"Michael Plant" > wrote in message
...
> snipped much good stuff
>
>> I use a Gaiwan at work
>> and even now struggle to get the same taste from a tea two days in a
>> row - I
>> think I'm rushing the process while working.
>
> Well, you can't really get the same result each time
> because you're different, the environment is also
> different, even the tea is different. You bring a
> different self to the table each time, in a manner
> of speaking, right? So, of course the tea will
> surprise you every time. This is not to say that
> we don't have good days and bad days. Just my
> opinons.
>
Your opinion is always respected Michael. Yes I suppose you are right about
bringing a different self - I also suppose determined somewhat by the day
you have had, your mood, whether you are focused on the tea or that
colleague banging on the door !

>> Did any of you use scales to initially determine the correct amount of
>> leaf - or did you just wing it ? I don't think I want to start using a
>> scale all the time, but am wondering if I used one for a short period to
>> show me what 5g of leaf (for example) looks like, I might be a little
>> more
>> consistent. Brewing time is consistent as I used a simple timer.
>
> I use a scale often enough, especially when the tea
> is valuable and I have very little of it. At the least,
> you might consider getting the feel of what 5g of
> any given tea looks like by using a scale initially.
> With Pu'erhs, you are steeping the same leaf many
> times, so you vary the lengths of the steep in
> accordance with the results you got and the results
> you want. I scarcely think a timer will help, but
> that's just another opinion of mine. I vote for the
> occasional use of a scale, and lose the timer. By
> the way, we're talking about time from instant,
> five, ten, fifteen seconds, etc. So, a timer isn't
> really practical.
>
I find I loose focus on the brew time at work if I don't use a timer. I
pre-determine the brew time (in seconds) then set the count-down timer
accordingly - when it beeps it reminds me to pour the tea. Too many 8
minute brews under the bridge to not use the timer I'm afraid!
Incidentally, my wife uses the timer on the microwave oven when she uses the
Gaiwan; presets it, pours water over the leaves then whacks the start
button - seems to work for her. But I do take your point, would rather do
all this using instinct and ones own senses - I am hoping this will come
with time.

I'm warming towards the scale idea then at least until my instincts are more
well honed.

Must go for now, my turn for tea, then bed !

Cheers
Mal
Oz

> Michael
>
>