Recommendations
Don't crucify me if this topic is wrong in any way (i.e. old, in the wrong place, etc), im kinda new to all this fancy "posting" stuff. Anyways, basically, Im running out of teas. I have some longjing and sencha remaining, and am going to order some new goods. I just recently finished some huangshan mao feng from teaspring-found it to be quite weak despite my attempts at increasing the leaf amt, water temp, etc-and am just wondering what casual-not hardcore expensive-greens anyone might suggest. Oh, and from where, too (yea, that would probably help).
Jan 26th, '08, 00:22
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Space Samurai
If you want stronger/bolder green tea, then I recommend Japanese sencha over Chinese green. If you want it affordable, I recommend Den's Tea:
http://www.denstea.com/
So far I've found the stuff to be quite good, the prices are nice, and the shipping is great.
O-cha, http://www.o-cha.com, is a bit more expensive, but the tea is also a bit better.
http://www.denstea.com/
So far I've found the stuff to be quite good, the prices are nice, and the shipping is great.
O-cha, http://www.o-cha.com, is a bit more expensive, but the tea is also a bit better.
Jan 26th, '08, 00:51
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Location: Gainesville, Florida
I have to agree with Space that the Japanese greens are wonderful, but there's a lot to be said for the Chinese greens also. Since you have already ordered from TeaSpring, you may want to go back and get a variety of samples with the thought of seeing what does suit your fancy. They have an especially good rep as green tea specialists.
If low price is an important part of your objective, Jing Tea Shop has low-price "everyday" teas: http://www.jingteashop.com/cat_ev_green_tea.cfm
Yunnan Sourcing also has a very inexpensive green that I have enjoyed:
http://cgi.ebay.com/500-grams-Mao-Feng- ... dZViewItem
Of course, you may or may not share my preferences; tastes vary quite a bit especially in the greens. If you are interested in a good quality sencha at a lower price, I would have to suggest Adagio's Sencha Premier or O-Cha's Everyday Sencha. The Adagio product struck me as more fruity while the O-Cha seemed more grassy, but both good and attractively priced.
Also, at this time of year you have to remember that the new season of greens will be out in just a few months depending on weather, so don't overstock on last year's harvest. Last year the Chinese greens started coming out in March, earlier than any previous year.
If low price is an important part of your objective, Jing Tea Shop has low-price "everyday" teas: http://www.jingteashop.com/cat_ev_green_tea.cfm
Yunnan Sourcing also has a very inexpensive green that I have enjoyed:
http://cgi.ebay.com/500-grams-Mao-Feng- ... dZViewItem
Of course, you may or may not share my preferences; tastes vary quite a bit especially in the greens. If you are interested in a good quality sencha at a lower price, I would have to suggest Adagio's Sencha Premier or O-Cha's Everyday Sencha. The Adagio product struck me as more fruity while the O-Cha seemed more grassy, but both good and attractively priced.
Also, at this time of year you have to remember that the new season of greens will be out in just a few months depending on weather, so don't overstock on last year's harvest. Last year the Chinese greens started coming out in March, earlier than any previous year.
Jan 26th, '08, 02:01
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ABx
TeaSpring is a great source, but a lot of their greens are quite subtle. If you want something a bit more up front you might try the bian cha, tai ping hou kui, and maybe lu an gua pian. They have some others there that mention being a bit stronger. I would just make a point of checking the customer reviews.
You can also try TeaCuppa.com. The first that comes to my mind is the cloud mist green, which is, IMO, a quintessential green (everything you'd expect in a good green tea expertly done). You might also like their long jing a bit better - it has a bit more of a nutty flavor than TeaSpring's.
A lot of people look for subtlety and complexity in Chinese greens, but that's not all that's out there. Each vendor is going to cater to the expectations of their customer base.
You might also try some of the greener (less oxidized) oolongs. I don't know exactly what you're looking for in a tea, but you might find what you're looking for in them. The same vendors above are good, but if you want some of the best you can try shanshuiteas.com and houdeasianart.com. These two are often more expensive, but they can be worth it if you can appreciate the higher grade teas.
You can also try TeaCuppa.com. The first that comes to my mind is the cloud mist green, which is, IMO, a quintessential green (everything you'd expect in a good green tea expertly done). You might also like their long jing a bit better - it has a bit more of a nutty flavor than TeaSpring's.
A lot of people look for subtlety and complexity in Chinese greens, but that's not all that's out there. Each vendor is going to cater to the expectations of their customer base.
You might also try some of the greener (less oxidized) oolongs. I don't know exactly what you're looking for in a tea, but you might find what you're looking for in them. The same vendors above are good, but if you want some of the best you can try shanshuiteas.com and houdeasianart.com. These two are often more expensive, but they can be worth it if you can appreciate the higher grade teas.
Jan 26th, '08, 09:08
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actually, you know what, to hell with price, i guess its not that important to me. Id rather have a higher quality tea than a cheaper one. I did order some other teas from TeaSpring and was quite pleased with them, particularly the Luan Guai Pian. Just the mao feng kinda got on my nerves, but thanks for the other suggestions, i'll definitely check them out.
Song Zhen
I got some China Green Tea called Song Zhen. It's light and nutty. One of my favorites.
There are two things I love, tea and rooibos http://www.teacontent.com/
Feb 1st, '08, 02:57
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Salsero, I bought this based on your recommendation...great tea!!! I get two great infusions out of it, and often a third. Thanks for the tip!Salsero wrote:Yunnan Sourcing also has a very inexpensive green that I have enjoyed:
http://cgi.ebay.com/500-grams-Mao-Feng- ... dZViewItem
Feb 5th, '08, 01:30
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That makes me feel really good, thanks for telling me. I'm not sure if it's great, but I've had a great time with it! I love getting gallon-size baggies filled with tea.Lenny wrote:Salsero, I bought this based on your recommendation...great tea!!! I get two great infusions out of it, and often a third. Thanks for the tip!
You know, I think you recommended an Assam to me about a year ago from TeaSource. I have ordered several things from them since and have generally been very happy with their quality, at least in the South Asian teas. I recently got a really great Nilgiri from them. Its wonderful just to gaze on the leaves, not to mention drink it!!