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Originally Posted by Laine
There's no option for both. I think it depends on the situation. If you want a quick cuppa then good quality teabags are O.K. But for a relaxing, civilised experience then loose tea can be wonderful. Of course, there are far more varieties available in loose leaf if you have a specialty tea shop nearby.
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I agree. It depends on the situation. On sunday morning, when we've plenty of time, we always drink tea made from loose tea (unless we're fresh out, which happens to the the current situation!). On normal working days, it's the teabag that gets used.
Also, there are two varieties of teabags. You have the "cheap" bags, which contain only finely ground tea leaves and the more expensive ones, which contain larger leaves.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laine
I remember when I ordered a pot of Darjeeling at The Tea Centre in Sydney I was asked 1st, 2nd or 3rd flushing. ??????
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Those flushes point towards the date on which the leaves were picked.
From wikipedia:
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- 1st Flush is harvested in mid-March following spring rains, and has a gentle, very light color, aroma, and mild astringency.
- In Between is harvested between the two "flush" periods.
- 2nd Flush is harvested in June and produces an amber, full bodied, muscatel-flavored cup.
- Monsoon or Rains tea is harvested in the monsoon (or rainy season) between 2nd Flush and Autumnal, is less withered, consequently more oxidized, and usually sold at lower prices. It is rarely exported, and often used in Masala chai.
- Autumnal Flush is harvested in the autumn after the rainy season, and has somewhat less delicate flavour and less spicy tones, but fuller body and darker colour.
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