What is in your cup?

[poohbear_nc]

Becoming a tea drinker nearly crippled me for life!

OK - a bit of an exaggeration ... but ....

Last night I had filled the kettle and plugged it in, then went into another room. The kettle began shrieking (it sounds to me just like a demented loon) and I began to walk rapidly towards the kitchen ... my solidly built 10-pound cat saw me hurrying towards the kitchen & immediately thought "cat treats!" and dashed in front of me! My right foot - in full swing forward - contacted said cat -- the impact stopped me dead in my tracks, the shock wave traveling up my leg into my lower back (did I mention I was hurrying?). Kind of like Wiley Coyote running smack into the doorway painted on the rock. Oh, don't worry, the cat is well padded enough - suffered no injuries. I, however, was on a heating pad all night!
You never warned me about this aspect of tea drinking!

BTW - so far in my explorations of tea:
1. TG Chinese Golden Yunnan is my top pick so far - rich, smooth, full-bodied! A wonderful morning tea.
2. Teavana Cocoa Mint - a wonderful dessert tea. Lightly flavored with chocolate & mint - but you can still taste the tea.
3. TG Amaretto Rooibush - a wonderful after dinner drink - very soothing & smooth.
4. Going to stay away from Adagio flavored teas - too much flavorings overwhelm any tea flavor.
5. TG Darjeeling Steinthal - OK - didn't really get my attention.

[bjones6416]

Originally Posted by poohbear_nc

Becoming a tea drinker nearly crippled me for life!

OK - a bit of an exaggeration ... but ....

Last night I had filled the kettle and plugged it in, then went into another room. The kettle began shrieking (it sounds to me just like a demented loon) and I began to walk rapidly towards the kitchen ... my solidly built 10-pound cat saw me hurrying towards the kitchen & immediately thought "cat treats!" and dashed in front of me! My right foot - in full swing forward - contacted said cat -- the impact stopped me dead in my tracks, the shock wave traveling up my leg into my lower back (did I mention I was hurrying?). Kind of like Wiley Coyote running smack into the doorway painted on the rock. Oh, don't worry, the cat is well padded enough - suffered no injuries. I, however, was on a heating pad all night!
You never warned me about this aspect of tea drinking!

BTW - so far in my explorations of tea:
1. TG Chinese Golden Yunnan is my top pick so far - rich, smooth, full-bodied! A wonderful morning tea.
2. Teavana Cocoa Mint - a wonderful dessert tea. Lightly flavored with chocolate & mint - but you can still taste the tea.
3. TG Amaretto Rooibush - a wonderful after dinner drink - very soothing & smooth.
4. Going to stay away from Adagio flavored teas - too much flavorings overwhelm any tea flavor.
5. TG Darjeeling Steinthal - OK - didn't really get my attention.

Listen to you, Mr. Fancy-Schmancy tea drinker -- I'm impressed! Keep those descriptions coming!

[astra]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

I am trying the Pu-Erh mushroom again. I increased the amount of tea in the infuser this time. It is still just ok. A bit stonger but not the best. I am going to try a few more infusions and see what happens.

If you compare visual size of tea bits pried off the mushroom with the size of tuocha you tried before, would they be similar?

I don't remember whether I posted the link Pu-erh tea Brewing

[ProfCrash]

Originally Posted by poohbear_nc

Becoming a tea drinker nearly crippled me for life!

OK - a bit of an exaggeration ... but ....

Last night I had filled the kettle and plugged it in, then went into another room. The kettle began shrieking (it sounds to me just like a demented loon) and I began to walk rapidly towards the kitchen ... my solidly built 10-pound cat saw me hurrying towards the kitchen & immediately thought "cat treats!" and dashed in front of me! My right foot - in full swing forward - contacted said cat -- the impact stopped me dead in my tracks, the shock wave traveling up my leg into my lower back (did I mention I was hurrying?). Kind of like Wiley Coyote running smack into the doorway painted on the rock. Oh, don't worry, the cat is well padded enough - suffered no injuries. I, however, was on a heating pad all night!
You never warned me about this aspect of tea drinking!

BTW - so far in my explorations of tea:
1. TG Chinese Golden Yunnan is my top pick so far - rich, smooth, full-bodied! A wonderful morning tea.
2. Teavana Cocoa Mint - a wonderful dessert tea. Lightly flavored with chocolate & mint - but you can still taste the tea.
3. TG Amaretto Rooibush - a wonderful after dinner drink - very soothing & smooth.
4. Going to stay away from Adagio flavored teas - too much flavorings overwhelm any tea flavor.
5. TG Darjeeling Steinthal - OK - didn't really get my attention.

I feel so proud....

I hope that your back feels better. I am thrilled that you are enjoying your tea adventures.

[ProfCrash]

Originally Posted by astra

If you compare visual size of tea bits pried off the mushroom with the size of tuocha you tried before, would they be similar?

I don't remember whether I posted the link Pu-erh tea Brewing

That is what I have been doing. Using a slightly larger mug but otherwise, rinse the tea for a few seconds, steep for 30 seconds, drink.

