Maifan Stone?

[Cyphre]

I have seen these mentioned in a few posts but not really explained. Are these supposed to make water and tea taste better or just be better for you? Where would you get a stone or would it be better to have a cup made from it?

[wyardley]

Did you read this thread? I think it's fairly well explained there.
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?t=6302

[Cyphre]

yeah I read it. I saw someone talking about a cup made from the stone but I didn't see anyone talking about if that was better or not, plus I didn't see where they got it.

I saw where you got your rocks but I was not able to find their website. I also tried looking this up online and I could find some cups or mugs out there but I don't trust any website anymore. So I thought I would ask.

[Chip]

so I thought I would ask.

Good idea ... it has been almost two years since the previous topic. Hopefully some more recent info can be added.

[wyardley]

In regards to tea, most folks I know seem to use them more for their alleged benefits in softening the water / improving taste than for health benefits. My limited experience is that a little goes a long way - some stones in the water while it boils is probably fine. I personally would avoid actual cups / brewing vessels made out of the material.

Best Tea House does have a website, but no online ordering. http://besttea.com.hk/ You are better off calling Michael at the Canada branch on the phone if you want to order something.

[Proinsias]

Is there a comparison to be made between these and bamboo charcoal?

[wyardley]

To me, maifan stones are less neutral - they do add a slight detectable taste to the water, while to me, bamboo charcoal might take away off flavors or odors, but won't make that much of a change in the taste beyond that. I could be crazy, but I've found that I seem to have stomach problems when I use the maifan stones with spring water that already has some (though not a high) mineral content. I generally don't use them at all for this reason.

Folks who are using distilled or RO water (I do know people who use both for tea) might have better results, since these waters should be essentially devoid of mineral content in the first place.

[Proinsias]

Thanks Will.

I use bamboo charcoal occasionally. I like my tap water, once filtered, and over the past few years am beginning to think I prefer the filtered water once the filter is well past it's recommended usage time. I think I'll stick to buying the odd bottle of mineral water instead of picking up stones, water is quite soft here.

They're on the list, but pretty far down.

[Chip]

They're on the list, but pretty far down.

+1, not a priority. I would like to check 'em out though.

[Tead Off]

Seems in Hong Kong, many shops use the stones in their kettles. I see them sold there quite often. Not cheap, btw. Personally, never tried them. I wonder how one decides which stones are appropriate for putting into your kettle? I imagine that one could collect stones oneself from very natural areas like high mountains, pristine shorelines(if one exists), or other special locations. I can just imagine a store front business dedicated to stones for your kettle from 'power spots' all over the world!

[Victoria]

They also certainly look lovely in glass pots, I believe Brandon has a pic of one pouring. I would imagine you would have to be very careful to pour gently when using in a glass kettle.

[Cyphre]

stones + glass just do not sound safe. lol

I have been looking for a way to make the water at work taste better. Los Angeles water is not the best to start with and then the water at work is even worse. It might be them over filtering or something but I was hoping that adding some minerals to the water might make it a little better and help the tea some too.

[Tead Off]

They also certainly look lovely in glass pots, I believe Brandon has a pic of one pouring. I would imagine you would have to be very careful to pour gently when using in a glass kettle.

I think you just jarred my memory a bit. I believe they use them in glass water containers that they pour into the kettles, and, not use directly in the kettles. Otherwise, the kettles would be too heavy and most don't use glass kettles but stainless Kamjoves.

[wyardley]

In a glass kettle, they bump around when the water boils (making an interesting sound). I think they do retain a little heat, and help keep the water from overboiling. But I think it would definitely have to be a tempered glass kettle that's designed to take the abuse.