Hi all. I am new to the group and I have a question to ask. Recently, I
was in Beijing and went to BeiDa (Beijing University) and walked aroun
on campus. I ducked into a chinese language class and found the
professor had an interesting item. She had what looked like a glass tea
brewer. It was a slender glass containter (taller and wider than a coke
can) loose tea floating in it. The lid was plastic and flat and had a
sort of a loop handle to it. I found that it was a common thing with
students but didnt think to ask about it or try to purchase one until
now. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Anyone know the name of
this item or where on the internet I can purchase this? thanks.

On 17 Feb 2005 08:10:13 -0800
"Koza" > wrote:

> Hi all. I am new to the group and I have a question to ask. Recently, I
> was in Beijing and went to BeiDa (Beijing University) and walked aroun
> on campus. I ducked into a chinese language class and found the
> professor had an interesting item. She had what looked like a glass tea
> brewer. It was a slender glass containter (taller and wider than a coke
> can) loose tea floating in it. The lid was plastic and flat and had a
> sort of a loop handle to it. I found that it was a common thing with
> students but didnt think to ask about it or try to purchase one until
> now. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Anyone know the name of
> this item or where on the internet I can purchase this? thanks.
>


Something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3957801690

That particular item was discussed here recently, the review seems to be
that it's a good piece of gear.

On 17 Feb 2005 08:10:13 -0800
"Koza" > wrote:

> Hi all. I am new to the group and I have a question to ask. Recently, I
> was in Beijing and went to BeiDa (Beijing University) and walked aroun
> on campus. I ducked into a chinese language class and found the
> professor had an interesting item. She had what looked like a glass tea
> brewer. It was a slender glass containter (taller and wider than a coke
> can) loose tea floating in it. The lid was plastic and flat and had a
> sort of a loop handle to it. I found that it was a common thing with
> students but didnt think to ask about it or try to purchase one until
> now. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Anyone know the name of
> this item or where on the internet I can purchase this? thanks.
>


Something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3957801690

That particular item was discussed here recently, the review seems to be
that it's a good piece of gear.

On 17 Feb 2005 08:10:13 -0800
"Koza" > wrote:

> Hi all. I am new to the group and I have a question to ask. Recently, I
> was in Beijing and went to BeiDa (Beijing University) and walked aroun
> on campus. I ducked into a chinese language class and found the
> professor had an interesting item. She had what looked like a glass tea
> brewer. It was a slender glass containter (taller and wider than a coke
> can) loose tea floating in it. The lid was plastic and flat and had a
> sort of a loop handle to it. I found that it was a common thing with
> students but didnt think to ask about it or try to purchase one until
> now. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Anyone know the name of
> this item or where on the internet I can purchase this? thanks.
>


Something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3957801690

That particular item was discussed here recently, the review seems to be
that it's a good piece of gear.

Eric Jorgensen > writes:

> On 17 Feb 2005 08:10:13 -0800
> "Koza" > wrote:
>
> > Hi all. I am new to the group and I have a question to ask. Recently, I
> > was in Beijing and went to BeiDa (Beijing University) and walked aroun
> > on campus. I ducked into a chinese language class and found the
> > professor had an interesting item. She had what looked like a glass tea
> > brewer. It was a slender glass containter (taller and wider than a coke
> > can) loose tea floating in it. The lid was plastic and flat and had a
> > sort of a loop handle to it. I found that it was a common thing with
> > students but didnt think to ask about it or try to purchase one until
> > now. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Anyone know the name of
> > this item or where on the internet I can purchase this? thanks.
>
> Something like this?
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3957801690
>
> That particular item was discussed here recently, the review seems to be
> that it's a good piece of gear.

Maybe it is good, but it isn't glass. There are double-walled glass
vessels like this:

http://www.chinachaomin.com/

I don't know of a handy retail website for these, but I bought mine in
New York's Chinatown.

/Lew
---
Lew Perin /
http://www.panix.com/~perin/babelcarp.html

Okay, I am also new here. I have been a coffee drinker all my life and
have only started tea since about two months ago. This may seem strange
to some of you, but I really didn't have a clue as to even how to make
a cup of tea two months ago. I have a lot to learn. I got in to green
tea for the health benefits and have pretty much given up on coffee. I
am hoping that by hanging out here for a while I can learn more.

