see my post on gunpowder. It is very easy to oversteep gunpowder-- more so
than other greens. It's the most "advanced" green IMHO and frequently it
will go wrong. If done right though it can be very good. I have a feeling
that most of the people who don't like it made a mistake in its preparation.
When I started with gunpowder it took me several attempts to get anything
remotely drinkable and you can't carry over the lessons you learn from it to
other greens (or vice versa). This is kind of sad since gunpowder is
frequently one's introduction to loose-leaf greens and often it puts people
off of them forever.

Some people always discard the first brew. Keep in mind you're discarding
most of the caffeine when you do so. I would suggest a 'wash' of 30 seconds
or so.


"John F" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> wrote:
> > No. Tea oxidizes in air. 24 hours is too long. Also some teas will grow
> > mold very quickly. Generally the 1st brew is discarded and a 2nd made
> > immediately.
>
> How popular is it to discard the first brew ?
> Should it be a full steeping or can it be a quick 1-2 min "wash"?
>
> John F
>