Ive watched the effects of gongfu puer on the sexes on a couple of
occassions now. Puer brings out the macho in guys where they could
have said things like 'that cup busted my chops' or 'that one hit rock
bottom'. I usually grunt my guy thing 'taste good to me' where I
emphasize the grunt if I really like it. The two gals are more demure
they look at each other and giggle. When they describe the taste it
has something to do with their personal lives like what perfume they
wear. So basically guys have opinions and women have feelings. We
all get tea drunk. I dont know how this happens on so little puer
from a gongfu tasting cup. Id say certainly less than 10oz but doesnt
come close to my two liters of other teas in the morning. Ive found
obscure references on puer causing inebriation contrary to being used
to sober people up. All I can think maybe small cups of shu and sheng
causes an adverse reaction.

Ive alluded to the interplay of the sexes over gongfu puer. On the
way home after the last tasting I realized this could apply to tea in
general. Im thinking a really astute guy could use tea as an
aphrodisiac instead of the cross your fingers expensive dinner date (I
know some teas are more expensive). You get to show you can do
something besides drink beer. And that you can carry on a
conversation and most important know how to use your hands.

Jim

PS The subject of tisanes came up at the last tasting. I mentioned
dried flowers and honeysuckle being my favorite. One of the guys lit
up like a Christmas tree saying that was her favorite perfume
fragrance and she was wearing it now. It doesnt do me any good but it
got me thinking about the subject on the way home.

On Feb 20, 9:22*am, wrote:
> Ive watched the effects of gongfu puer on the sexes on a couple of
> occassions now. *Puer brings out the macho in guys where they could
> have said things like 'that cup busted my chops' or 'that one hit rock
> bottom'. *I usually grunt my guy thing 'taste good to me' where I
> emphasize the grunt if I really like it. *The two gals are more demure
> they look at each other and giggle. *When they describe the taste it
> has something to do with their personal lives like what perfume they
> wear. *So basically guys have opinions and women have feelings. *We
> all get tea drunk. *I dont know how this happens on so little puer
> from a gongfu tasting cup. *Id say certainly less than 10oz but doesnt
> come close to my two liters of other teas in the morning. *Ive found
> obscure references on puer causing inebriation contrary to being used
> to sober people up. *All I can think maybe small cups of shu and sheng
> causes an adverse reaction.
>
> Ive alluded to the interplay of the sexes over gongfu puer. *On the
> way home after the last tasting I realized this could apply to tea in
> general. *Im thinking a really astute guy could use tea as an
> aphrodisiac instead of the cross your fingers expensive dinner date (I
> know some teas are more expensive). *You get to show you can do
> something besides drink beer. *And that you can carry on a
> conversation and most important know how to use your hands.
>
> Jim
>
> PS *The subject of tisanes came up at the last tasting. *I mentioned
> dried flowers and honeysuckle being my favorite. *One of the guys lit
> up like a Christmas tree saying that was her favorite perfume
> fragrance and she was wearing it now. *It doesnt do me any good but it
> got me thinking about the subject on the way home.

Nice observation. I have felt a head-swimming like effect from some
cooked puerh before but not all produce it and it has never happened
from uncooked for me. Unfortunately I have just shelved puerh for the
time being and I'll probably revisit it at times but I have just come
to terms with the fact that I'd rather drink something else. As for
the positive outlook on (serious) male tea drinking, I have found it
to be not the case for most people. Luckily I'm married and my wife
has come a long way to now really enjoying a number of quality teas,
but at most it has generated a bit of curiosity in the female realm.
Mostly it is misunderstood or just thought of on the same level as
their favorite Tazo from Starbucks. Actual conversation (paraphrased):
"Ooh you like tea?" "Yeah, I'm pretty heavily into Chinese and
Japanese teas." "Have you tried the China green tips Tazo!!?" "I've
had it, but I tend to prefer fresher whole leaf green tea if you like
the Tazo tea you should try some the flavor is totally different and
amazing." Now from here it has gone a few ways:

Common Response #1: "I don't know it's really yummy, I like it with
their steamed milk and lots of sugar"
CR #2: "That seems like too much work"
CR #3: "Are those snakes?" (yes, actual question posed to me)

Now, I do have to admit this is at my current job at a private
university which caters to big money more than big intelligence. I'm
more often just seen as poor because I don't get Starbucks every day,
eat at non-chain restaurants that tend to be ethnically diverse, and
drive a Scion xA. Happily my time here is almost over and a new
adventure awaits!

My mother taught me to pluck honeysuckle and suck on the sweet ends
when I was little and we would collect a bunch and make tea at times
too. You brought back some really cool memories for me in your PS. I
still pluck them when I'm out and about.

