So I’m a tea novice and I’ve been trying to cultivate/acquire a taste for black tea. I mean, why not? Then I’d have some more stuff to enjoy in my life. Lots of other things are acquired tastes: coffee, beer, red wine, Indian food. Brushing your teeth.
It’s taken a while, but I think I’m getting there. First there was an Oolong. And now this. (Much thanks to Starfevre for the sample.)
I didn’t expect much from this tea. (After all, it’s a black tea, eh?) When I opened the package, it smelled just like black tea, maybe a titch more interesting. As I prepared it, I was thinking, “Well, if it’s just a black tea and I don’t like it maybe I can cheat and add some chocolate syrup”. ;-)
The taste is really… great! And interesting!
I was so surprised. I’m not sure I have the language to describe the flavour. I looked at notes on other Assam Banasplaty teas — and saw words like “malty” and “smooth” and “slight metallic aftertaste” — and those fit for me. But it has more complexity and interest than that.
I made a big 16 oz mug (using 2 measured tsps of tea leaves), and it was gone in no time. I was careful to steep it for exactly 3 minutes. And I did add sugar and milk — I couldn’t appreciate a black tea without those, as I don’t like the bitter taste.
I wonder, is this one of those teas that could improve with multiple steepings?
And how does one do that? Do you have to do the 2nd steeping soon, while the leaves are still wet? Or do you spread out the leaves to dry, and re-steep later?
Preparation
Comments
The leaves will stay wet for a very long time, so it’s fine to do it while the leaves are still wet. Really, the only restriction is not to leave them for so long that they grow mold, so you’re usually good for a couple of days before you have to throw them out. I’ve heard good and bad things about keeping used leaves in the fridge so I usually don’t bother.
Thanks, Starfevre! I may try a 2nd steep tomorrow.
The leaves will stay wet for a very long time, so it’s fine to do it while the leaves are still wet. Really, the only restriction is not to leave them for so long that they grow mold, so you’re usually good for a couple of days before you have to throw them out. I’ve heard good and bad things about keeping used leaves in the fridge so I usually don’t bother.
Thanks, Starfevre! I may try a 2nd steep tomorrow.