Tea Anyone?

[olbriar]

The tea in the specialty container that you put in and you get your tea?

The one I was looking at is like a coffee maker on steroids. It lowers a basket when the water is the right temp and lets it steep the proper time for the tea you are brewing. Here is a link to the one that caught my eye. What is your opinion?

 

[linuxrich]

+1 for a cuppa here! I'm afraid I'm no connoisseur. Mine tends to be of the teabag variety. 'Ordinary' tea with a splash of milk. Green or white tea as it comes or occasionally with a squeeze of lemon.

 

[Roze]

The one I was looking at is like a coffee maker on steroids. It lowers a basket when the water is the right temp and lets it steep the proper time for the tea you are brewing. Here is a link to the one that caught my eye. What is your opinion?

Breville is a really good brand in coffee machine. The concept is pretty interesting and you get a perfect cup of tea each time it seems. Just one problem...the price. HOLLY MOTHER OF EGGS!!! $250??? *faints* I would pay no more than $150...$100 is the price for an expensive kettle. What are some of the competition like? I didn't even know they make these kind of tea Kettle. One thing you would make sure is that there's a manual setting for how long you want the tea seeped for. Some of the teas taste best a little bit strong.

 

[olbriar]

To be honest, I haven't shopped about any at all. I ran across that maker while letting my fingers do my walking pre Christmas. My thought was way wow.. how my wife would love such a maker. My next thought was... perhaps a nice kettle would suffice That is a crazy price! I opted to remodel her kitchen and living room instead. (bad choice lol) The project has cost me a fortune and I'm still not completely done with it. Was long on her wish list so...

When I do seriously shop for a maker, I would like one similar to the Breville. The ease of use (for tea dummies such as myself) and the quality of make would be important to me. I didn't know if the tea makers were a gimmick or tool so I thought I'd ask in your thread. I've already gained a tea insight from the knowledgeable contributers.

 

[Roze]

To be honest, I haven't shopped about any at all. I ran across that maker while letting my fingers do my walking pre Christmas. My thought was way wow.. how my wife would love such a maker. My next thought was... perhaps a nice kettle would suffice That is a crazy price! I opted to remodel her kitchen and living room instead. (bad choice lol) The project has cost me a fortune and I'm still not completely done with it. Was long on her wish list so...

awwww, aren't you a sweetie Olbriar Self renovation or did you hire a contractor?

When I do seriously shop for a maker, I would like one similar to the Breville. The ease of use (for tea dummies such as myself) and the quality of make would be important to me. I didn't know if the tea makers were a gimmick or tool so I thought I'd ask in your thread. I've already gained a tea insight from the knowledgeable contributers.

Asking is always good I do feel it's a bit gimicky but it's also a genius! I mean how many time have you overseeped your tea? lol. Over seeped tea doesn't taste good...no matter how much honey you put in it

Word of advice is that if you sweeten your tea...use honey if possible. It'll compliment the tea and you won't get an artificial sweet taste.

 

[olbriar]

awwww, aren't you a sweetie Olbriar Self renovation or did you hire a contractor?

I'm a cabinet maker by trade. I've worked in construction since I was 14.
Naturally I'm doing the work myself. "Sweetie" = frugal.

Asking is always good I do feel it's a bit gimicky but it's also a genius! I mean how many time have you overseeped your tea? lol. Over seeped tea doesn't taste good...no matter how much honey you put in it

Word of advice is that if you sweeten your tea...use honey if possible. It'll compliment the tea and you won't get an artificial sweet taste.

I'm sure I could use the help. I never know what I'm doing when it comes to tea. As long as it's hot enough to drink I'm usually good with it. lol

I don't have to worry about the sweet. I've never had a coffee or a tea I wanted sweet. I haven't had a soda in over thirty years for that very reason.. I don't like sweet drinks.

 

[Shane2943]

Just got started in the tea world recently (big coffee guy). I had to stop the coffee so I decided to pick up herbal tea (decaffinated) as an alternative that is much better for me (not that coffee is bad black).

Can anyone make any good recommendations for healthy green/herbal teas that have healthy benefits? Right now, I'm drinking Wellness tea by Celestial Seasonings. Pretty good stuff. Makes me feel a little better too.

 

[Roze]

Just got started in the tea world recently (big coffee guy). I had to stop the coffee so I decided to pick up herbal tea (decaffinated) as an alternative that is much better for me (not that coffee is bad black).

Can anyone make any good recommendations for healthy green/herbal teas that have healthy benefits? Right now, I'm drinking Wellness tea by Celestial Seasonings. Pretty good stuff. Makes me feel a little better too.

Sean, can you not drink caffeinated drinks any more? Simple question, what are you looking for in your tea? Are there certain health benefits you're drinking herbal tea vs tea leaves?

My taste is towards tea leaves, specifically green and white tea. So I'm just going to give you some examples of really beneficial teas

I really like white tea for its low level of caffeine and high level of antioxidant.

