Re: Darren: tea enthusiast
I always drink my tea out of a mug, but always a bone china mug.
I don't think there is any difference between a ceramic tea pot and a stainless steel one.
I don't think there is any difference between a quality loose tea and the same tea in bags.
Even when using a tea bag I always use a pot, and I think that does make a difference.
As previously said, boiling water is essential for black teas but is death the green teas which become bitter with boiling water. For green tea always use water just off the boils as for coffee.
For this reason stick to green teas abroad "English Breakfast Tea" made with hot water from a continental coffee macinine is 'orrible.
Brian,
Invite me round for a cup sometime - you obviously know what you are doing (unlike most of the population). You can invite me round too JC! The only thing I would take issue with are stainless steel vs ceramic pots. For some reason (and I should know why as I am a water quality man) one often gets a scum forming is steel pots if you are using hard water.
A couple more tea stories. The first is when I first met Ash and he demoed the ADMs for me, without asking me my preference he made Earl Grey tea. I realised immediately that this chap was a cut above and am now a loyal customer. You see, it is those little things that matter.
The second is I often suffer disturbed nights and if I am wakeful I force myself to go downstairs and make a cup of ordinary tea. Even though it contains caffeine, I find it usually does the trick and I then relax and sleep (until I wake up because I need the loo). Whereas coffee hypes up, tea seems to have the ability to stimulate or relax - weird!
Phil
