laurenpressley

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laurenpressley drank Leaf Tea (Loose Leaf) by Typhoo

I ran across this several months ago, and having an interest in British teas (and the cheap price tag) I picked up a box. Just today I finally tried a cup.

As soon as I opened the bag I had second thoughts. It looked worse that the tea in the teabags that I get at many of the local restaurants… the tea was tiny and granular. I wondered for a second if maybe it was instant. Rereading the box I realized it was not, but didn’t see how it would stay in a strainer. I got the finest mesh one in my possession and brewed up a cup to see how it would go.

It brewed very darkly! It looked more like coffee than tea. Typically, when learning about a cup of tea I start with it plain, then add things in to see if creamer or sweetener enhances the flavor. This one I just went straight to the doctoring up phase.

And you know what? It was actually pretty good. It’s not something I’d really look forward to having, but if it were rainy or cold out and I just wanted a basic cuppa, it would hit the spot! So I guess I’ve learned my lesson about preconceived notions…. this one will end up staying in my pantry until I finish it!

2010-07-13 14:34:35 -0400

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LENA 2010-07-13 15:46:31 -0400

LOL…I picked this up at a little British store too. I don’t think I’ve tried it yet. :)

ashmanra 2010-07-19 11:51:36 -0400

Sounds a lot like one my middle daughter loves called London Cuppa. We only steep it for two and a half minutes, but it is a good basic tea. We ran out and can’t find it now, so now eldest in Ireland is trying to find some to send me. Maybe this would be a good replacement. I think I saw it at Southern Season, which is BTW having their clearance sale! All teas discounted!

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Bio

a tea drinking geek librarian

I’ve been into tea, at some level, since college with a first tin of loose tea brought back by my parents from Oxford. My love of tea increased with a visit to Boston and a chance cup at Tealuxe. Since then I’ve only gotten more interested in tea and have developed more of an appreciation for it.

I went on a (near) tea fast in 2009 when I was pregnant, and am only now really reintroducing tea at the levels I was drinking it before. I’ve lost some of my tasting edge, but that just gives me an excuse to drink even more. :)

tea rating guide
(updated 12/2010)

100: a perfect cuppa. these are the teas I’ll keep in my cupboard and tend to be one per type of tea.

90-99: will definitely get more of this tea

80-89: likely to get more and perhaps it will become a favorite with time

70-79: very good, depending on my mood or the season

60-69: wouldn’t actively try to get this tea, but also wouldn’t avoid it in a tea shop or restaurant

50-59: run-of-the-mill tea for me

40-49: decent, would hit the spot in some moods, but probably wouldn’t purchase it for my cupboard

30-39: okay, will try again, maybe

20-29: meh. I’d try this tea again if no other were available

10-19: drinkable, but a forced cup

0-9: didn’t even finish the cup