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[MetalGuardian]

Hello fine folks of Tea-GAF!

Another recent thread here informed me about Matcha tea, which I had never heard of before but sounds wonderful. This link in particular was thrown my way, and I'm considering pulling the trigger when I get paid on friday:

http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/powders/green-tea/100-pct-matcha.html

Is this a satisfactory brand? Are the benefits of Matcha overhyped? Are there any more cost-effective places to buy it from?

 

[phantomspiker]

I'd say go for a bigger sized one, even if you don't think you need it. I've also had a great run with the glass of my Bonjour replacement carafe, so I generally just recommend them over Bodum (whose carafe broke on me twice before). This one is basically the same style, a bit bigger, and a bit cheaper: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004R8Y2/?tag=neogaf0e-20

If you need a cheaper entry point, Ikea also has really inexpensive, decent quality presses, too.

Keep in mind whenever you're repurposing coffee equipment for tea brewing: coffee has its own weird system of measuring cups, so even though the one you linked says "4 cup," it's actually closer to 2 cups. A bigger press gives you versatility and isn't significantly more cumbersome than smaller models.

Cool, thanks!

 

[teepo]

Hello fine folks of Tea-GAF!

Another recent thread here informed me about Matcha tea, which I had never heard of before but sounds wonderful. This link in particular was thrown my way, and I'm considering pulling the trigger when I get paid on friday:

http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/powders/green-tea/100-pct-matcha.html

Is this a satisfactory brand? Are the benefits of Matcha overhyped? Are there any more cost-effective places to buy it from?

can't comment on the brand, but with the color resembling old oxidized green tea, lack of information on the source (or sources) and given how cheap it is, i'd advise buying from a more specialized source even if it isn't as cost-effective.

http://www.denstea.com/matcha-c-122.html
http://www.o-cha.com/green-teas/matcha-powdered-green-tea/

both offer fairly cheap beginner matchas. 30g is roughly about 1oz of matcha, but you'd be surprised how much you can brew with so little. the experience and rush many have with matcha has everything to do with the freshness and quality of the tea. also, while matcha is grounded green tea, not all grounded green tea is matcha even if they're labeled as such.

 

[Collete]

I thought it was funny but, ever since I ordered tea from Adagio, they've been invading my ads on GAF (and only GAF) with stuff like this:

Adagio, if I come back, I'll be broke. STAY AWAY!

Spoiler

Funny thing about the last one, I didn't put anything in my cart....ADAGIO GET AWAY

 

[TCRS]

I love camomile tea when I have a cold. So nice and soothing.

 

[Anastasia]

Hi TeaGAF. ^^ I can't believe I haven't posted in here until now (I run on tea and nothing else). There is so much helpful information in this thread.

I thought it was funny but, ever since I ordered tea from Adagio, they've been invading my ads on GAF (and only GAF) with stuff like this:



Adagio, if I come back, I'll be broke. STAY AWAY!

Spoiler

Funny thing about the last one, I didn't put anything in my cart....ADAGIO GET AWAY

Adagio's mind control power is strong.

That reminds me I haven't ordered from Adagio in a while.

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

Realized I had some oolong sitting around from earlier in the year that needed using, so I decided to try the cold brew method.

Stuck 6 tsp of wrapped oolong into a pitcher and filled with cold water, then stuck it in the fridge for 10 hours. The end result?

Really damn good. It's much sweeter than if I had brewed it normally and only slightly less body. I wasn't entirely convinced that this was going to end up any good while I was reading up on it but I think next spring/summer I'm going to order some teas specifically for cold brewing. Will be incredible for refreshments while company is over! I think I might try adding some sliced fruit next time to see if it helps add more natural sweetness without oversweetening.

 

[TheWarrior]

First post in TeaGaf. I've been trying to quit/ cut down on my coffee and have found tea to be a great alternative. Seems I enjoy the hot beverage aspect more than the coffee itself.

