white peony temp and steeping time

I like about 1min 30sec at about 160-170. I use alot of leaf volum

wise, like a big heeping tsp per cup. Experiment-Good luck.

Teamania

snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com Wrote:

-- teamania

I'd start at 160F 2-3 minutes and get hotter from there. White tea is delicate with temperature but pretty tolerant of time.

Speaking of this particular white tea from IPOT, I've had this type of tea from SpecialTeas also, and the SpecialTeas is much more floral, whereas IPOT seems more a nutty vegetal flavor... Also, IPOT's Silver Needle has more vegetal tones than SpecialTeas...

Anyone else notice this?

Steve

Many thanks for all replies! I think I may have been using water that's slightly too hot -- I've been judging water temperature by eye (steam rising, small bubbles at the bottom), but I'm guessing that's been too warm. I'll give it another go today...

Sally

I do 1 tsp. in 8 oz @ 170F for 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 min.

Bubble-counting; I think this is a method used by some people. I think Michael Plant told me about it. I've found when I boil water, it makes what sound like boiling sounds at about 160F, quiets down a little, starts steaming more and more, then starts boiling. So, since I am lazy, I listen for the sounds for ~160F, look for rapid steaming for ~180F, and listen for the whistle for ~212F. Not sure how accurate this method is.

I've wondered what the sound is, I can only think its gasses coming out of solution or something.

Steve

Gonna vary by elevation, too.

It's best to get an instant-read thermometer and figure out how your kettle is behaving at a given temperature, before you trust a visual, auditory, or tactile method.

(at 5400 feet, 90c is about when the pot stops vibrating, for me)

err... 2 tsp., not 1.