2/6/04


> BEST TEA FOR ZHONG (GAIWAN)??


Green tea, not black.
Green oolong, not dark.
No Pu-erh, please.

Pick a green tea that is *forgiving* -- that is, a tea that will not get
upset or bitter when oversteeped. Use a bit less leaf than you might
normally. Place more leaf in there periodically as you drink your way
through your day. No need to disgard old leaf. Long Jin -- Jim's Black
Dragon -- works well. Traditionally, jasmine balls or other green balls work
well for this purpose and are designed for it. Display teas -- the "other"
Bai Mudan (Pai Mu Tan; White Peony) -- also work beautifully.

Michael