I've been buying Stash Tea at the grocery store and came here to find out that its actually a pretty decent choice to make for bagged tea. I can't really french press my tea at work, so I pretty much have to go with a bagged option. I like their green tea the best, but am willing to experiment with other teas.

Is honey the accepted sweetener for most tea? i put about a teaspoon in my green tea or other times I will just drink the green tea with no sweetener.

 

[upandaway]

I can't really french press my tea at work, so I pretty much have to go with a bagged option.

What I do at work:
This (or anything similar, hell I'm just using some deformed half-ball strainer that I found in my grandma's house)
Fill it with some loose tea in the morning
Make cup with it, move to an empty cup after a couple of minutes, move back for a 2nd cup rinse repeat. Same leaves taste great even after 3 brews, so I don't even need to touch the infuser till the day's over.

After starting this, honestly bags are a bit more of a hassle since they need to be thrown away on the spot and the trash is on the other side of the universe.

 

[General Choomin]

I got some of this tea.

It's alright. If you drink enough of it, it numbs your mouth up pretty well.

 

[teepo]

i'd kill to have some authentic coca leaf tea

 

[TheWarrior]

TeaGaf

I picked up a french press this weekend and ordered some of the Yerba Mate from matefactor

I also want to get some Green Tea, preferably some high quality stuff, but there is so much to choose from. I'd like organic tea and won't shy away from a high price if anyone has suggestions. Japanese Green would probably be preferred.

 

[morningbus]

TeaGaf

I picked up a french press this weekend and ordered some of the Yerba Mate from matefactor

My man. Make sure you tell me how it goes for you.

I also want to get some Green Tea, preferably some high quality stuff, but there is so much to choose from. I'd like organic tea and won't shy away from a high price if anyone has suggestions. Japanese Green would probably be preferred.

There are people here who specialize in green tea who will be along shortly to assist, but I'll say that I generally like gunpowder green teas and Japanese senchas.

 

[Krauser Kat]

For those that love Earl Grey make this drink.

EarlGrey infuse vodka with 1bag or 2-3 teaspoons per cup of vodka. Then mix in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio with Cream Soda. So good.

Or

Take 100 proof Wild Turkey or Old Grandad. Infuse it with Black Tea per cup of Whiskey. Then Infuse with oranges. Then mix in a 1:1 or 1:2 with lemonade for a very tasty alcholic Arnold Palmer.

 

[TheWarrior]

My man. Make sure you tell me how it goes for you.



There are people here who specialize in green tea who will be along shortly to assist, but I'll say that I generally like gunpowder green teas and Japanese senchas.

Definitely excited to try the mate to replace my morning cup of coffee.

Sencha is what keeps catching my eye when browsing Harney and Upton websites, I'll wait to hear some suggestions and probably pick up a couple 4 ounce tins. Thanks again.

 

[thcsquad]

I also want to get some Green Tea, preferably some high quality stuff, but there is so much to choose from. I'd like organic tea and won't shy away from a high price if anyone has suggestions. Japanese Green would probably be preferred.

David's Tea has a nice Korean Sejak:
http://www.davidstea.com/korean-sejak

 

[VitalNerve]

I have a feeling I am doing something wrong, could someone give me an opinion?

My Hao Ya "A" (black tea) which I bought from Harney & sons taste exactly the same as my Silver needle. Should they taste similar? or am I doing something entirely wrong?

 

[Anastasia]

I haven't been feeling well the past week, and have been drinking lots of Lady Grey tea to help me get by. I <3 it.

I have to get oral surgery done though, so that means no hot tea for a while (after the surgery). :-(

I have a feeling I am doing something wrong, could someone give me an opinion?

My Hao Ya "A" (black tea) which I bought from Harney & sons taste exactly the same as my Silver needle. Should they taste similar? or am I doing something entirely wrong?

That doesn't sound right. I'm pretty sure the Silver Needle should be much lighter in taste. Maybe some tea leaves/fragments of the black tea somehow mixed with the Silver Needle, and that's why they taste the same?