- Dominic

On Feb 20, 8:52*am, dxt178 > wrote:
> On Feb 20, 9:22*am, wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > Ive watched the effects of gongfu puer on the sexes on a couple of
> > occassions now. *Puer brings out the macho in guys where they could
> > have said things like 'that cup busted my chops' or 'that one hit rock
> > bottom'. *I usually grunt my guy thing 'taste good to me' where I
> > emphasize the grunt if I really like it. *The two gals are more demure
> > they look at each other and giggle. *When they describe the taste it
> > has something to do with their personal lives like what perfume they
> > wear. *So basically guys have opinions and women have feelings. *We
> > all get tea drunk. *I dont know how this happens on so little puer
> > from a gongfu tasting cup. *Id say certainly less than 10oz but doesnt
> > come close to my two liters of other teas in the morning. *Ive found
> > obscure references on puer causing inebriation contrary to being used
> > to sober people up. *All I can think maybe small cups of shu and sheng
> > causes an adverse reaction.
>
> > Ive alluded to the interplay of the sexes over gongfu puer. *On the
> > way home after the last tasting I realized this could apply to tea in
> > general. *Im thinking a really astute guy could use tea as an
> > aphrodisiac instead of the cross your fingers expensive dinner date (I
> > know some teas are more expensive). *You get to show you can do
> > something besides drink beer. *And that you can carry on a
> > conversation and most important know how to use your hands.
>
> > Jim
>
> > PS *The subject of tisanes came up at the last tasting. *I mentioned
> > dried flowers and honeysuckle being my favorite. *One of the guys lit
> > up like a Christmas tree saying that was her favorite perfume
> > fragrance and she was wearing it now. *It doesnt do me any good but it
> > got me thinking about the subject on the way home.
>
> Nice observation. I have felt a head-swimming like effect from some
> cooked puerh before but not all produce it and it has never happened
> from uncooked for me. Unfortunately I have just shelved puerh for the
> time being and I'll probably revisit it at times but I have just come
> to terms with the fact that I'd rather drink something else. As for
> the positive outlook on (serious) male tea drinking, I have found it
> to be not the case for most people. Luckily I'm married and my wife
> has come a long way to now really enjoying a number of quality teas,
> but at most it has generated a bit of curiosity in the female realm.
> Mostly it is misunderstood or just thought of on the same level as
> their favorite Tazo from Starbucks. Actual conversation (paraphrased):
> "Ooh you like tea?" "Yeah, I'm pretty heavily into Chinese and
> Japanese teas." "Have you tried the China green tips Tazo!!?" "I've
> had it, but I tend to prefer fresher whole leaf green tea if you like
> the Tazo tea you should try some the flavor is totally different and
> amazing." Now from here it has gone a few ways:
>
> Common Response #1: "I don't know it's really yummy, I like it with
> their steamed milk and lots of sugar"
> CR #2: "That seems like too much work"
> CR #3: "Are those snakes?" (yes, actual question posed to me)
>
> Now, I do have to admit this is at my current job at a private
> university which caters to big money more than big intelligence. I'm
> more often just seen as poor because I don't get Starbucks every day,
> eat at non-chain restaurants that tend to be ethnically diverse, and
> drive a Scion xA. Happily my time here is almost over and a new
> adventure awaits!
>
> My mother taught me to pluck honeysuckle and suck on the sweet ends
> when I was little and we would collect a bunch and make tea at times
> too. You brought back some really cool memories for me in your PS. I
> still pluck them when I'm out and about.
>
> - Dominic- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I bought a big bag of dried honeysuckles at an Asian market, thinking
I would get a brew with the same sweet flavor I remember from my
childhood. The reality was a more resinous, non-sweet flavor, more
like the flavor from the green parts of the flower itself. Are there
any naturally flavored tisanes out there with a flavor closer to the
flavor of the fresh blossoms?

Alan

On Feb 23, 2:14*pm, Alan > wrote:
> I bought a big bag of dried honeysuckles at an Asian market, thinking
> I would get a brew with the same sweet flavor I remember from my
> childhood. The reality was a more resinous, non-sweet flavor, more
> like the flavor from the green parts of the flower itself. Are there
> any naturally flavored tisanes out there with a flavor closer to the
> flavor of the fresh blossoms?
>
> Alan

I actually never had even thought to look to buy honeysuckle before
this thread. I'd imagine anything beyond fresh is going to exhibit the
qualities you mention from your experience. I'd think the only way to
get the proper flavor would be some sort of liquid form from fresh
honeysuckle. I'd imagine it would be a very thin liquid similar to
agave nectar but even thinner. I'll look into it, but I'd guess fresh
is about it or else some sort of essential oil/extract for just the
flavor in some other medium. If yourself or anyone finds anything
please post it back here, it would be interesting.