Since I started I have been drinking strictly grocery market quality
tea in bags. But, I wanted to get a better experience, so I have been
searching for a tea infuser method. I have just received and am
drinking my first cup of tea made with the IngenuiTea** method. I found
it was pretty easy. I ordered the loose leaf green tea sampler.

I used the microwave method - the IngenuiTea goes in the microwave -
then I spoon the tea in afterwards. Does anyone have any tips for
getting the temperature right for green tea? Is it better to guess the
temperature before it boils, or let it boil and wait about 30 seconds?

What is the opinion here of the IngenuiTea?

Any comments on finding quality loose leaf tea (especially green tea)
in local brick and mortar stores?

**IngenuiTea
http://www.adagio.com/misc/no_risk.h...eb2f66fdf7f8eb

Okay, I am also new here. I have been a coffee drinker all my life and
have only started tea since about two months ago. This may seem strange
to some of you, but I really didn't have a clue as to even how to make
a cup of tea two months ago. I have a lot to learn. I got in to green
tea for the health benefits and have pretty much given up on coffee. I
am hoping that by hanging out here for a while I can learn more.

Since I started I have been drinking strictly grocery market quality
tea in bags. But, I wanted to get a better experience, so I have been
searching for a tea infuser method. I have just received and am
drinking my first cup of tea made with the IngenuiTea** method. I found
it was pretty easy. I ordered the loose leaf green tea sampler.

I used the microwave method - the IngenuiTea goes in the microwave -
then I spoon the tea in afterwards. Does anyone have any tips for
getting the temperature right for green tea? Is it better to guess the
temperature before it boils, or let it boil and wait about 30 seconds?

What is the opinion here of the IngenuiTea?

Any comments on finding quality loose leaf tea (especially green tea)
in local brick and mortar stores?

**IngenuiTea
http://www.adagio.com/misc/no_risk.h...eb2f66fdf7f8eb

On 17 Feb 2005 14:44:55 -0800, elgoog wrote:

> I used the microwave method - the IngenuiTea goes in the microwave -
> then I spoon the tea in afterwards. Does anyone have any tips for
> getting the temperature right for green tea? Is it better to guess the
> temperature before it boils, or let it boil and wait about 30 seconds?

Advice for how long to heat water in the microwave will vary from unit
to unit. Higher wattage ovens heat more quickly. This is why the
instructions for any microwavable food tell you to adjust the time as
needed for your unit.

If you're bringing water to a boil, you've passed the temperature for
green teas. Green teas are best at between 160 and 170 degrees
Fahrenheit (70-75 C). It's going to take longer than 30 seconds for
your water to cool from 212 to 170, unless you add cold water to it.

The most accurate answer to your question is to use a microwavable
thermometer. You can insert it in the water and watch to see when the
water has gotten hot.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/...microwave.html

The advantage to this is that you'd only have to do this once or twice
per microwave. If you pay attention to how long it takes to reach the
correct temperature, you'll know how long to heat the water next time.

--
Derek

There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.
Miss that, though, and you're pretty much doomed.

On 17 Feb 2005 14:44:55 -0800, elgoog wrote:

> I used the microwave method - the IngenuiTea goes in the microwave -
> then I spoon the tea in afterwards. Does anyone have any tips for
> getting the temperature right for green tea? Is it better to guess the
> temperature before it boils, or let it boil and wait about 30 seconds?

Advice for how long to heat water in the microwave will vary from unit
to unit. Higher wattage ovens heat more quickly. This is why the
instructions for any microwavable food tell you to adjust the time as
needed for your unit.

If you're bringing water to a boil, you've passed the temperature for
green teas. Green teas are best at between 160 and 170 degrees
Fahrenheit (70-75 C). It's going to take longer than 30 seconds for
your water to cool from 212 to 170, unless you add cold water to it.

The most accurate answer to your question is to use a microwavable
thermometer. You can insert it in the water and watch to see when the
water has gotten hot.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/...microwave.html

The advantage to this is that you'd only have to do this once or twice
per microwave. If you pay attention to how long it takes to reach the
correct temperature, you'll know how long to heat the water next time.