If you're looking to maximize health benefit in a cup, you might want to try Metcha Green tea (that is in powdered form)

Health Benefits of Metcha

Highest known concentration of antioxidants in a food source
10X more antioxidants than Green Tea
9X the beta carotene of spinach
High in chlorophyll which detoxifies the body
Boosts metabolic rate by 35-40% when consumed regularly, assisting in weight loss
High in L-theanine which increases alertness, improves concentration and reduces stress
Fights free radicals, which can cause diseases such as cancer and heart disease

I've tried Metcha once a number of years ago and it's a hard taste for me to acquire. It is also very expensive, so I am less motivated to acquire the taste. lol. White tea is the second expensive after Mecha. The leaves are picked when they are still buds with soft silvery hair. This is why it's called white tea

This site gives you pretty good information on tea: Home

 

[Shane2943]

Sean, can you not drink caffeinated drinks any more? Simple question, what are you looking for in your tea? Are there certain health benefits you're drinking herbal tea vs tea leaves?

My taste is towards tea leaves, specifically green and white tea. So I'm just going to give you some examples of really beneficial teas

I really like white tea for its low level of caffeine and high level of antioxidant.

If you're looking to maximize health benefit in a cup, you might want to try Metcha Green tea (that is in powdered form)

I've tried Metcha once a number of years ago and it's a hard taste for me to acquire. It is also very expensive, so I am less motivated to acquire the taste. lol. White tea is the second expensive after Mecha. The leaves are picked when they are still buds with soft silvery hair. This is why it's called white tea

This site gives you pretty good information on tea: Home

Wow! Thanks for that info, Roze!

In reading that site you linked, I apparently am still extemely "green" when it comes to tea (see what I did there? ). As far as flavor, since I've never really tried many teas (asside from the herbal teas I have and restaurant iced tea) so I don't really know what I'd want, or the best ways to prepare it. I've been selecting teas (all herbal so far) based on their benefits (like chamomille for sleep and relaxation, etc) rather than taste and I've been preparing them by heating water in my tea kettle to a simmer (~175 degrees or so) and pooring that water into a coffee mug with a tea bag in it. Then letting it steep for a few minutes. I have not been adding anything to it. No milk, sugar, or anything else.

I can drink caffeine, I just wanted to get away from coffee (mostly because I hate coffee black and had to add tons of sugar and cream/milk = unhealthy). I wanting something healthy. I'm 28 and discovered my bio-father (whom I've never met) passed a fun genetic heart abnormality to me and I have bad discs in my lower spine. I'm just realizing (finally) that I'm not invincible and need to take care of what parts of myself are left. You know?

(BTW, it's "Shane" not Sean )

 

[Roze]

^--Sorry about that Shane. Blame the Sean on the suggestion of the predictive text.

If you want to delve into tea but you are not ready for tea leaves, you can try some of the Tetley Pyramid line or Starbuck Tazo tea. They are pretty fresh tea leaves for being bagged teas. There are only brands that are good quality tea in bag form.

If you want to try tea leaves, best place to learn is your local specialty tea shop. The people there are pretty knowledgeable, I have learned a lot on how to seep my tea from the tea girls. Ask the sales person if you are allowed to sample the tea. They should be willing to brew you a shot.

 

[blackepoxy]

Chai tea is my favorite. I buy the Oregon chai tea mix. I prefer it with ice and a splash of French vanilla creamer. Ice chai latte.

But, I have started drinking coffee made in a 6 cup stainless steel Imusa Moka pot. Brewing Caf

 

[jwp1223]

Yup, love me some sweet tea! Southern style!

 

[Shane2943]

^--Sorry about that Shane. Blame the Sean on the suggestion of the predictive text.

If you want to delve into tea but you are not ready for tea leaves, you can try some of the Tetley Pyramid line or Starbuck Tazo tea. They are pretty fresh tea leaves for being bagged teas. There are only brands that are good quality tea in bag form.

If you want to try tea leaves, best place to learn is your local specialty tea shop. The people there are pretty knowledgeable, I have learned a lot on how to seep my tea from the tea girls. Ask the sales person if you are allowed to sample the tea. They should be willing to brew you a shot.

Everyone calls me Sean in real life anyway. I haven't a clue why so I'm used to it. No harm done.

More good info. Will have to try the Tetley and Tazo teas. Thanks!

What would you recommend as a good "brewing/steeping" station? Since I'm replacing coffee, I want to use that part of the kitchen counter where the coffee maker is now. I'm thinking something easy, quick and not too expensive. I've seen some electric tea kettles with presets for different teas that look intriguing. I thought about the hot-plate/small kettle combo too. Right now I'm just using a 2qt basic kettle on the stove and "guessing" when the water is hot enough (no thermometer).

What do you, and everyone else, recommend?

 

[Roze]

What would you recommend as a good "brewing/steeping" station? Since I'm replacing coffee, I want to use that part of the kitchen counter where the coffee maker is now. I'm thinking something easy, quick and not too expensive. I've seen some electric tea kettles with presets for different teas that look intriguing. I thought about the hot-plate/small kettle combo too. Right now I'm just using a 2qt basic kettle on the stove and "guessing" when the water is hot enough (no thermometer).

