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October 8, 2008 4:44:50 AM CDT

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Ditch the Bag: Loose-Leaf Indulgence Is Your Cup of Tea

Posted Jun 13, 08 7:05 PM CDT in Opinion,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – Simply dropping teabags into a mug not only yields an unsatisfying, solitary brew, Tony Turnbull writes in the Times of London—it spoils the ceremony and anticipation crucial for enjoyment. A teashop visit converted the self-described “inveterate teabag user” into a fan of the “strange alchemy” that transforms dried tea leaves into a perfect cup.

Turnbull learned to forget the Zen stuff and focus on process: A truly transcendent experience "starts not with the tea, but with the pot," (opt for Chinese clay) then focuses on the proper temperature and pouring techniques. As for the tea, buy it loose, as you would tomatoes on the vine—that way, "any faults become more visible."

Source Times (UK)

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Tea enjoyment can be as much about warming the pot or choosing your favorite china cup.   (Index Open)
Sure, loose leaf tea takes a bit more work, but who ever heard of reading a tea bag to predict your future?   (Index Open)
When it comes to teas, a uniform temperature just won't do. Experts recommend 55 Celsius for Japanese green teas, while oolongs require temps of 90C or more.   (Index Open)
Chinese clay pots, pictured here, are held in high regard for producing a softer tea than those steeped in their porcelain counterparts.   (Index Open)
A steeping cup of tea is shown here. For tea leaf fans who want to soak in the ceremony and preparation, "bags just give you too instant a hit," writes Turnbull.   (Index Open)
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