It takes a few tries to get just the right technique to get the best out of good tea leaves. Tea bags, no problem. Just dunk ‘em in and go. But high quality tea leaves deserve a bit more. It’s like they are screaming, “Here we are, treat us right and we will make you purr. Get it wrong and we will revolt.”
These leaves are a great example. Get it right and they will give you a wonderful, sweet, smooth, absolutely incredible aroma and taste. Get it just a little wrong and they will bite back.
32 ounces of water that has just reached a boil poured over 3 tablespoons of leaves (rinsed, of course) and steeped for 2 minutes. Not too long, or the bitter will take over the sweet and smooth. Not too short, or you won’t get the sweet potato hints out.
But find that Goldilock zone, and this tea will surprise. For a black tea, it is VERY smooth and gentle. And that sweet taste, with that hint of sweet potato, is soooooo gooooood. A great choice for a cool, wet morning.
-E
