Sunday TeaDay 1/18/09 Morning tea habit?

[Riene]

Always black, but usually different varieties of blacks.

Yunnan Noir in my cup this morning--must order some of this soon. My sample tin is about out!

[bsteele]

I typically ask myself, "Alright, now. What mood am I in, what mood am I in?"


Seinfeld anyone?

[gingkoseto]

Almost no rhythm no reasons. But wait a minute, there are some rhythm.
I think in summer the top 3 choices would be huang shan mao feng, long jing and the newly obtained. In winter the top 2 choices would be keemun black, and the newly obtained. In weekend and holiday when I have enough time, I will very often start the day with some oolong.
And I think the color tone of Salsero's morning tea photo always influences my tea choice mood (in a positive way of course)!

[Sydney]

This morning I'm starting off with Adagio's Oolong 40.

I may be on the verge of a minor revelation this morning.

I'm one of a number of people I know who routinely accuses tea tin brewing guidelines of being just plain insane. This morning's oolong #40, for instance, has "212° 5 min." on the sticker.

Instructions like this seem waaay too strong, and tend to be bitter with exaggerated fragrance and such when sipped straight.

But it hit me today that this might not be too bad with some cream and sugar.

So, are cream and sugar implied in the instructions? hmmm

Anyone have insight?

[Victoria]

This morning I'm starting off with Adagio's Oolong 40.

I may be on the verge of a minor revelation this morning.

I'm one of a number of people I know who routinely accuses tea tin brewing guidelines of being just plain insane. This morning's oolong #40, for instance, has "212° 5 min." on the sticker.

Instructions like this seem waaay too strong, and tend to be bitter with exaggerated fragrance and such when sipped straight.

But it hit me today that this might not be too bad with some cream and sugar.

So, are cream and sugar implied in the instructions? hmmm

Anyone have insight?

Hummmm I wouldn't think cream and sugar are implied - especially with oolong. I don't think I would assume they were even implied with blacks - but in either case I never go more than 3mins on the first infusion.

But what you are saying is interesting - I cheeked out the English Breakfast - the one most likely to be taken with cream, and although I can't see the brew time recommended it does say, "May be enjoyed plain or with a drop of milk." Then on the reviews there are several warning to watch the brew time.

[Sydney]

Hummmm I wouldn't think cream and sugar are implied - especially with oolong. I don't think I would assume they were even implied with blacks - but in either case I never go more than 3mins on the first infusion.

I also think 3 minutes is a lot more realistic.

[hop_goblin]

I generally start the day with an Indian black.. But on my days when I have nothing to do..(rarely) I like to start the day with a green... Gives me a different sensation ya know.

[geeber1]

When I first started with loose teas, I followed the instructions for 5 minute steeps and didn't think much of it. As I've progressed, I find that way too strong, unless I'm making iced tea.

It's funny because just yesterday my husband made himself some tea and steeped for 5 minutes. I had some and and was thinking about that exact thing, that 5 min. was way too long.

No tea yet this morning but it will be a black, as usual.

[Ron Gilmour]

I start the day with a darker black, usually Ceylon, but sometimes something Chinese. Every now and then Darjeeling, but I usually save those for the afternoon.

Currently drinking Adawatte Estate Ceylon.

[Victoria]

Lately I have been starting every morning with a black tea, but I like to mix it up with different blacks.

In this morning's cup - Star Village Black - A limited edition from Tao of Tea. Funny but I might try going 4min on this one next time, it seemed a tad week. It has a lovely light smoky aroma, but not a hint of it in the taste. The flavor is sweet and chocolaty/cinnamon, but it seems to go flat in the mouth rather quickly. I'm going to try some different parameters.

Happy Sunday Everyone!

[gingkoseto]

Hummmm I wouldn't think cream and sugar are implied - especially with oolong. I don't think I would assume they were even implied with blacks - but in either case I never go more than 3mins on the first infusion.

I also think 3 minutes is a lot more realistic.

I guess many people who use 3 minutes will find a need for sugar and milk.

The Kenya mamri tea I got, supplier warned me the tea was "very strong", "needs sugar". I brewed it in my regular mug without a cover, and found it almost floral fragrant. I wonder if my supplier used a big pot and brewed it strong for 3 minutes (as suggested on package of the same tea).

[Thé Vert]

Green Tea in the morning, and peppermint tea at night to help me sleep

[TimeforTea]

No rhyme or reason to my choice of tea, but it is almost always a green or an oolong.

This morning, I started the day with a nice sencha.