Aloke Prasad > wrote:
>Whenever I give my 1st flush DJ's like Makaibari's to my family or
>guests (who are expecting something really really out of this world,
>given the cost and trouble I go through to get these.. vs buying Green
>Label at the local Indian store).. they remark that the tea feels "weak"
>and has no "liquor" (or color), even though they like the flavor.

That's true.

>So, given that the teas that produce stronger color have finer leaf
>(like CTC), what if I crush (but not powder) my DJ's? Will that produce
>a better blend of falvor AND color? Probably, as I notice that the more
>fine leaves at the bottom of the packets if the 1st flush DJ's also
>produces a few brews of more color and body.

CTC does some interesting stuff in that it removes much of the flavourful
liquid from inside the leaf and gets it onto the outside of the leaf, where
it's dried out. This results in tea that steeps much much faster.

All grinding it up after the fact will do is increase the surface area.
This will get you more flavour, both good and bad, and it will reduce the
steeping time a bit. But I don't think it'll be the night and day difference
that you want.

>[Yeah, I can hear people say .. Why don't you try and find out? But I
>wanted to see why others haven't though of doing this before].

I'd bet if you call Makaibari and ask for fannings they might even have
some. There's not much of a demand.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."