I'm just starting out with using loose tea any pointers you can give me?

Question

1. Should I buy an electric kettle?
2. Should I buy a stove top pot (infuser/press combo)?
3. Should I go with a infuser or a strainer (I drink tea a lot).
4. I'm in to green teas but what is your favorite?
5. What is the best method for storage of tea leaves (freezer, or just in cupboard)

Answer 1

An electric kettle is nice to have, but not essential. They boil water much faster than a stove top kettle, but the end result is essentially the same. Some of the higher end electric kettles even allow you to set temperature controls so that you can make sure your water is the perfect temperature for some of the more delicate teas like green teas that require water between 160 and 180 degrees.

You should go with whatever steeping device you think you would use most often. I find myself reaching for my over the cup infuser far more than my beautiful tea pots with strainers. It's a personal preference, but I find my infuser to be my go-to steeping device.

Tea should be stored away from air, light and moisture. I would avoid the freezer or refrigerator because they create moisture. A simple air-tight tin or tea caddie would work perfectly, preferably one that is not see through.

Green tea is heated to prevent it from oxidizing. That is what makes a green tea a green tea. It comes from the same plant as all other types of tea; however, it is never allowed to oxidize. The way it is heated plays an important role in determining the character and flavor of the tea. Traditionally, most Japanese teas are steam heated which gives them a very vegetal, grassy flavor. Chinese green teas are more often bake cured or pan fried, giving them a nuttier, more mellow flavor. If you favor the Japanese variety, I recommend Gyokuro or a high quality Sencha. For Chinese green teas, I love Dragonwell, Snow Dragon, Pi Lo Chun or Spring Jade. If you are looking for a flavored or scented tea I recommend our Blueberry Pomegranate, Florida Orange Blossom, Wild Plum or Raspberry Green. I hope that helps! Feel free to email any questions directly to [e-mail].

Answer 2

You really don't need an electric kettle unless if you find it bothersome to use a stove top tea kettle. I do, however, love the hot water dispenser that I got for my birthday. I have hot water readily available all the time.



Don't bother with any fancy tea press or combos. Never use a tea infuser or strainer unless if convenience is your number 1 priority. Tea is best brewed in a pot where the leaves are allowed to expand and let its flavors flow. Tea balls, tea bags, infusers and such items limit the space and flavor. A tea press or french press has worked well for me but it's not necessary.



Green teas are great but I'm a pu-er/pu-erh/puerh tea drinker.



Tea leaves and coffee should never be placed in the fridge or freezer. The change in temperature will cause condensation and moisture build up. That will ruin your tea. Just store it in a air tight container and in the a cool dry place is fine.

Answer 3

1. An electric kettle is great if you do the gong fu cha/kung fu cha style brewing. I personally have two electric kettles in different parts of my house. The short brewing time used for green teas and oolongs, along with the fact that you can and should reuse the leaves several times makes wandering into the kitchen to heat the kettle again a bit bothersome.

2. Up to you, but I recommend starting with a gai-bei / gai-wan. They are really the cornerstone of tea ceremony (Chinese/Taiwanese).

3. No. Limits the expansion of the leaves and distribution of flavors.

4. I love all teas, but oolong is probably the most dynamic and interesting to me. More complex flavor profiles and characteristics.

5. NOT IN THE FRIDGE. Store it as air tight as you can, somewhere that is dry and away from direct heat and light, and in a place where there are not many other smells. Green tea absorbs smells like a sponge, even handling it with unclean hands can foul up your whole stash.

I literally live tea(it's my job), stop my blog and get in touch with me directly if you have any questions at all as you explore. I am really glad to see people broadening their beverage horizons at long last.

Answer 4

I use a glass "Kettle". I just use the little spoon type tea strainer (Which is convenient and easy to clean). Actually, I prefer Stash Tea's Fusion. It's a blend of green and white tea. (White tea has even more antioxidents than green tea.) I just use a baggie to seal the bags in for bagged teas and a tight glass jar for loose tea.

Answer 5

If you are looking to reduce belly fat, cardiovascular exercises and a healthy diet that eschews saturated fats is best. Intense treadmill, bike, cross trainer, and swimming exercises are ideal. All those machines are really about muscle tone which are fine for that aspect of your image. However, lots of sit ups and other stomach routines strengthen those muscles which can lead to a bulge. Just do enough to keep your core strong. Does your gym have fitness consultants? Ask them for some tips. I wouldn't spend the money on a personal trainer because there is so much information freely available so long as you have the motivation to implement the plan. Good luck:)

Answer 6

Iam a tea freak I use PG tips a kettle and strainer and store mine in a regular tea caddy.