brewing with korean infuser cups
Posted: Nov 22nd, '11, 16:13
Perhaps I have been a bit too quick to overlook this form of teaware? Somewhere in my head I had the idea that tea made from these things is just not that good (even though I had never tried).
Well I partially take it back now...popped a handful of taiwanese bilochun into the infuser, filled the cup up with water, and very slowly began to immerse the infuser into the cup (gently so water would not overflow out). Did not cover on all infusions. After first brew about 1/2-2/3 of the leaf looked saturated with water. After second steep leaves at top are still dry at the tips. 3rd, 4th, all with pretty good aspects of first infusion that I enjoy so much in this tea....
Usually when I brew this tea I aim for 3 infusions because durability is not that high unless I use a real small pot or pack very heavy. I have never had a 4th steep of this tea that matched the quality produced from this korean cup.
Anyone enjoy using these cups? Have any tips on how to use them. I think filling the cup first then slowly putting infuser in when time is right has benefits that are worth exploring for certain teas (esp the delicate ones).
Well I partially take it back now...popped a handful of taiwanese bilochun into the infuser, filled the cup up with water, and very slowly began to immerse the infuser into the cup (gently so water would not overflow out). Did not cover on all infusions. After first brew about 1/2-2/3 of the leaf looked saturated with water. After second steep leaves at top are still dry at the tips. 3rd, 4th, all with pretty good aspects of first infusion that I enjoy so much in this tea....
Usually when I brew this tea I aim for 3 infusions because durability is not that high unless I use a real small pot or pack very heavy. I have never had a 4th steep of this tea that matched the quality produced from this korean cup.
Anyone enjoy using these cups? Have any tips on how to use them. I think filling the cup first then slowly putting infuser in when time is right has benefits that are worth exploring for certain teas (esp the delicate ones).