Green Tea Forum

kylezo · Posted: Jul 25, 2008 4:45 am Post subject: Tea brewing method guidance requested

Hello everyone.

I am pretty new with the world of 'real' tea, so I am still learning, and hoping to get some guidance. Currently, to brew my tea (mostly oolong and green), I am using one of those little teapots with an infuser basked and lid. I pour the hot water in the pot, pour a cup into my teacup, and let them cool to the required temp (if applicable). Then I pour the water back in the teacup, and depending on whether the leaves I am using produce multiple infusions or not, I put the basket with the leaves in the pot (single) or the cup (multiple). I just take the basket out after the time needed and it sits on my counter till the next one if there is a next one.

My question is, does what I'm doing sound right? I am not really interested in the ritual aspect of brewing teas. I am just wondering if there is a better way or if I am doing anything wrong. I am thinking about investing in one of those little electric water boilers, to get my temps right. Is this a good investment? Opinions?

Is there something I am missing that is a better tool than the pots with the little baskets? I don't use infuser balls because they are usually too small, although I have seen some really large ones.

Thanks for holding my hand on this!

Kyle

Chip · Posted: Jul 25, 2008 1:53 pm Post subject:

Hey Kyle, there are lots of topics on brewing here.

The basket is OK, but eventually, you will want to invest a little in a couple pots with a screen built into the pot to allow maximum leaf expansion and water circulation around the leaves.

A good water boiler...Electric Kettle is a really handy device and a fast way to boil water. I have a variable temp unit, but never use the settings, just boil and use the hot water to preheat the pot and cup, etc. Using the same water you used to cool will provide you with ideal temp water.

Some of us use every bit of technology we can find...some use none.

Things that might help you include a digital readout thermometer and timer and scale. All are relatively cheap and can at least help you over the learning curve.

sleepyredmoo · Posted: Jul 25, 2008 9:12 pm Post subject:

if you're having trouble judging the temperature, you may want to invest in one of those little digital thermometers, i saw them for like $12 the other day. i personally just measure the temperature by touch. i was just wondering what kind of kettle you are using now, if it's something like a tetsubin (iron kettle) i wouldn't recommend it for sencha, they're mainly used with matcha. any additional information would be helpful, like amount of leaf, water, infusion times, etc. good luck making tea!!! Very Happy

kylezo · Posted: Jul 26, 2008 4:56 am Post subject:

Thanks for the replies!

I think an electric kettle is a great idea, I will go ahead and do that. Often, I use *extra* leaf because I like strong tea. I use a plain old stainless steel teapot to boil my water, and the basket-infusing pot is just ceramic/clay or whatnot, pretty much standard kitchen-store stuff. I usually fill the pot (which is 600mL or 2 2/3 cups) and then pour out into my teacup (200mL) to cool the water to temp, then put the basket in the pot anywhere from 1-3 minutes depending on the tea. With multiple infusions, like I said before I just put the basket in the tea cup and let it sit in there.

Thanks again!

Oni · 2nd Degree Black Belt Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 213

I feel like whenever someone new comes to this forum he is asking about the same questions that have been delt with in previous posts, please read the brewing instructions, I for example won`t answer for the same topic a thousand times so go ahead and read previous questions and answers because this thing about brewing methods have been delt with a trilion times.

kylezo · Posted: Jul 26, 2008 6:17 am Post subject:

I appreciate your response, although I have been reading through this specific forum for about a week already. Thanks for your 'help'.

britt · 2nd Degree Black Belt Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 179