On Fri, 04 Feb 2005 18:18:28 GMT, "DPM" > wrote:

>
>"Top Spin" > wrote in message
.. .
>[snip]
>> >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?
>>
>
>Yes - if you have a thermometer available, try water in the 190-200F range.
>
>Personally, I think most Darjeelings are really oolong-style teas. In fact,
>I've had first-flush Darjeelings that appeared to be completely green - no
>visible leaf-edge browning at all! So treat them like you would a good
>Tieguanyin or Pouchong: water 10-20 degrees F under boiling and short
>steeps. In fact, if the leaf style is bold you can get a respectable second
>infusion from them if you keep the first steep at 2 minutes or less.
>
>Regards,
>Dean

I happened to find a boxed tea at the supermarket called Afternoon
Darjeeling from Taylors of Harrogate. Just for fun, I bought a box.
It's loose tea in a foil bag. It recommends "one tsp/cup plus one for
the pot" and to brew it for 4-6 minutes in a warmed teapot with
boiling water.

I tried a pot with 7 grams of tea and it tasted kinda weak. I'll try
it again later with more tea, but there was no bitterness or
astringncy. so, you are all correct. Every tea is different and you
just have to try various methods until you find one you like.

That's tough on us techies who like formulas. (sigh) ;-)

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(11/09/04)