Second steeps -- how to store the leaves?

Jun 10, 2006 7 Replies

What's the recommended way to store the wet leaves between the first and second steep?



And how long can they be stored before the second steep?



I hate to admit this, but I've left wet leaves sitting at room temperature for as long as overnight before brewing a second steep. Never had any problems or noticed a taste difference.

I usually just leave the leaves sitting in the Adagio strainer-thingy.

Jennifer

LurfysMa wrote:

That's what I have been doing, but the longest has been a few hours. I guess I really was wondering about overnight as I usually have only one pot/day.

I use a Chatsford pot. I suppose I could just put in in the frig until I need it again. I'd need to let it warm some before pouring boiling water into it...;-)

LurfysMa wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

Why not just put the strainer in the fridge if you're worried about overnight? Takes up less room for one thing... :)

Ozzy

Don't use a strainer basket. I strain it as I pour it out.

LurfysMa wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

...

Well, Adagio does make a non-metal strainer (if that's what Jennifer was thinking of). It's closed, like a classical tea-ball, but might not give the leaves sufficient space to unfold, esp. if you use a lot of them... It

*is* very convienient, though I don't happen to use mine much.

Ozzy

Again, not something that connoisseurs would probably recommend, but I regularly brew loose leaf pu-erh in a glass flask with a suspended strainer at work and keep leaves in it overnight for a second brew the next morning. Have sometimes also got a third brew out of the same leaves for afternoon tea as well. I have not noted any offensive tastes nor smells.

Cheers Mal Oz

Draconus, i COMPLETELY agree, you shouldn't do what alot of people recommend on this board with pu-erh being an exception, since many people do like to have it sit overnight.

A

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Drac> Again, not something that connoisseurs would probably recommend, but I

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