sorry, Ripon, if I offended you, I didn't
mean
> to, I'm not some spoilt brat, I'm just looking to find something that
isn't
> PG Tips for a change. I thought you might be able to help. Thanks.

Am I too late to hop on this thread?

What I would do - I would buy a range of teas. For one-stop shopping, I
would recommend specialteas.com,
good prices and good selection.

I would purchase a few types to cover a range of tea styles. One english
style such as english breakfast which would be close in style but maybe
better quality then PG Tips, one other black such as ceylon (excellent with
no milk or sugar), a chinese oolong, and a green. Maybe a white tea too.
And don't forget to get a teeli (a tea strainer) - it's much better than a
tea ball.

The reason I would do this is because taste in tea varies from person to
person. For example I like the subtle taste of white teas, but my wife
likes nothing other than bold english style black teas. She just doesn't
get white tea, can't taste it. And her teas I can drink but don't enjoy as
much as others. Neither of us has more refined, or 'better' taste than the
other, just different. So the above spectrum may be just the thing to get,
YMMV

-ben

Derek wrote:
>
> It was open stage night in rec.food.drink.tea, when Rick Chappell
> stepped up to the microphone and muttered:
>
> > a) They are often advertised as kettles, but all of them
> > have
> > accompanying material which says not to put them on open
> > flames. What's the use of a kettle which is sensitive to
> > heat? Are they really only pots? But doesn't tea cool
> > quickly in an iron pot?
>
> Not if you pre-heat the pot with hot water first. Ever cooked with
> a cast iron skillet? Pay attention to just how long that darned
> thing retains heat after you take it off of the stove.

Using tetsubin to brew tea is a practice rarely seen in Japan. They are
used to heat the water, not to steep tea. You can see an explanation
and pic here, with the labor of boiling water and steeping tea plainly
divided:

http://www.kougei.or.jp/crafts/0801/special/tea1.html

Matcha, now as in the past, is prepared and drunk in the same vessel.
But when Sencha came into favor, a kyuusu tea pot was necessary to brew
the leaves. Tetsubin with easy-to-pour spouts were devised to replace
unwieldy ladles or dippers. Read all about it at this brief history of
tetsubin:

http://www.kougei.or.jp/crafts/0801/...l/history.html

Finally, for those still in doubt, I offer this online dictionary
definition of "tetsubin" stating it is an "iron vessel used to boil
water"

http://tinyurl.com/3epac

--crymad

Rick Chappell > wrote in message >...
> 1. Long live Ripon and Laurent Bugnion, may they continue to infuse
> our conversations with their gentility.
>
> 2. Ripon just asked about Japanese cast iron pots (tetsubin). I
> recently went shopping for these (just browsing, really, keeping my
> eyes open for them while I bought tea) and found two things:
>
> a) They are often advertised as kettles, but all of them have
> accompanying material which says not to put them on open flames.
> What's the use of a kettle which is sensitive to heat? Are they
> really only pots? But doesn't tea cool quickly in an iron pot?
>
> b) Some (e.g. in fancy Japanese department stores) are very expensive
> and others (in Chinatown trinket shops) quite cheap. Do cheap ones
> wear out quickly?
>

I've got a really cheap ($30 CDN) Chinese tetsubin that displays fit
and finish very close to Japanese varieties. If you've pre-heated the
pot, tea will stay hot vastly longer than in anything short of a
vaccuum pot. I think the reason that most tetsubin are not to be
heated is an enamel coating that lines the pot. I assume that if the
enamel gets too hot it begins to spall off or release nasty odours.

Cameron

>>My favourite "normal" tea is Taylors of Harrogate's Yorkshire Tea. It
might
>>be the first step away from the main brands. I find the loose leaf
variety
>>a tad bitter [...]

>I'm no tea-master, but have you tried reducing the steeping time? A
>Ceylonese tea I really liked is quite sensitive to the time; it goes from
>delicious and smooth (steeping 2:30) to slightly astringent (3:00) to quite
>astringent and slightly bitter (3:30).

That's worth an experiment. I tend to steep the bagged variety more than
usual, and it produces a lovely rounded result. I'm not conscious of doing
that with the loose leaf variety, but I'll have a play.

Stopwatch at the ready!

Cheers

Blippie
--
Visit the alt.aviation.safety FAQ online at www.blippie.org.uk

On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 08:46:58 +0000, Fludge wrote:

> That's the way round I meant it, not
> what's a pricey tea because it's bound to be good, but, rather, what's a
> wonderful tea and I guess it'll therefore be pricey.

I didn't see the original thread, but it does seem that people do tend to
make this mistake. IMHO, a teas price generally doesn't have much to do
with how good it is - because how *good* a tea is rather relative. We
all have different tastes, one of my favorite Oolongs is far from
expensive, (while another of my favorites IS

The important thing, when learning just what you like, is to buy small
quantities of a wide range of teas to see just what it is that you DO
like. I am sure that someone has suggested you check out Special Teas
website, they have a wide variety of teas and have sample sizes avaliable
- as well as samplers.

Another good site for a beginner is Adagio Teas - or www.discovertea.com
they do not have the range of www.specialteas.com, nor do they have rare
teas, but they have excellent customer service and have less expensive
samplers than Special Teas --- just don't get anything from them that is
on sale - it is on sale for a reason They also have a couple of nice
packages complete with teapot and teas - these are glass pots and are
beautiful.

There are other good places to check as well, but as I am sure others have
or will, I won't list them here

Catherine K.