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.: Teas
Black teas are fully oxidized for a rich, full-bodied flavor. When preparing a black tea, use boiling water and allow the leaves to steep for three to five minutes. For strong black teas such as Assam or Ceylon, an earthenware, silver or pewter teapot is perfect, because these teapots “season” over time. For the more delicate blacks, such as Darjeeling, a porcelain, fine stoneware, enameled cast-iron or glass is recommended. For smoky teas, reserve a separate teapot.
Oolong Tea
An oolong tea is not oxidized as long as a black tea. In appearance and
flavor, oolongs are between a black and a green tea and can vary considerably.
For the darker oolongs, use boiling water and allow the leaves to steep
for three to five minutes. For the oolongs that are closer to green, use
hot, but not boiling, water and allow the leaves to steep for two to three
minutes, adjusting to your personal taste preference. A perfect teapot
for oolongs would be porcelain, fine stoneware, enameled cast-iron or
glass. The beautiful Yixing teapots are especially well-suited to oolong
teas.
Green Tea
Green teas are much more subtle in flavor than black teas, often with
a vegetal or earthy quality to them. These leaves are more delicate in
nature and it is important to remember that boiling water should not be
used when steeping. Instead, use hot, but not boiling, water and allow
the leaves to steep for two to three minutes. Allow the tea to cool slightly
before tasting for best flavor. A perfect teapot for green teas would
be porcelain, fine stoneware, enameled cast-iron or glass.
White Tea
White teas are perhaps the rarest of all teas. Very delicate and subtle
in flavor, white teas are best enjoyed without additional sweeteners or
milk. To prepare the tea, use hot, but not boiling, water and allow to
steep from three to eight minutes. Allow the tea to cool slightly before
tasting for the best flavor. A perfect teapot for white teas would be
porcelain, fine stoneware, enameled cast-iron or glass.
Herbal Infusions
Herbal infusions do not actually contain any tea leaves. Use boiling water
to prepare these and allow to steep for five to eight minutes.
Artisan Teas
Artisan Teas are beautiful, hand-tied tea leaves which, when steeped,
open to display gorgeous blossoms. These teas, often in the shape of a
ball when dry, are perfect for watching in a glass teapot.
Iced Teas
Winner of the Best Iced Tea Award at the World Tea Expo in 2004! Try Traditional,
Peach, Citrus, or Strawberry. Easy preparation using either a hot or cold
method.