--
Derek

There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.
Miss that, though, and you're pretty much doomed.

On 17 Feb 2005 14:44:55 -0800, elgoog wrote:

> I used the microwave method - the IngenuiTea goes in the microwave -
> then I spoon the tea in afterwards. Does anyone have any tips for
> getting the temperature right for green tea? Is it better to guess the
> temperature before it boils, or let it boil and wait about 30 seconds?

Advice for how long to heat water in the microwave will vary from unit
to unit. Higher wattage ovens heat more quickly. This is why the
instructions for any microwavable food tell you to adjust the time as
needed for your unit.

If you're bringing water to a boil, you've passed the temperature for
green teas. Green teas are best at between 160 and 170 degrees
Fahrenheit (70-75 C). It's going to take longer than 30 seconds for
your water to cool from 212 to 170, unless you add cold water to it.

The most accurate answer to your question is to use a microwavable
thermometer. You can insert it in the water and watch to see when the
water has gotten hot.

http://www.thermoworks.com/products/...microwave.html

The advantage to this is that you'd only have to do this once or twice
per microwave. If you pay attention to how long it takes to reach the
correct temperature, you'll know how long to heat the water next time.

--
Derek

There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.
Miss that, though, and you're pretty much doomed.

"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Okay, I am also new here. I have been a coffee drinker all my life and
> have only started tea since about two months ago.

Welcome & Yay!

> I am hoping that by hanging out here for a while I can learn more.

Have you read our FAQ?

http://pages.ripco.net/~c4ha2na9/tea/faq.html

> I used the microwave method - the IngenuiTea goes in the microwave -
> then I spoon the tea in afterwards. Does anyone have any tips for
> getting the temperature right for green tea? Is it better to guess the
> temperature before it boils, or let it boil and wait about 30 seconds?

Everyone's microwave is different. Your best bet is to use a thermometer, an
instant-read is available in the kitchen gadget section of Wal-Mart for
~$5.50, because water doesn't necessarily boil at 212F in a microwave
anyway. Also, please google this group to see my posts earlier this month in
exploding water, subject: "Slightly astringent with an aftertaste," if
you haven't read them already.

> What is the opinion here of the IngenuiTea?

In addition to whatever replies you receive here, several posts have been
made on this, formerly known as the Aria, available again by googling this
group.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Okay, I am also new here. I have been a coffee drinker all my life and
> have only started tea since about two months ago.

Welcome & Yay!

> I am hoping that by hanging out here for a while I can learn more.

Have you read our FAQ?

http://pages.ripco.net/~c4ha2na9/tea/faq.html

> I used the microwave method - the IngenuiTea goes in the microwave -
> then I spoon the tea in afterwards. Does anyone have any tips for
> getting the temperature right for green tea? Is it better to guess the
> temperature before it boils, or let it boil and wait about 30 seconds?

Everyone's microwave is different. Your best bet is to use a thermometer, an
instant-read is available in the kitchen gadget section of Wal-Mart for
~$5.50, because water doesn't necessarily boil at 212F in a microwave
anyway. Also, please google this group to see my posts earlier this month in
exploding water, subject: "Slightly astringent with an aftertaste," if
you haven't read them already.

> What is the opinion here of the IngenuiTea?

In addition to whatever replies you receive here, several posts have been
made on this, formerly known as the Aria, available again by googling this
group.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Okay, I am also new here. I have been a coffee drinker all my life and
> have only started tea since about two months ago.

Welcome & Yay!

> I am hoping that by hanging out here for a while I can learn more.

Have you read our FAQ?

http://pages.ripco.net/~c4ha2na9/tea/faq.html

> I used the microwave method - the IngenuiTea goes in the microwave -
> then I spoon the tea in afterwards. Does anyone have any tips for
> getting the temperature right for green tea? Is it better to guess the
> temperature before it boils, or let it boil and wait about 30 seconds?

Everyone's microwave is different. Your best bet is to use a thermometer, an
instant-read is available in the kitchen gadget section of Wal-Mart for
~$5.50, because water doesn't necessarily boil at 212F in a microwave
anyway. Also, please google this group to see my posts earlier this month in
exploding water, subject: "Slightly astringent with an aftertaste," if
you haven't read them already.