What do you, and everyone else, recommend?

General guideline (Fahrenheit): 180 degrees for green and white tea, 190 degrees for Oolong tea, 200 degrees for black tea.

If you drink black tea, you can just use your kettle to boil the water and let is cool down for a minute or two. Though some places I was told that it's ok to use boiling water for black tea. Boiling water is about 210 degrees.

Green tea is the most delicate and needs the water to be 180 degrees. If the water is too hot, the tea 'burns' and you end up with a bitter tasting tea. I didn't realize that different tea requires different tempurature and just use boiling water. With green tea, I ended up getting a very 'burnt' bitter taste. This kept me away from drinking tea when I was younger, lol.

So, unless you're going to be drinking predominately green tea, I don't think you need anything fancy. One of the members here recommended a speciality tea kettle that's supposed to be really good. You need to look for the post as I don't remember, lol.

Depending on how strong you like it, steeping time can range between 2-4 minutes. And most tea can be resteeped (just increase the time of the 2nd steeping). If you're trying out a new tea, steep it for 2 minutes and if the body is still light, add another minute until it's 'just right'.

This is a pretty good Guide to brewing tea: Brew Tea | Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea

Brewing tea is mostly a trial and error thing as everyone has a different taste on when a tea is brewed right.

 

[gallandof]

been on a huge kick of the bottled tea brand "Sweet Tea" they have a mint and honey flavor, best flavored tea ever, just bought 8 64oz bottles off amazon

 

[Roze]

I love Arizona. I think they are the best ice tea brand <3

 

[gallandof]

i have a bunch of arizona in my hatch that i forgot about! thanks for the reminder!

 

[Roze]

So I'm trying the BEST tea of all time. It's called Silver Needle and it's a premium white tea.

Silver Needle is made from only the White Tea buds, which are covered with fluffy silver hairs giving the tea its white appearance. Silver Needle is one of the highest quality White Teas available today as the buds are picked before they open in order to preserve their tenderness. When steeped, the buds that make up this amazing tea become revealed. This tea is noted for its fresh aroma, mellow taste and brilliant golden brew. To experience the best results that this tea has to offer, try brewing it in a YiXing clay teapot. Since Silver Needle is very high in antioxidants and low in caffeine it is the perfect choice for those who like to have a cup of tea before bed or for people sensitive to caffeine. Not only is this tea refreshing it is also good for the stomach, eyes and can also be used to dispel heat and inflammation. This variety of White Tea can be steeped up to three times while still providing a great taste.

It's on the expensive side of white tea (the most expensive at the tea shop I go to). My colleague got a gift card and I recommended her to get that tea lol So I've smooched off her a cup for today. It's very soft, light and has a refreshing taste. It taste like heaven in a cup.



So I'm a happy Roze this morning!!! ^_^

 

[blackepoxy]

Coffeebeandirect .com has a pretty wide variety of high quality teas to purchase. I signed up and they sent me the free catalog. They have some interesting stuff.

http://www.coffeebeandirect.com/tea.html

Aggravates me that I can't create a hyperlink using my phone. Or maybe it it's the browser I am using...

 

[Shane2943]

Holy resurrection, batman!

Just wanted to share that for the past month or so, I've been enjoying a daily cup (or two) of Tazo Thrive green tea. I take it black, no milk or sweetener. I really dig it and it is a great coffee replacement! I steep it for a good 5 to 10 minutes to let it get good and strong.

Might have to try some matcha here soon as I'm wanting something a bit stronger.

 

[Roze]

Holy resurrection, batman!

Just wanted to share that for the past month or so, I've been enjoying a daily cup (or two) of Tazo Thrive green tea. I take it black, no milk or sweetener. I really dig it and it is a great coffee replacement! I steep it for a good 5 to 10 minutes to let it get good and strong.

Might have to try some matcha here soon as I'm wanting something a bit stronger.

I love Tazo tea For me, I find that 10 minutes the tea becomes quite bitter (for me).

Tell me what you think of Matcha, it has the highest concentration of anti oxidant.

 

[Hexadecimus]

Speaking from a solid chemistry background, antioxidants in the diet are in a very small amount and neutralized far before they could do anything beneficial or otherwise. But I'm sure there are benefits to tea anyway, and I do love me some chai! Oregon and Tazo are actually not bad for off-the-shelf, but I like my own the best and it's easy to make and affordable.

 

[Frisco]

Good ole Twinnings of London, "English Breakfast" is my favorite (loose, in the tin, not bags) and Earl Grey a close second. No sugar, but once in a while a splash of milk.

 

[blackepoxy]

English breakfast is good stuff!

 

[danaj]

I was just drinking a cup of Lady Grey, but then I remembered I have Matcha in the cupboard that I forgot about! Thanks for reminding me guys.