Feb 2nd, '09, 20:32
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by Chip » Feb 2nd, '09, 20:32
Good TeaDay to everyone. I hope you will share what is in your cup today.
Yesterday the top response was, "it is a toss up" regarding dry versus wet leaf observations. You can still vote and discuss yesterday's topic.
Today's TeaPoll and discussion topic. "What do you think is the most attractive tea to look at when it is still dry?" So asks Chamekke. Please share your thoughts with us. Pick the type and if able, a specific example. Thanks Chamekke.
I am looking forward to sharing TeaDay with everyone. Bottoms up, of course. 
Feb 3rd, '09, 01:26
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by olivierco » Feb 3rd, '09, 01:26
Gyokuro leaves for their deep green color.
Keemun this morning.
Feb 3rd, '09, 01:30
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by Victoria » Feb 3rd, '09, 01:30
I vote for black. Especially the handmade Nilgiri -
the prettiest dry leaves I've seen.
Feb 3rd, '09, 01:41
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Location: Boston, MA
by guitar9876 » Feb 3rd, '09, 01:41
It's all about the Japanese greens! Light steamed greens are beautiful.
Feb 3rd, '09, 01:51
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by Salsero » Feb 3rd, '09, 01:51
Tai Ping Hou Kui ranks pretty high and that's a Chinese green. Some of the premium Bao Zhong are just stunning. Dan Cong is often lovely. Sheng Puerh can be a real treat, and of course asamushi Sencha looks awesome ... I guess I go more for the shape than the color of the leaf. OK, I love them all, but when push comes to shove I had to vote Chinese green.
In evidence I submit the tiny Long Jing leaf, a thing of beauty even after being flattened in a wok to the thickness of heavy paper. These
"tips + 1" or
"+2" are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long ...
***For an expandable photo and a still closer look, click the picture.***
Feb 3rd, '09, 03:36
Posts: 553
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Location: Cinnamon King of San Diego, Ca
by Vulture » Feb 3rd, '09, 03:36
Never really looked for that aspect in my dry tea
Drinking Melon Oolong from Lupicia
Feb 3rd, '09, 04:22
Posts: 196
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Location: Tea World, USA
by boywoodhe » Feb 3rd, '09, 04:22
I like my black and oolong teas.
To pick the most attractive dry tea, i would have to say herbal. (my opinion)
Herbals have a nice color/mix and a wonderful smell.
Feb 3rd, '09, 04:57
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Joined: Jan 26th, '09, 23:40
Location: Jersey City, NJ
by johnoed » Feb 3rd, '09, 04:57
Honestly the best looking tea I love to look at is Teavana's Rose Marzipan Delight. I am just absolutely in love with this tea (sorry Adagio). It's the perfect after dinner drink with a smooth silkiness but yet with just enough punch to excite. With little small rose bits and actual marzipan it's fantastic to look at as well.
Feb 3rd, '09, 05:36
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Location: Leicester, UK
by Jack_teachat » Feb 3rd, '09, 05:36
Chinese greens, just for the sheer variation!
Started the day with some gyokuro Shou-un form O-cha which I've had in cold store for a while, still tastes nice and fresh!
I also joined the O-cha green tea forum this morning, see you there Chip and others!
Jack
Feb 3rd, '09, 05:39
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by Drax » Feb 3rd, '09, 05:39
Oolongs and blacks certainly look neat, but I have to go with greens for my preference, with Japanese greens just edging out Chinese greens. I think it's the variety of shades and textures along with their often vibrant qualities.
I'm on the last of my new pu-erh sheng samples from netsurfr. A 2005 Lincang "gu shu zhen pin" (old tree rare commodity, or however you want to translate it). It's a rather tight pack, so even with a 4 minute rest after the first rinse, the leaves still are clinging in a clump, so my "first infusion" is going to be pretty week... nice color on the wet leaves, though.
Feb 3rd, '09, 06:07
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by brandon » Feb 3rd, '09, 06:07
Asamushi, please.
Feb 3rd, '09, 06:40
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by Trey Winston » Feb 3rd, '09, 06:40
I usually don't study the leaves that closely, but I really like the deep green of dry Dragon Well. And by an astounding coincidence, I ordered some just last week due to craving issues.
Now to brew some sencha.
Feb 3rd, '09, 08:03
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Location: New York
by joelbct » Feb 3rd, '09, 08:03
"What do you think is the most attractive tea to look at when it is still dry?"
I dunno, dayglo green matcha? All of the above really, if it's a) good tea, and b) my tea.
Feb 3rd, '09, 08:13
Posts: 293
Joined: Sep 17th, '08, 10:24
Location: Clearwater, FL, USA
by chad » Feb 3rd, '09, 08:13
I enjoy the look of the Pai Mu Tan/white tea I get from Metropolitan. I have to admit the gunpowder green "pellets" have an appeal, too.
Lover's Leap estate pekoe in the mug this morning.
Feb 3rd, '09, 08:20
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Location: Syracuse, NY
by Cinnamon Kitty » Feb 3rd, '09, 08:20
Victoria wrote:I vote for black. Especially the handmade Nilgiri -
the prettiest dry leaves I've seen.
Ditto. Those leaves are beautiful!
Today I am enjoying Earl Grey Creme that I got from the newly open Teavana store in the mall. It opened over the weekend so I had to go investigate it last night. The guy that I chatted with was very friendly and not too pushy beyond trying to get me to get the tea tins to store the tea, but once I explained that I have a bunch of empty tins, he stopped and just reminded me to put the teas in the tins as soon as I got home. I ended up with 2-3oz of two different types of Earl Greys to share with my father, the Earl Grey Creme and Mrs. Earl Grey.