> What is the opinion here of the IngenuiTea?

In addition to whatever replies you receive here, several posts have been
made on this, formerly known as the Aria, available again by googling this
group.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Derek" > wrote in message ...
> On 17 Feb 2005 14:44:55 -0800, elgoog wrote:
>
> There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.
> Miss that, though, and you're pretty much doomed.

From where do you get these? They're really funny, y'know.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Derek" > wrote in message ...
> On 17 Feb 2005 14:44:55 -0800, elgoog wrote:
>
> There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.
> Miss that, though, and you're pretty much doomed.

From where do you get these? They're really funny, y'know.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

On Thu, 17 Feb 2005 17:53:17 -0600, Bluesea wrote:

> "Derek" > wrote in message ...
>> On 17 Feb 2005 14:44:55 -0800, elgoog wrote:
>>
>> There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.
>> Miss that, though, and you're pretty much doomed.
>
> From where do you get these? They're really funny, y'know.

I cannot tell a lie. So I'm not going to tell you anything.

But you might want to check out www.despair.com.

--
Derek

A few harmless flakes working together can unleash an avalanche of
destruction.

On Thu, 17 Feb 2005 17:53:17 -0600, Bluesea wrote:

> "Derek" > wrote in message ...
>> On 17 Feb 2005 14:44:55 -0800, elgoog wrote:
>>
>> There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.
>> Miss that, though, and you're pretty much doomed.
>
> From where do you get these? They're really funny, y'know.

I cannot tell a lie. So I'm not going to tell you anything.

But you might want to check out www.despair.com.

--
Derek

A few harmless flakes working together can unleash an avalanche of
destruction.

Hey Eric and Lewis thanks so much for your suggestions! They were on
point. Exactly what I was looking for! This is awesome. Thank you so
much for helping me! =)

Koza

Lewis 2/17/05

> Eric Jorgensen > writes:
>
>> On 17 Feb 2005 08:10:13 -0800
>> "Koza" > wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all. I am new to the group and I have a question to ask. Recently, I
>>> was in Beijing and went to BeiDa (Beijing University) and walked aroun
>>> on campus. I ducked into a chinese language class and found the
>>> professor had an interesting item. She had what looked like a glass tea
>>> brewer. It was a slender glass containter (taller and wider than a coke
>>> can) loose tea floating in it. The lid was plastic and flat and had a
>>> sort of a loop handle to it. I found that it was a common thing with
>>> students but didnt think to ask about it or try to purchase one until
>>> now. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Anyone know the name of
>>> this item or where on the internet I can purchase this? thanks.
>>
>> Something like this?
>>
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3957801690
>>
>> That particular item was discussed here recently, the review seems to be
>> that it's a good piece of gear.
>
> Maybe it is good, but it isn't glass. There are double-walled glass
> vessels like this:
>
> http://www.chinachaomin.com/
>
> I don't know of a handy retail website for these, but I bought mine in
> New York's Chinatown.
>
> /Lew


Lew,

Can't speak for the pictured item, but the one I bought in Chinatown was
most definitely glass -- at least the inner cylinder was -- as evidenced by
the fact that I succeeded in smashing it.

Michael

Derek,

Thanks for the temperature suggestions. Interesting, you recommend 160
- 170, I had been told 180 for green teas. Maybe I'll shoot for the
compromise at 170. I'll take up your idea of finding a microwave
thermometer to get the time correct. I've noticed it takes longer for
two cups than one. I've also noticed that different mugs/cups heat the
water differently. I may choose to always use the measuring cup and
then note the times for one cup, two cups and four cups.

Great tip. Thanks.

elgoog

Bluesea,
Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I have read the tea FAQ. It was in reading
the tea FAQ that prompted me to look for a tea newsgroup. Who would
have thought there'd be a tea newsgroup - besides everyone here?

Great idea about the thermometer. Amazingly, I can't believe I didn't
think of it. Anyway, I will follow up on that.

I will definitely google around in here. The IngenuiTea looks like a
pretty good invention to me. You are the first tea connoisseurs I know.
I got all my information about tea from searching the internet. The
IngenuiTea looked like a good enough idea to risk it. Though I shall be
interested in trying other methods, free floating infusion looked the
best to me and the simplicity of this device was key. Easy to use, easy
to clean, easy filter.