 

[morningbus]

David's Tea has a nice Korean Sejak:
http://www.davidstea.com/korean-sejak

I'll rep this, too. Warning: Korean green teas can often have a light seaweed-like taste to them.

I have a feeling I am doing something wrong, could someone give me an opinion?

My Hao Ya "A" (black tea) which I bought from Harney & sons taste exactly the same as my Silver needle. Should they taste similar? or am I doing something entirely wrong?

What temperature are you using for each?

I haven't been feeling well the past week, and have been drinking lots of Lady Grey tea to help me get by. I <3 it.

I have to get oral surgery done though, so that means no hot tea for a while (after the surgery). :-(

Ouch. Best of luck!

 

[VitalNerve]

I

That doesn't sound right. I'm pretty sure the Silver Needle should be much lighter in taste. Maybe some tea leaves/fragments of the black tea somehow mixed with the Silver Needle, and that's why they taste the same?

Could be the issue, but I don't think so, I ran out of silver needle once I got my black tea.

What temperature are you using for each?

White tea at about 170, and black tea at about 212, I think.

Could it be that I am using my utilitea wrong? I set the nobs for white tea around the little green sticker for white and around the orange one for black. Or am i adding too much or too little tea? I do not have a measurement spoon so I use the smaller spoons in the dining set, someone told me they are tea spoons so yeah. In addition, I steep them in a tea pot and after about 4-5 mins (as instructed on the box) I pour it through a strainer.

I have no idea what I am doing anymore

 

[zbarron]

TeaGaf

I picked up a french press this weekend and ordered some of the Yerba Mate from matefactor

I also want to get some Green Tea, preferably some high quality stuff, but there is so much to choose from. I'd like organic tea and won't shy away from a high price if anyone has suggestions. Japanese Green would probably be preferred.

http://www.denstea.com/bnew-to-dens-teab-3-green-tea-sampler-for-novices-c-377_386.html $3 with free shipping is definitely where I would start. They give you some delicious stuff and then you get $3 off your next order so you can pick your favorite. Also they have some of the best Japanese Green you can get here.

 

[ameratsu]

I went and bought some Korean Sejak from David's over lunch from recommendations here. I've only done one infusion so far, but I wasn't that impressed. It has a similar taste to cheap bancha (nutty, woody, vegetal) that you can get from any asian grocer, though it's less astringent. I'll have to do a few more infusions with different brewing parameters and report back.

 

[TheWarrior]

Thanks for the help on the Green Tea everyone. My mate arrived 2 days ago and man is this stuff great. I'm using no sweetener and love the taste, plus I get a nice pick me up from it and never feel that coffee crash. Next up is some Green Tea and I'll probably try some of the Egyptian chamomile from Harney.

 

[Collete]

Anyone ever try the tea bagged version of Sleepytime tea by Celestial Seasonings?
Anyone know from a reputable tea dealer, where I can get a loose leaf version of a of a "sleepy" tea?
It'd be interesting to have this as a loose leaf version, I loved the bag version.
I found one on a site long time ago but I could never find it again. Anyone else have any other suggestions or even know what I'm talking about?

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

Anyone ever try the tea bagged version of Sleepytime tea by Celestial Seasonings?
Anyone know from a reputable tea dealer, where I can get a loose leaf version of a of a "sleepy" tea?
It'd be interesting to have this as a loose leaf version, I loved the bag version.
I found one on a site long time ago but I could never find it again. Anyone else have any other suggestions or even know what I'm talking about?

While not the exact same flavor (doesn't have the minty stuff from Sleepytime), I always end my day with a cup of DavidsTea's Sweet Dreams. I feel like it's been one of the better chamomile based teas around.

If you want something that has more of a minty profile, Davids also carries Mother's Little Helper, which I found didn't work as well for me as Sweet Dreams did but others claim the Valerian Root in it does way more for them than the other tea did. Valerian kinda tastes funny though so you might have to add a little honey to subdue it on the aftertaste.

