New to tea - PLEASE HELP!

[Newbie]

Hi there!

Although I have some experience on drinking teas for medicinal purposes (Chamomile, Hibiscus, Hops, etc.), I am a beginner to the world of teas and want to learn more on the art of tea making, tea history, storing teas, etc. I've read some your posts and feel you are all very knowledgeable and a passionate bunch. Would love some tips from you...

Any advice on a good beginner book/site for a layperson, best tea pots, and how best to start? There's so much information available, so I would greatly appreciate your help.

Mina (THANK YOU )

[Marlene]

Are you a coffee drinker? If you are, blacks are a good place to start. I think blacks are a good place to start anyway. Keemuns are good.
Or you could start with oolongs. They tend to be the most forgiving with over steeping and too hot water. I adore Ti Kuan Yin, so I'd recomend that to everyone.
For a beginner, I would most definetly recomend the IngenuiTEA. It dosen't get any easier than that.
Marlene

[Deleted User #126]

Marlene, keep your teas in a cool dark place, I have noticed that if the sun and heat hit the tea the taste starts to change, quickly.. and soon the taste changes... the other day I forgot to store the new tea I got from Adagio, as a friend bought too much and I got some.... good for me!!! but, I left the bag opened and I was cooking near the stove... about a few days I was wondering why my tea tasted like Garlic... Yes Garlic!!!

and I had to throw away the rest of the tea.. it stunk big time

So This is what I suggest, Adagio teas come in small tiny metal containers, keep them in there and wrap them also in zip lock bags in a cool dry place, not in the refrig.. cause the cold temp will make them also lose their taste too... and a dry place where you keep your pasta, cookies and chips... not on the counter, away from heat and cold.

I hope this helps..... Happy drinking...

[Marlene]

?
Uh, thanks...
I do keep my teas in a cool place and in airtight light proof containers. Except my puerh. it's in a dark place, but not in an air proof container because I want it to age...they're all away from humidity and funky smells.
BTW might have been able to rescue that garlic tea of yours. You leave it in a dark, scentless place. Open to the air for a couple of days, and most if not all the scent should be gone.
I'm not sure what I said to prompt your advice, but thanks anyway. It is very good advice to those who may not know any better. (but I know better)

[cherryking]

Hi Mina,
As the tea beginer, the first thing is to find a good teapot, and good Tea, such as Keemun Blcak tea ( China), Assam Black Tea ( India), Oolong Tea or some famous Green Tea.
Then have a good and peaceful mood to enjoy your tea.
Cheers
Sincerely
Cheeryking

[peachaddict]

I'm not too experienced myself, but I'd recommend testing the waters and trying different kinds to see which ones suit you best. It's not terrible, but be careful - if brewing the tea yourself, make sure it's not too strong or too weak (color and smell alone are not necessarily good indicators of strength, but they help a lot. the only way to be sure is to taste it). If you love spice, try chai (it's very popular at the moment and easy to find hot or cold). I agree - black is a good start.

[Snow on Cedar]

I'd say as a new to tea person start with the herbals, then move into the oolong or whites, then maybe greens...I'd say blacks last unless you are a fan of coffee...I personally haven't found a black I really like yet. Most are just ok as far as I'm concerned. I much prefer white teas...

Order some samplers for sure and an IngenuiTEA