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.

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

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.

"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,

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

"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 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.

"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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

"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.

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

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

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.