Thanks,
elgoog

On 18 Feb 2005 05:00:00 -0800, elgoog wrote:

> Thanks for the temperature suggestions. Interesting, you recommend 160
> - 170, I had been told 180 for green teas. Maybe I'll shoot for the
> compromise at 170. I'll take up your idea of finding a microwave
> thermometer to get the time correct. I've noticed it takes longer for
> two cups than one. I've also noticed that different mugs/cups heat the
> water differently. I may choose to always use the measuring cup and
> then note the times for one cup, two cups and four cups.

Well, not all green teas will fall into that range. I've got one that
calls for 200 degrees. But that's beside the point I was making.

The point is that it takes longer than 30 seconds for the water to
cool to an appropriate temperature - even if you're shooting for 180.

And you're absolutely correct about the heating differentials. Two
cups takes longer just as it would on a stove top. You're trying to
heat more water with the same amount of energy.

I, too, have seen mugs make differences in how quickly the water
heats.

--
Derek

You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take, and,
statistically speaking, 99% of the shots you do.

Thanks for the clarification on different temperatures. Adagio says
these teas should be 180. So, 180 it is. I guess that one merely needs
to pay attention to the particular tea and be willing to experiment a
little.

Any suggestions on choosing loose leaf teas from brick-and-mortar
(non-Internet) establishments?

On 18 Feb 2005 06:53:19 -0800, elgoog wrote:

> Thanks for the clarification on different temperatures. Adagio says
> these teas should be 180. So, 180 it is. I guess that one merely needs
> to pay attention to the particular tea and be willing to experiment a
> little.

I actually use a Teeli tea thermometer to check for my green teas.
It's all celsius. It actually says 65-75 for green teas, which is 149
to 167 Farhenheit. I have found that the greater danger with green
teas is overcooking them by using water that is too hot.

> Any suggestions on choosing loose leaf teas from brick-and-mortar
> (non-Internet) establishments?

You mean when you walk in to buy or ordering from them?

--
Derek

Before you attempt to beat the odds, be sure you could survive the
odds beating you.

Michael Plant > writes:

> Lewis 2/17/05
>
> > [...double-walled glass tea brewer...]
> >
> > I don't know of a handy retail website for these, but I bought mine in
> > New York's Chinatown.
>
> Can't speak for the pictured item, but the one I bought in Chinatown was
> most definitely glass -- at least the inner cylinder was -- as evidenced by
> the fact that I succeeded in smashing it.

Congratulations! You know that gives you 15 minutes of good luck,
don't you?

/Lew, on his way to Calcutta and Darjeeling
---
Lew Perin /
http://www.panix.com/~perin/babelcarp.html

<<You mean when you walk in to buy or ordering from them?>>

Yes, I mean walking in to a brick-and-mortar establishment. You know
the real, physical world. I find so much information online about
Internet tea stores and reviews of teas sold online. I am left
wondering, what about finding good loose leaf tea in stores. One of the
things I enjoyed about coffee was going to the stores and picking out
the beans. I want to know about tea, find tea stores and be able to
experience that same sense of knowing what I am looking for and
predicting and recognizing quality.

I realize that my geen tea sampler from Adagio contains teas that have
been reviewed from horrid to average. The horrid one is, well horrid.
Still, the average tea is the best I have ever tasted. I don't mean to
knock Adagio, it just happens their best teas aren't in the sampler I
bought.

"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> <<You mean when you walk in to buy or ordering from them?>>
>
> Yes, I mean walking in to a brick-and-mortar establishment. You know
> the real, physical world. I find so much information online about
> Internet tea stores and reviews of teas sold online. I am left
> wondering, what about finding good loose leaf tea in stores. One of the
> things I enjoyed about coffee was going to the stores and picking out
> the beans. I want to know about tea, find tea stores and be able to
> experience that same sense of knowing what I am looking for and
> predicting and recognizing quality.

One thing that I look for is the expiration date on the boxed teas. In one
store, *every* box I checked was expired several months to over a year. I
walked out never even looking at their loose tea figuring that if they
weren't serious enough about tea on the whole to keep their boxed items
reasonably current, there wasn't any sense in my expecting their loose teas
to be fresh.

