"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Again, thanks for the advice.

You're very welcome .

> I have noticed that with my cheap tea bags that over steeping didn't
> matter too much to me. Sure, I could tell when it was over steeped and
> bitter, but it didn't bother me too much. I notice however that with
> these loose leaf teas, the steeping time is much more critical.

It seems to me that the fresher the tea, the more noticeable the
differences. It's kinda like the oomph has gone out of teabags because
they're handled more and don't get to the consumer as quickly as loose teas
and we're left with basic flavor and no subtleties.

> I've also been experimenting with the do-it-yourself decaf method.
> First infusion 20 - 45 seconds, and throw it away (I'm sticking with 30
> seconds for these teas). Second infusion normal steep time (for my
> green tea 3 minutes) and drink. I've found a third infusion still
> produces good tea. I've found that a fourth infusion is drinkable, but
> noticeably weakened.

You might try increasing the time. I generally get at least 4 infusions from
my white teas but don't have the patience to try to steep longer to get more
than 3 infusions from my green teas. I know, it's a personal problem .

> I've found differing opinions "googling" on multiple infusions. YMMV ;-)

I wasn't aware that one could get more than one infusion from some black
teas like Assam until I joined this group, but I've yet to try it myself.

Have a good one!

--
~~Bluesea~~
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