The ones I have which is a good cross section are made from bud
(round). They're actually nipped when they open up. These are
essentially green tea bud concentrate. I drink mine off the top in a
thermal glass cup with 50% displacement. It reminds you of a liquor.
They remind me of coral fauna. Delicate not course. I've never
finished one off because my tastebuds gave out first. I will be the
first to suggest the perfect complement for the never ending gongfu
session. It's better if you judge one by the total of
sight,smell,taste. They don't look appetizing when they dry out. I
use boiling water for mine. It doesn't seem to hurt the interior. It
cools down much faster than corresponding loose leaf.

Jim

PS I've mentioned Fairy Peach blossom which is common in my stores as
one of my favorite green teas from China. There is no flower, no
scent. They look like fuzzy strips on the surface from the wrapped
bud. I have several called Fairy which has the hairy look. I think
you can key on the word Fairy when looking under your pillow.

Lewis Perin wrote:
> Jim > writes:
>
> > Lewis Perin wrote:
> >
> > > Jim > writes:
> > >
> > >>[...]
> > >>I'm reading this from alt.coffee. When I drink tea, it's usually a
> > >>green tea, and I've been told it's best NOT to use boiling water, but
> > >> something at around 185 degrees or so (if my memory serves me).
> > > Actually, I like most greens brewed cooler than that, some as cool as
> > > 140F.
> >
> > I thought 185 might be on the high side, but I know I used hotter than
> > 140. I'll have to try some both ways. I still have a couple of the
> > "flower ball" things I need to try out.
>
> Not to discourage you from using a cooler temperature, but those
> display teas probably need it less than most greens simply because
> display teas tend to be made from big, mature leaves. You'd get
> dramatic results from cool brewing with green teas manufactured from
> tiny, early spring buds and leaves.
>
> /Lew
> ---
> Lew Perin /
> http://www.panix.com/~perin/babelcarp.html