> I realize that my geen tea sampler from Adagio contains teas that have
> been reviewed from horrid to average. The horrid one is, well horrid.
> Still, the average tea is the best I have ever tasted. I don't mean to
> knock Adagio, it just happens their best teas aren't in the sampler I
> bought.

Thanks. I'm putting together an order and was thinking that I'd be better
off selecting samples individually.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Lewis Perin" > wrote in message
news
>
> /Lew, on his way to Calcutta and Darjeeling

For real?

Have a good trip!


--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Thanks for the clarification on different temperatures. Adagio says
> these teas should be 180. So, 180 it is.

Nononononono. What these places give you are only starting points. You
mustn't think that you shouldn't brew green or white teas cooler than the
recommended temp.

> I guess that one merely needs
> to pay attention to the particular tea and be willing to experiment a
> little.

Yesyesyesyesyes.

Same thing about temps apply to amounts. Start w/ 1 tsp. of tea per cup and
then increase/decrease to suit your personal taste.

Except for gunpowder...start with 1/2 tsp. of tea per cup.

Except for Japanese teas...start 10F lower than you would for other green
teas.

(Standard disclaimer: blahblahblah...YMMV...blahblahblah.)

Heh.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"elgoog" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Bluesea,
> Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I have read the tea FAQ. It was in reading
> the tea FAQ that prompted me to look for a tea newsgroup. Who would
> have thought there'd be a tea newsgroup - besides everyone here?
>
> Great idea about the thermometer. Amazingly, I can't believe I didn't
> think of it. Anyway, I will follow up on that.
>
> I will definitely google around in here. The IngenuiTea looks like a
> pretty good invention to me. You are the first tea connoisseurs I know.
> I got all my information about tea from searching the internet. The
> IngenuiTea looked like a good enough idea to risk it. Though I shall be
> interested in trying other methods, free floating infusion looked the
> best to me and the simplicity of this device was key. Easy to use, easy
> to clean, easy filter.
>
> Thanks,
> elgoog

"Derek" > wrote in message ...
>
> The most accurate answer to your question is to use a microwavable
> thermometer. You can insert it in the water and watch to see when the
> water has gotten hot.
>
> http://www.thermoworks.com/products/...microwave.html

So, Derek...remember our discussion about traveling? What about getting an
IngenuiTea like you were thinking or that travel set I found or something
and sticking this thermometer into the water at those motels that have a
microwave available to the guests?

Would still need a heating coil for those places that don't have a
microwave, though.

--
~~Bluesea~~
Spam is great in musubi but not in email.
Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply.

"Derek" > wrote in message ...
> On Thu, 17 Feb 2005 17:53:17 -0600, Bluesea wrote:
>
> > "Derek" > wrote in message
...
> >> On 17 Feb 2005 14:44:55 -0800, elgoog wrote:
> >>
> >> There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.
> >> Miss that, though, and you're pretty much doomed.
> >
> > From where do you get these? They're really funny, y'know.
>
> I cannot tell a lie. So I'm not going to tell you anything.
>
> But you might want to check out www.despair.com.

Well, what do you know. I found the line that another guy uses in his sig
about never underestimating the power of stupid people in large groups. I
always wondered about that. His sig doesn't change, however, and yours does.

> A few harmless flakes working together can unleash an avalanche of
> destruction.

That's teamwork, eh?

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~~Bluesea~~
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<<Thanks. I'm putting together an order and was thinking that I'd be
better
off selecting samples individually.>>

Unless, you want to cash in for their offer on the IngenuiTea. It
seemed like a good idea to me. Basically, I bought the IngenuiTea and
got the samplers for free. But, I understand that buying sample sets is
not generally a good idea.

"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> <<Thanks. I'm putting together an order and was thinking that I'd be
> better
> off selecting samples individually.>>
>
> Unless, you want to cash in for their offer on the IngenuiTea. It
> seemed like a good idea to me. Basically, I bought the IngenuiTea and
> got the samplers for free. But, I understand that buying sample sets is
> not generally a good idea.

