Archive for Tea
October 30, 2006 at 10:48 pm · Filed under Tea
As I came home from Chinatown, today, I began contemplating “gourmet” tea and what it truly entails. What got me started down this road were the long aisles of boxed teas available in the Chinese stores. There were literally hundreds of them, and they were just labeled “green tea” or something basic like jasmine, woo long, or black tea. The majority of them were in tea bags, but I was able to find a good many loose leaf teas in tins.
Adagio says that “gourmet” teas are made exclusively from the plant’s most tender young leaves. Tea pickers, usually working by hand, select the plant’s two youngest leaves and a yet-to-open bud. These tender new leaves produce a tea that is more gentle and flavorful than the older varieties. The more common older leaves typically end up on your supermarket shelf.
Today, I picked up 3 different teas, and I thought about the 3 teas I got from ‘My Place for Tea.’ There, I basically paid $15 for 150gms of tea. At the Chinese place, I paid half the price and got double the amount of tea. It got me wondering if I was being screwed on these “gourmet” teas. Does the tender younger leaves actually make a greater difference in the taste of the flavor or is it nice way to make an extra buck? If they sit on the shelf for awhile, does that change the taste to an older leaf?
The one good thing that the “gourmet” shops have going for them is a noticeable variety. They carefully distinguish the green teas by name and flavor and taste. With the Chinese store I really wasn’t sure what kind I was going to get. They all said “green tea” though there are many different kinds. (Unless there is one Chinese variety that specifically falls under “green tea”) I haven’t found any store as remotely good as the tea shop in Portland. It had a wall of jars and different varieties. The owners were also knowledgeable on our questions.
Well, it’s getting late and I dont know where I’m going with this. Basically, I picked up 3 teas: 1 gunpowder, 1 “green tea”, and 1 “woo loong”. Though, that is very vague description. I suppose the Chinese store might have its own place in my home just like the Lipton bags or the yuppie Gourmet shops. Good loose tea at more affordable and larger quantity.
August 22, 2006 at 12:14 pm · Filed under Tea
Due to recent events, I have found myself in need of the temptations of the Camellia sinensis plant. I packed my haversack and prepared for the journey North upon my dandy horse. The road was arduous and my physical condition deteriorated over time. I constantly found myself avoiding the great four wheeled chariots. Many would ignore my presence and run me to the brink of insanity. After what seemed like days, I reached my destination. I gave a great sigh, and gave praise to the Gods that shined down upon me.
The leaf trader took note of my traveler’s status and showed me to his goods. He proceeded to give me a detail of the wares, yet I was already informed of their nature. The walls were well stocked in variety. Much of his supplies were a combination of blending, but my search was for the raw materials. The trader left me to peruse his inventory, and I inspected the goods. Carefully, I looked over each one and took in its history. The goods came in synthetic polymerizations contained by mass. Upon the bottom, the container gave window to the size and texture of the goods.
After much debate, I made my decision based on process and bargaining. I did not have much to offer in terms of trade, but luckily the trader took monetary compensation. I decided upon the delicacies of the Young Hyson, the Russian Safari, and the Rooibos Sweet Orange. The trader was much impressed with my selection and invited me to come again. He offered samplings upon the end of weeks. I gathered my acquisitions and readied for the long return home. I was much satisfied with the transaction and look forward to the tasting of my recent treasures.
My Place for Tea
July 27, 2006 at 3:36 pm · Filed under Tea
Looking at my tea stash, I might have to make a run in the next 2 months, so I thought I’d compile a list of each one I’ve tried for reference. I typically enjoy one cup in the morning or in the afternoon each day.
I’ve stopped using the orange tea ball that Ceej got me. I think you get the best flavor when the leaves sit openly in the water. This gives the leaves full room to expand and enrich the water with flavoring. So, I’ve been using the tea mug I got from Adagio Teas for everything. My general steep time is 3 min, unless the tea specifies longer.
- Star of Persia – A traditional full bodied black tea. Accented with ruby sugar crystals, lightly sweet.
- Snow Monkey Plum – This distinctive black tea flavored with the delicate sweet essence of sacred plum.
- English Breakfast – The English required a tea strong enough to wash down their beloved Fry-up, a typical morning fare of fried bacon, sausage, mushroom, eggs and tomato.
- Ceeylon Orange Pekoe – Long, thin, wiry leaves that sometimes contain leaf buds. The liquor is light to dark in color.
- Genmai cha – Japanese green tea with roasted and popped brown rice added, lightly tart and toasted flower in a green liquor.
- Sencha Overture – This tea extracts a pale green liquor with a mellow grassy aroma.
- Green Pekoe – Its thin, wavy leaves produce a light cup with a smooth, mellow taste and a gentle, soothing aroma.
- Chamomile – Chamomile continues to be used today to battle illness, promote calm and relieve anxiety at bedtime.
- Jasmine – Delicately sweet, laced with jasmine flowers, top grade from China.
- Peppermint – Dried peppermint leaves to make a minty, refreshing drink that is highly satisfying both hot and cold.
- Pu erh – The earthy taste is not subtle. Chances are, you’ll either love it or hate it.
I think all of them have their own unique pros. Genmai cha and Sencha Overture are two of my favorites. But, I think I still have traces of Pu erh in my teeth. Yuck City.
December 29, 2005 at 12:13 pm · Filed under Tea
Here’s my seasonal tea round-up. Ceej and Melissa got me 4 gourmet teas from MECCA. It includes English Breakfast, Star of Persia, Ceeylon Orange Pekoe, and Snow Monkey Plum. Mom got me a variety of tea bags; English Breakfast, Perfectly Pear (white), Spiced Chai (black), and Salada Green tea. I now have two english breakfasts, so I’m going to try and compare the bag to the loose tea and see which tastes better. Then, I also got my supply from Adagio. Along with the tea mug, it also contained a small “guide to tea” book. It ran through some of the basics about teas, like how some differ, how they’re made, some history, and how to prepare the perfect cup. (which is really up to you)
There is another website by Adagio, which is called Tea Muse. It’s mainly a monthly newsletter, but they post the articles and have a large collection of stories. They also have a google map of tea locations at Tea Maps. Punch in your zip code and find all the restaurants near you.
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