It tastes fine, it is just not strong or anything special. I think there are plenty of folks who would enjoy it but it is like some of the Darjeeling blends I have tried. Good but nothing special. I guess I was expecting to be blown away. I can see making it and serving it to folks but it does not have the same earthy strong flavor of the other Pu-Erhs I have tried.

[astra]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

That is what I have been doing. Using a slightly larger mug but otherwise, rinse the tea for a few seconds, steep for 30 seconds, drink

What about the size of tea mound vs. tuocha?

I think 30 seconds is not enough. At least it didn't work with tuocha for me.
My notes about cooked tuocha.

1.
rinse 30 sec
first infuse 3 min (too strong)

2.
rinse 10 sec
1st infuse 30 sec (weak, need stronger)
2nd infuse 1min 30 sec (better than the 1st, yet weak)


next time:
3. 
rinse 20 sec
first infuse 1 min

The third is suspended until I go to London. Maybe I buy Pu-Erh there. If not then I am going to order the same tuocha and continue with experimenting.

[ProfCrash]

The mound looked to be about the right size this time. The amount of tea in the infuser is the same as the Tuos I have had. I'll try a longer infusion.

[astra]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

The mound looked to be about the right size this time. The amount of tea in the infuser is the same as the Tuos I have had. I'll try a longer infusion.

I see.
Please keep us up to date

A cup of Laos Paksong Wu, green tea.

[astra]

Originally Posted by poohbear_nc

Becoming a tea drinker nearly crippled me for life!

BTW - so far in my explorations of tea:
1. TG Chinese Golden Yunnan is my top pick so far - rich, smooth, full-bodied! A wonderful morning tea.
2. Teavana Cocoa Mint - a wonderful dessert tea. Lightly flavored with chocolate & mint - but you can still taste the tea.
3. TG Amaretto Rooibush - a wonderful after dinner drink - very soothing & smooth.
4. Going to stay away from Adagio flavored teas - too much flavorings overwhelm any tea flavor.
5. TG Darjeeling Steinthal - OK - didn't really get my attention.

Despite the hardship, I am sure you enjoy the adventure

[desertblues]

Originally Posted by poohbear_nc

Becoming a tea drinker nearly crippled me for life!

OK - a bit of an exaggeration ... but ....

Last night I had filled the kettle and plugged it in, then went into another room. The kettle began shrieking (it sounds to me just like a demented loon) and I began to walk rapidly towards the kitchen ... my solidly built 10-pound cat saw me hurrying towards the kitchen & immediately thought "cat treats!" and dashed in front of me! ..........I, however, was on a heating pad all night!
You never warned me about this aspect of tea drinking!
..............

Our cat Polly also dashes in front of me when I'm in a hurry. And yes, most of the times I then go to the kitchen, where her treats are kept. One day, I'll break a leg over her.
But, I agree with Betty........continue your flowery tea-descriptions. I love to read all about the different teas.

Cold Arabica-coffee in my cup.

[Poppaea]

Does anyone else like flavoured tea but only when it is naturally flavoured? I can't stand the artificial flavours like vanilla, but there are a lot of teas flavoured with spices, flowers and things like lemon peel I love.

This for me makes or breaks my fondness for some companies.

Poobear, glad you didn't hurt yourself seriously! My cat has learned to stay waaaay ahead of me and my feet

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by Poppaea

Does anyone else like flavoured tea but only when it is naturally flavoured? I can't stand the artificial flavours like vanilla, but there are a lot of teas flavoured with spices, flowers and things like lemon peel I love.

This for me makes or breaks my fondness for some companies.

Poobear, glad you didn't hurt yourself seriously! My cat has learned to stay waaaay ahead of me and my feet

In what way is vanilla any less natural than spices, flowers or lemon peel?

[Poppaea]

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

In what way is vanilla any less natural than spices, flowers or lemon peel?

In no way provided natural vanilla is used. The one I was talking about that is mostly used in teas is the artificial kind. Cheap and mean. You will find the difference very fast. Natural vanilla is 1. expensive and 2. not sweet.

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by Poppaea

In no way provided natural vanilla is used. The one I was talking about that is mostly used in teas is the artificial kind. Cheap and mean. You will find the difference very fast. Natural vanilla is 1. expensive and 2. not sweet.

Ah, I see now. Thanks.

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by Poppaea

Does anyone else like flavoured tea but only when it is naturally flavoured? I can't stand the artificial flavours like vanilla, but there are a lot of teas flavoured with spices, flowers and things like lemon peel I love.

This for me makes or breaks my fondness for some companies.

Poobear, glad you didn't hurt yourself seriously! My cat has learned to stay waaaay ahead of me and my feet

yes! I LOVE naturally flavored things! (and I now loathe vanilla)

Originally Posted by Poppaea

In no way provided natural vanilla is used. The one I was talking about that is mostly used in teas is the artificial kind. Cheap and mean. You will find the difference very fast. Natural vanilla is 1. expensive and 2. not sweet.

and I think that is why I now cannot tolerate it. so much use was made of artificial vanilla in so many things. the scent even turns my stomach now. I don't even keep it in the house. I use almond (quiet down in the peanut gallery!) whenever vanilla is called for