Thanks. I'll have to think about it since I'm looking to buy the 32 oz to
make cold tea this summer. I want the sample-sized tins for my travel kit.

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~~Bluesea~~
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Again, thanks for the advice.

I have noticed that with my cheap tea bags that over steeping didn't
matter too much to me. Sure, I could tell when it was over steeped and
bitter, but it didn't bother me too much. I notice however that with
these loose leaf teas, the steeping time is much more critical.

I've also been experimenting with the do-it-yourself decaf method.
First infusion 20 - 45 seconds, and throw it away (I'm sticking with 30
seconds for these teas). Second infusion normal steep time (for my
green tea 3 minutes) and drink. I've found a third infusion still
produces good tea. I've found that a fourth infusion is drinkable, but
noticeably weakened.

I've found differing opinions "googling" on multiple infusions. YMMV ;-)

"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Again, thanks for the advice.

You're very welcome .

> I have noticed that with my cheap tea bags that over steeping didn't
> matter too much to me. Sure, I could tell when it was over steeped and
> bitter, but it didn't bother me too much. I notice however that with
> these loose leaf teas, the steeping time is much more critical.

It seems to me that the fresher the tea, the more noticeable the
differences. It's kinda like the oomph has gone out of teabags because
they're handled more and don't get to the consumer as quickly as loose teas
and we're left with basic flavor and no subtleties.

> I've also been experimenting with the do-it-yourself decaf method.
> First infusion 20 - 45 seconds, and throw it away (I'm sticking with 30
> seconds for these teas). Second infusion normal steep time (for my
> green tea 3 minutes) and drink. I've found a third infusion still
> produces good tea. I've found that a fourth infusion is drinkable, but
> noticeably weakened.

You might try increasing the time. I generally get at least 4 infusions from
my white teas but don't have the patience to try to steep longer to get more
than 3 infusions from my green teas. I know, it's a personal problem .

> I've found differing opinions "googling" on multiple infusions. YMMV ;-)

I wasn't aware that one could get more than one infusion from some black
teas like Assam until I joined this group, but I've yet to try it myself.

Have a good one!

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~~Bluesea~~
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Ever get into trouble traveling with tea? I used to have problems
carrying coffee. The dogs are trained to respond to coffee because
smugglers hid drugs inside the coffee in an attempt to fool the dogs.

On 18 Feb 2005 13:19:37 -0800
"elgoog" > wrote:

> Ever get into trouble traveling with tea? I used to have problems
> carrying coffee. The dogs are trained to respond to coffee because
> smugglers hid drugs inside the coffee in an attempt to fool the dogs.
>


I hear tell my supervisor once got hassled at the airport with a ziplock
baggie full of yerba mate.

There's a noted case of a tourist being asked to transfer his "Gunpowder
Tea" out of it's labeled packaging for fear it might unsettle other
passengers.

"elgoog" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Ever get into trouble traveling with tea? I used to have problems
> carrying coffee. The dogs are trained to respond to coffee because
> smugglers hid drugs inside the coffee in an attempt to fool the dogs.

I have yet to travel by air w/ tea. My last long trip, I bought a couple of
boxes of teabags at my destination and left them in the hotel room when I
left because I knew that I wasn't going to want them when I got home. That's
why I'm slowly making up a travel kit so that I may enjoy my loose teas away
from home.

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"Eric Jorgensen" > wrote in message
news:20050218142200.443847ed@wafer...
> On 18 Feb 2005 13:19:37 -0800
> "elgoog" > wrote:
>
> > Ever get into trouble traveling with tea? I used to have problems
> > carrying coffee. The dogs are trained to respond to coffee because
> > smugglers hid drugs inside the coffee in an attempt to fool the dogs.
>
> I hear tell my supervisor once got hassled at the airport with a
ziplock
> baggie full of yerba mate.

I've never seen yerba mate. Does it look very much like oregano?

> There's a noted case of a tourist being asked to transfer his "Gunpowder
> Tea" out of it's labeled packaging for fear it might unsettle other
> passengers.

Oh, good grief. I comprehend the logic, but some people (other passengers)
really need to find something better to do with their nosiness. I mean, it
wasn't as though "GUNPOWDER" was in large letters, was it?

--
~~Bluesea~~
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