I was pretty excited to try this unique tea and I do like supporting small local vendors who bring us offerings like this so that was definitely a great reason to try it.
I steeped mine with 180 F water for around 3.5 minutes in a glass infuser mug. This is such a curious tea with very interesting properties. I agree with TeaEqualsBliss that at first it reminds me of a sencha both in flavor and consistency but the color and strength are more like a dark oolong and it definitely has an astringent finish. That’s the only thing that bugs me a bit so I am going to try doing a few other things with it including steeping at a lower temp. and cold brewing so my rating may go up a bit soon. I am leery of astringent teas due to my issues with acid reflux but it doesn’t seem to bother other people. This is pretty unique so if you aren’t afraid of something unusual I suggest you give it a try!
Preparation
Comments
Amy, are there any qualities you do like in astringent teas (say in a Darjeeling)? I completely understand the astringency factor, and how it affects your acid reflux. I’m asking b/c sometimes, say my Cranberry Tea, gives me heartburn. Yet I do like the fact, that it is tart and yet sweet, with a good base tea.
Also, I really enjoy Darjeelings, yet if they are oversteeped, astringency does become a factor-but there usually are other dimensions in these teas I still enjoy.
I like the flavor of darjeelings but since they usually make me kind of ill it’s difficult to separate the two, know what I mean?
yeah….too bad. I was gonna try to send you a lighter Darj, but I don’t think its a good idea if they make you feel ill. Do you have reflux really bad?
Amy, are there any qualities you do like in astringent teas (say in a Darjeeling)? I completely understand the astringency factor, and how it affects your acid reflux. I’m asking b/c sometimes, say my Cranberry Tea, gives me heartburn. Yet I do like the fact, that it is tart and yet sweet, with a good base tea.
Also, I really enjoy Darjeelings, yet if they are oversteeped, astringency does become a factor-but there usually are other dimensions in these teas I still enjoy.
I like the flavor of darjeelings but since they usually make me kind of ill it’s difficult to separate the two, know what I mean?
yeah….too bad. I was gonna try to send you a lighter Darj, but I don’t think its a good idea if they make you feel ill. Do you have reflux really bad?
I’m fine as long as I stay away from things that make my stomach hurt… ;-)
what about spicy things?
let’s take this discussion to DM… :)