And now for something completely different: Harney & Son's Yellow and Blue. Has lavender in it instead of the usual lemongrass pairings you see.

 

[Deleted member 12837]

For multiple steeps, how long is too long between steeps? Could I brew a batch in the morning, store it in a thermos and drink it all day, and then brew another for the afternoon/evening? Or would that be too long to let the leaves sit out?

 

[morningbus]

For multiple steeps, how long is too long between steeps? Could I brew a batch in the morning, store it in a thermos and drink it all day, and then brew another for the afternoon/evening? Or would that be too long to let the leaves sit out?

As long as the leaves aren't left steeping in water, it'll be fine. If you're worried about it, or live in an area with an extreme climate, you can throw the used leaves in the fridge until you're ready to use them.

 

[Kallor]

Oh. Looks like I've found my new favorite thread.

 

[morningbus]

Harney & Sons (Until the 21st): Free Shipping on orders over $25 (+ 10% discount on certain items). Check out: http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=11f1e53fcd1f6ccd70603f821&id=d27f782765&e=e8a32b9525 for more.

 

[Mr. Desu]

Anyone else been to the Imperial Tea Court in San Francisco.

 

[Kickz]

Discovered the Tazo Chai Kcups last week, pure love in each cup...

I love Chai so much, that mix of cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon. Purely delightful.
Now I never have to buy a coffee Kcup ever again

 

[mu cephei]

I had no idea tea was so complicated.

I'm totally addicted to Tesco's Finest Vanilla Chai at the moment. I tried Twinings Chai but it wasn't the same. Does anyone know a really good brand/type of Vanilla Chai? I don't really like buying Tesco brand anything.

 

[Beezy]

I have a tea lover friend, but she only uses teabags. Do you guys think this be a good gift for her?

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ovente-stainless-steel-french-press-coffee-maker

Also, what kind of tea would you recommend for someone who is just getting started with a french press? Would some Adagio samplers be fine?

 

[morningbus]

(I'll update as any Cyber Monday deals roll in. Additions will be marked with an asterisk.)

Harney & Sons Still has free shipping going on.
Teavana: $25 off purchases of $60 or more (click here for details)
* Samovar 30% off tea and teware with code FF2013

I have a tea lover friend, but she only uses teabags. Do you guys think this be a good gift for her?

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-ovente-stainless-steel-french-press-coffee-maker

Also, what kind of tea would you recommend for someone who is just getting started with a french press? Would some Adagio samplers be fine?

I'm not familiar with the brand, but it's definitely a good price and worth a shot, I think. And yes, an Adagio sampler is a great starting point.

 

[morningbus]

Sorry to double bump this, but Harney & Sons has sweetened the deal:

Free Shipping + 25% off with code CYB13.

 

[Egnirys]

Here are a couple of more deals:
Tealuxe has a 25% when you use CYBERTEA25 at checkout.
DavidsTea has free shipping if you use the code HoHoHo.

 

[morningbus]

Here are a couple of more deals:
Tealuxe has a 25% when you use CYBERTEA25 at checkout.
DavidsTea has free shipping if you use the code HoHoHo.

Going to be hard to resist, but I really shouldn't be buying tea right now.

If anyone is looking for recommendations with David's Tea, though:

Main Squeeze (Yerba Mate blend): http://www.davidstea.com/main-squeeze

Honey Bee (Yerba Mate blend): http://www.davidstea.com/honeybee

 

[Head of Vengarl]

Goddamn, Harney&Sons website is getting Cyber Monday'd to death right now. Keeps crashing on me.

 

[Egnirys]

Forgot to also add that Adagio is having free shipping today. No code needed.

 

[898]

Going to be hard to resist, but I really shouldn't be buying tea right now.

