So I finally bought a gaiwan. I actually bought two of them. One is about 150ml and one is about 75ml. I’ve tried the larger one today. It’s taking some real playing to get use to. I almost burnt my fingers on the steam from the first use, which isn’t good, but what can ya do?
Anyways, this was the tea for me to try today with the gaiwan and I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong, but the first steep was quite bitter after only 10 seconds. The second steeping wasn’t as bad at 10 seconds but still was a tough bitter. Maybe it’s also ‘cause I’m not use to drinking this tea straight up? Anyways, so the third steep I did 15 seconds and it wasn’t too bad! I was surprised by it. It started to mellow out and turn into a nice tea. Maybe the first two steeps should have been a bit shorter. Maybe this is the type of tea that only needs like a 5 second steep to start? Or maybe I just used too much leaf? I’m still trying to understand that part of it.
Either way, I’m not giving up on the gaiwan yet. I have some oolongs and pu’erhs I want to try in it once the baby is born, if I get time for tea. I’ve heard newborns sleep a lot at first so I might be okay… Maybe? Hopefully? haha
I do have a few white teas I could probably try in it too before the baby comes ’cause they are straight teas and they should be safe…
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The first time I used my gaiwan I burnt my fingers trying to hold it and then dumped a bunch of tea and leaf into my cha hai and all over my tray trying to adjust the lid. It was terribly awkward.
For my 100ml gaiwan I usually use 1-2 tsp of dry leaf and then look for recommended steeping times in other people’s tasting notes. A lot of teas are good with a flash steep – just pour on and pour off. And I figure if I do too short a steep I can always just pour the tea back into the gaiwan and give it a few more seconds.
If you pick up the style of gaiwan sometimes called an easy gaiwan they are easier to pour.
you sleep when the baby sleeps. they dont sleep that much, waking up pretty often. you have to feed the baby every 90 min. its just never stops, so i really doubt you will have plenty of time for a tea. maybe later in a few months when the baby will have a schedule
The first time I used my gaiwan I burnt my fingers trying to hold it and then dumped a bunch of tea and leaf into my cha hai and all over my tray trying to adjust the lid. It was terribly awkward.
For my 100ml gaiwan I usually use 1-2 tsp of dry leaf and then look for recommended steeping times in other people’s tasting notes. A lot of teas are good with a flash steep – just pour on and pour off. And I figure if I do too short a steep I can always just pour the tea back into the gaiwan and give it a few more seconds.
If you pick up the style of gaiwan sometimes called an easy gaiwan they are easier to pour.
you sleep when the baby sleeps. they dont sleep that much, waking up pretty often. you have to feed the baby every 90 min. its just never stops, so i really doubt you will have plenty of time for a tea. maybe later in a few months when the baby will have a schedule