- Dominic

On Feb 23, 2:39*pm, dxt178 > wrote:
> On Feb 23, 2:14*pm, Alan > wrote:
>
> > I bought a big bag of dried honeysuckles at an Asian market, thinking
> > I would get a brew with the same sweet flavor I remember from my
> > childhood. The reality was a more resinous, non-sweet flavor, more
> > like the flavor from the green parts of the flower itself. Are there
> > any naturally flavored tisanes out there with a flavor closer to the
> > flavor of the fresh blossoms?
>
> > Alan
>
> I actually never had even thought to look to buy honeysuckle before
> this thread. I'd imagine anything beyond fresh is going to exhibit the
> qualities you mention from your experience. I'd think the only way to
> get the proper flavor would be some sort of liquid form from fresh
> honeysuckle. I'd imagine it would be a very thin liquid similar to
> agave nectar but even thinner. I'll look into it, but I'd guess fresh
> is about it or else some sort of essential oil/extract for just the
> flavor in some other medium. If yourself or anyone finds anything
> please post it back here, it would be interesting.
>
> - Dominic

Update:

Wow, there is a ton out there... it's almost overwhelming. I never
knew. It seems to be sold in conjunction with the beauty industry as
well as herbal/medicinal... I can attest that in all my years it
hasn't helped me cosmetically for sure I found a bunch of neat
stuff:

Teaspring sells honeysuckle: http://www.teaspring.com/Honeysuckle-Flower.asp
(very inexpensive, I'll add some to my next order to report on)

I also found freezedried honeysuckle which I hadn't thought of as an
option. There is a Republic of Tea Honeysuckle White Tea. There is
even a white peach honeysuckle Torani Italian flavoring syrup. I
haven't dug up any sources for a pure honeysuckle syrup yet, but there
are recipes which basically consist of just boiling down a bunch of
honeysuckle with water and sugar.

I also learned something new, the Chinese name: Jin Yin Hua.

- Dominic

On Feb 23, 12:55*pm, dxt178 > wrote:
> On Feb 23, 2:39*pm, dxt178 > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Feb 23, 2:14*pm, Alan > wrote:
>
> > > I bought a big bag of dried honeysuckles at an Asian market, thinking
> > > I would get a brew with the same sweet flavor I remember from my
> > > childhood. The reality was a more resinous, non-sweet flavor, more
> > > like the flavor from the green parts of the flower itself. Are there
> > > any naturally flavored tisanes out there with a flavor closer to the
> > > flavor of the fresh blossoms?
>
> > > Alan
>
> > I actually never had even thought to look to buy honeysuckle before
> > this thread. I'd imagine anything beyond fresh is going to exhibit the
> > qualities you mention from your experience. I'd think the only way to
> > get the proper flavor would be some sort of liquid form from fresh
> > honeysuckle. I'd imagine it would be a very thin liquid similar to
> > agave nectar but even thinner. I'll look into it, but I'd guess fresh
> > is about it or else some sort of essential oil/extract for just the
> > flavor in some other medium. If yourself or anyone finds anything
> > please post it back here, it would be interesting.
>
> > - Dominic
>
> Update:
>
> Wow, there is a ton out there... it's almost overwhelming. I never
> knew. It seems to be sold in conjunction with the beauty industry as
> well as herbal/medicinal... I can attest that in all my years it
> hasn't helped me cosmetically for sure I found a bunch of neat
> stuff:
>
> Teaspring sells honeysuckle:http://www.teaspring.com/Honeysuckle-Flower.asp
> (very inexpensive, I'll add some to my next order to report on)
>
> I also found freezedried honeysuckle which I hadn't thought of as an
> option. There is a Republic of Tea Honeysuckle White Tea. There is
> even a white peach honeysuckle Torani Italian flavoring syrup. I
> haven't dug up any sources for a pure honeysuckle syrup yet, but there
> are recipes which basically consist of just boiling down a bunch of
> honeysuckle with water and sugar.
>
> I also learned something new, the Chinese name: Jin Yin Hua.
>
> - Dominic- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

I hope one of these pans out for you. I suspect that the Teaspring
honeysuckle will taste like the one I tried ("medicinal"). Please let
us know if you find anything that even remotely tastes like fresh
honeysuckle.