If anyone is looking for recommendations with David's Tea, though:

Main Squeeze (Yerba Mate blend): http://www.davidstea.com/main-squeeze

Honey Bee (Yerba Mate blend): http://www.davidstea.com/honeybee

Grabbed both of those (I'm pretty sure I messed up my CC#, we'll see if it processes) as well as some from Harney&Sons (took forever).
Thanks!

Anyone up for a quickie holiday swap, I can host?

 

[Sickbean]

I'll be jumping on the TeaGAF bandwagon today I think. Stayed at a really posh hotel in Chester over the weekend that served proper tea to our room in the morning - made me realise what I've been missing out on.

As a bonus Adagio UK have free shipping today! Going to get an ingenuiTEA, some Earl Grey, Assam and Ceylon.

Can anyone recommend something for my pregnant wife? She normally drinks Lady Grey but has to cut right back on caffeine at the moment.

 

[morningbus]

I'll be jumping on the TeaGAF bandwagon today I think. Stayed at a really posh hotel in Chester over the weekend that served proper tea to our room in the morning - made me realise what I've been missing out on.

As a bonus Adagio UK have free shipping today! Going to get an ingenuiTEA, some Earl Grey, Assam and Ceylon.

Can anyone recommend something for my pregnant wife? She normally drinks Lady Grey but has to cut right back on caffeine at the moment.

Give the Rooibos Earl Grey a shot: http://www.adagio.uk.com/rooibos/rooibos_earl_grey.html

Rooibos is caffeine free and this blend should have the same kind of flavor as the lady grey. Check out Adagio's rooibos section to see if there is anything else that grabs you, too.

 

[Edwards_Omatic]

This and only this.

 

[kiyomi]

The truth.

 

[Edwards_Omatic]

The truth.

We'll get on just fine chuck.

 

[Sickbean]

Give the Rooibos Earl Grey a shot: http://www.adagio.uk.com/rooibos/rooibos_earl_grey.html

Rooibos is caffeine free and this blend should have the same kind of flavor as the lady grey. Check out Adagio's rooibos section to see if there is anything else that grabs you, too.

Thanks, I'll add some to my order.

This and only this.

Eee by ekkie thump!

 

[Sickbean]

Any opinions on the Adagio ingenuiTEA?

http://www.adagio.uk.com/teaware/ingenuiTEA_teapot.html

Video makes it look really good, but that's marketing vids for you!

 

[morningbus]

Any opinions on the Adagio ingenuiTEA?

http://www.adagio.uk.com/teaware/ingenuiTEA_teapot.html

Video makes it look really good, but that's marketing vids for you!

They work well and as advertised, so no fear buying there. I used one for the better part of a year and it worked well for just about every kind of tea I threw at it (only gourd-grade yerba mate clogged the filter).

Having said that, over time, the mechanism that controls the release of the liquid became unreliable. After my third time cleaning up a mess from the contents spilling out, I decided to retire it. I've been using a french press since, and it's what I recommend to just about everyone.

A french press has a few advantages: it's non-proprietary, so replacement parts are cheap and readily available; larger capacity presses are pretty cheap compared to gravity pots like the ingenunitea; and lastly, the construction of a press is usually glass and metal, which I personally prefer to the plastic construction of most gravity pots.

Hope that helps!

 

[Cyan]

French presses are usually for coffee, right? How do they work for tea?

 

[morningbus]

French presses are usually for coffee, right? How do they work for tea?

Really, really well (and better than teapots in my opinion).

I'll quote myself from earlier: "French presses are better than teapots in basically every way: it gives your loose-leaf tea room to brew, it can do a half cup of tea just as easily as it can do 4 (or 8, depending on size), they are very easy to clean, and they effortlessly separate the brewed tea leaf from the brewed tea liquid."

The only shortcoming they have is that it's hard to keep brewed tea in a french press. The water will always be in contact with the leaves, so it will continue to brew if not separated. As ridiculous as it sounds, if I'm making tea for a crowd, I'll brew it in a french press and pour it off into a teapot for serving.