unable to distinguish flavors of teas

[gaily56]

I am new to loose teas, and just received my sample teas today.i also received the ingenuitea, and mug with infuser, i really am having fun with all the new tea paraphenalia. so far i have tasted the mango, and coconut flavor black teas. the aroma of the dried teas is very distinct for each flavor, but when brewed, sadly, my palate is not getting the distinction. they both almost taste the same to me. does this sound familiar to anyone? does it take an experienced palate to taste the very subtle flavors?

[danibob]

Hi! How are you brewing your tea? You may not be using enough tea leaf or steeping long enough.

Also, keep in mind that if you are used to strong flavored stuff like coffee and soda, it takes more getting used to the subtly of tea, especially the flavored kinds.

[Sydney]

It really can take a little experimentation with different temperatures, amounts, times, etc.

And your taste can take a little practice time for it to really click, as well.

Oh, but when it comes together, it's worth the effort!

[gaily56]

hi danibob
so far i have the ingenuitea, and mug with the infuser. i think maybe i am not using enough tea. i am steeping as per directions on the sample tins. i wish i could try another tonight, but i fear i will be in the bathroom all night if i have another cup!! tomorrow is another day. definitely will take your advice.
thanks

[Space Samurai]

It took me almost two years to adjust my pallate (and my brewing skills) to appreciate green tea. It just takes a little time.

Welcome to the forum.

[danibob]

It took me almost two years to adjust my pallate to appreciate green tea.

Yes, for me green tea was an acquired taste, and that was with tea bags.

Happy to help gaily56. I myself am still getting used to flavored teas. I get annoyed that the flavor isn't strong enough, and then I have to remind myself that it is tea, not coffee. But I usually stick to greens anyway.

[Chip]

Welcome to TeaChat, Gaily. Be patient, tea takes time in almost every aspect.

Hope to see you around the forum, and please share what is in your cup on TeaDay.

[sheila77551]

Welcome gaily56.

[Trey Winston]

Welcome

[JasonC]

Welcome!

As far as your tea question, while I am by no means an expert on tea. I have tried around 35 to 40 different types/varieties/flavors/blends thus far. At first it does take some getting used to, and you need to perfect your brewing method(s) for a given tea ( so that you can brew it to your liking!). I have several samples of the flavored black teas from adagio. Most(if not all) of them are flavored Ceylon(Sri Lanka) Black Tea.

When you are brewing it, make sure that you get the water to tea ratio correct. That is, try it with more leaf if you are unable to distinguish the flavor(s). You can also play with the brewing time a bit. Use good water ( Filtered or Bottled water), tap water can contain things which have an adverse effect on taste, and it might muddle the flavors. I suggest something like a Brita filter, they're reasnobly inexpensive, and work pretty well.

I don't mean to repeat what has already been said, but the advise in the previous posts is very solid! The main thing is just enjoy yourself and the tea your drinking! Let us know how things turn out! Welcome to TeaChat once again!

--Jason

[tenuki]

Your tounge and nose are broken, get them replaced.

[hop_goblin]

Welcome! Don't worry, just like any skill it takes practice and time.

[gaily56]

thanks everyone for all your advice, will practice now on a cup of cinnamon.