Brewing Jade Oolong

[alieb413]

Hi,

I am having some frustrations with brewing Adagio's Oolong #18, a jade oolong. I'm using a teaspoon of leaves for about 6 oz. of water. I steep it at about 180 degrees for 5 minutes, and the first cup is delicious. I can't get a second steep out of it though, even though reviewers said they get many steeps out of the same leaves. Should I try using more leaves? Less water?

I've had the same problem with Japanese green teas, and it could just be that I prefer strong steeps... I don't have the problem with darker oolongs or white teas, so I'm not sure what the problem is with greener teas.

Thanks for your help,
Alison

[Victoria]

When you hear about multiple infusions these people and not brewing western style. Two steeps is about right for western brewing. Try hotter water and 3 mins on the first. Or hotter and longer on the second.

[rabbit]

For my jade oolong, I use a bit more leaves per-oz of water (which I tend to boil), rinse it quickly with the water (don't pour directly onto the leaves), and steep for only about 15-20 seconds for the first steeping. You should get a few steepings out of that.

[verus]

I'd say use more leaf...one teaspoon per 6 oz doesn't seem like a lot.

I'm no expert - certainly not on jade oolongs - but I believe the best way to get multiple steepings for any tea is to go heavy on the leaf and do short steepings. For my Chinese green tea I use a lot of leaf, and steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and add 15 seconds with each subsequent steeping.

Experimentign is the way forward...till you get what you like.

[entropyembrace]

Try with more leaf and/or a smaller pot...if you want to get lots of infusions the leaves should fill your pot once they open up.

[alieb413]

Thanks for your input and suggestions! I'll keep experimenting.