On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 13:44:12 GMT, "DPM" > wrote:

>
>"Top Spin" > wrote in message
.. .
>> I purchased 50 g of a tea labelled "Makaibari Estate FTGFOP1" at a
>> local tea shop on their recommendation. I have made two 4-cup pots so
>> far. One seemed weak and the other astringent.
>>
>[snip]
>
>Darjeelings are fussy teas - you need to be very careful about brewing time
>and temperature. Also, the combination of more tea/less time seems (to me)
>to work better than the reverse. When you find the right combination, IMHO
>there is no better tea on earth!
>
>Try the Makaibari (a top-flight producer, BTW) with water slightly under
>boiling, and try 2, 2.5 and 3 minute steeps. I generally use one rounded
>teaspoon of tea per 8oz of water; if the leaves seem large, toss in an extra
>half-teaspoon. I'd avoid using a microwave to heat the tea water, although
>it's OK for heating the pot. Tea made with microwaved water never tastes
>the same (or as good, I think) as with water conventionally heated.
>
>Regards,
>Dean

OK, I'll try shorter steep times.

Do you also recommend trying it at lower temperatures?

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(11/09/04)