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tea soul.
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2012.09.17 at 6:20 pm #8515
MEversbergII
ParticipantI was initially going to ask about parameters in rebrewing leaves in a non-gongfu manner, but I decided instead to ask about a related topic – specifically, how to store tea leaves for later reinfusion, if possible.
I pretty generally reinfuse the leaves I use at home (ranging from broken to full leaf) at least twice before discarding them. Some rebrew well, others do not. Pretty generally the second infusion onwards is more “sweet” tasting and less “tea” or “savory” tasting. I interpret this as fewer tannins and other flavor altering chemicals remaining behind.
I was reading a short article (That I cannot seem to dig up again) talking about tea customs in different nations. I’m not sure how true they are, but it’s generally the same factoids recycled.
(Is it actually the norm in China to tap the table twice in thanks to your tea server?)
The one that stood out as new this time around was tea-leaf storage, as it pertains to used leaves. This factoid started with what I already knew – that in China it is the norm to reinfuse leaves multiple times throughout the day – but ended with something new: That some people utilize vaccum-sealable (I’m assuming they mean airtight) glass containers to cart about their leaves between infusions. Is this an actual practice? If so, how widespread?
I’ve tried a few simple storage methods. First I tried to dry leaves with paper towels, but that seems to greatly depreciate the flavor. Air-drying after infusion also depreciates it and seems to attract its own off flavor (probably yeast attacking the plant matter). Just leaving it in the pot or tea ball causes true fermentation, similar to air-drying except much more aromatic – probably because of retained moisture. Finally, a plastic zip-loc bag just ends up as a gooy mess.
So how, if possible, does one store leaves between usage? I frequently visit friends and wish to bring tea with (I normally take tea before a bike ride), so some kind of storage method would allow me to maximize good quality leaves.
The closest thing I’ve found is this:https://www.jkteashop.com/portable-tea-travel-mug-p-573.html
Thanks,
M.
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2012.09.20 at 3:18 am #9796
tea soul
ParticipantIf only a couple hours between infusions, please no need to store or dry. Just bring along in the teapot or mug or gaiwan. Very quick wash with hot water before steeping again. If no need to bring out, leave a small opening at the lid so not too hot inside pot to turn tealeaves bad.
Storing too long between infusion is not good no matter what method. Some old people dry used tealeaves to use again, but taste is no good.
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