Alan

On Feb 24, 2:16*pm, Alan > wrote:
> On Feb 23, 12:55*pm, dxt178 > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Feb 23, 2:39*pm, dxt178 > wrote:
>
> > > On Feb 23, 2:14*pm, Alan > wrote:
>
> > > > I bought a big bag of dried honeysuckles at an Asian market, thinking
> > > > I would get a brew with the same sweet flavor I remember from my
> > > > childhood. The reality was a more resinous, non-sweet flavor, more
> > > > like the flavor from the green parts of the flower itself. Are there
> > > > any naturally flavored tisanes out there with a flavor closer to the
> > > > flavor of the fresh blossoms?
>
> > > > Alan
>
> > > I actually never had even thought to look to buy honeysuckle before
> > > this thread. I'd imagine anything beyond fresh is going to exhibit the
> > > qualities you mention from your experience. I'd think the only way to
> > > get the proper flavor would be some sort of liquid form from fresh
> > > honeysuckle. I'd imagine it would be a very thin liquid similar to
> > > agave nectar but even thinner. I'll look into it, but I'd guess fresh
> > > is about it or else some sort of essential oil/extract for just the
> > > flavor in some other medium. If yourself or anyone finds anything
> > > please post it back here, it would be interesting.
>
> > > - Dominic
>
> > Update:
>
> > Wow, there is a ton out there... it's almost overwhelming. I never
> > knew. It seems to be sold in conjunction with the beauty industry as
> > well as herbal/medicinal... I can attest that in all my years it
> > hasn't helped me cosmetically for sure I found a bunch of neat
> > stuff:
>
> > Teaspring sells honeysuckle:http://www.teaspring.com/Honeysuckle-Flower..asp
> > (very inexpensive, I'll add some to my next order to report on)
>
> > I also found freezedried honeysuckle which I hadn't thought of as an
> > option. There is a Republic of Tea Honeysuckle White Tea. There is
> > even a white peach honeysuckle Torani Italian flavoring syrup. I
> > haven't dug up any sources for a pure honeysuckle syrup yet, but there
> > are recipes which basically consist of just boiling down a bunch of
> > honeysuckle with water and sugar.
>
> > I also learned something new, the Chinese name: Jin Yin Hua.
>
> > - Dominic- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> I hope one of these pans out for you. I suspect that the Teaspring
> honeysuckle will taste like the one I tried ("medicinal"). Please let
> us know if you find anything that even remotely tastes like fresh
> honeysuckle.
>
> Alan- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Yeah, honeysuckle. I drink that sometimes when I get sick. There are
different grades of honeysuckle too. It certainly doesn't have a
"flowery" taste. But it's enjoyable enough on its own - or when other
ingredients are added in. Sometimes I drink it straight, and sometimes
I add sugar to it.

Ive previously mentioned some honeysuckle taste notes, basically more
suckle than honey. Ill add since then more honey if brewed with
enough to fill a hummingbird feeder and drank warm. That was from a
Western herbalist store which is one of the biggest in the country. I
assume that was one of the three kinds of native honeysuckle. Asia
has hundreds. I got a bag from Chinatown yesterday to compare the
two. They couldnt be more different. The US is smooth and light, the
asian rough and rusted brown. The US has a delicate taste, the asian
overpowering. There is hardly any brewed color is the US. The asian
a brownish red. Id add the US to white or green tea. Id add the
Asian to red or black tea. I wouldnt judge either as medicinal. My
reference standard for medicinal is castor oil. I did see a reference
yesterday saying honeysuckle has the same compound used to make
aspirin.

PS Both honeysuckle in a cup looks like spermatazoa. I read a
warning somewhere where honeysuckle is forbidden for young ladies
because it causes erotic dreams. Both my honeysuckles were dirt
cheap. I have a feeling every honeysuckle would be different in
taste.

On Feb 24, 12:16 pm, Alan > wrote:
> On Feb 23, 12:55 pm, dxt178 > wrote:
> > Teaspring sells honeysuckle:http://www.teaspring.com/Honeysuckle-Flower.asp
> > (very inexpensive, I'll add some to my next order to report on)
> I hope one of these pans out for you. I suspect that the Teaspring
> honeysuckle will taste like the one I tried ("medicinal"). Please let
> us know if you find anything that even remotely tastes like fresh
> honeysuckle.
>
> Alan

Asian infusion of the left smaller darker bud , native on the right
bigger bud almost like Yinzhen.

http://i40.tinypic.com/68rcr8.jpg

PS Sorry for the blurry picture. I got to get me a better camera ie
not cheap.

On Feb 25, 7:23 am, wrote:
>
> PS Both honeysuckle in a cup looks like spermatazoa.

On Feb 25, 10:20*am, wrote:
> Asian infusion of the left smaller darker bud , native on the right
> bigger bud almost like Yinzhen.
>
> http://i40.tinypic.com/68rcr8.jpg
>
> PS *Sorry for the blurry picture. *I got to get me a better camera ie
> not cheap.
>
> On Feb 25, 7:23 am, wrote:
>
>
>
> > PS *Both honeysuckle in a cup looks like spermatazoa.

huh, I've never seen anything as dark as the left side. I'd imagine it
would be darker brew with little similarity to fresh plucked
honeysuckle.

I'm not sure if anyone here has ever tried it but red clover also is
amazing, the tiny bit of nectar on each little piece is great and it
can also be made into tea. I can't wait to go for a hike once it is
all growing and flowering now thanks to this thread. I spoke with my
mother the other day and she is going to transplant and grow some
honeysuckle.

- Dominic