You go by color?? I've always used a tea timer...To each their own, I guess. 5 minutes for black tea, 4 for Oolong, and 3 for Green.
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If you go there again,see if you can get a shot at what's up on those shelves...cheers ! That Sultan cake looks divine.:o
I wouldn't say that the steeping time for teas is quite as clear cut as that. Not every black, green or oolong requires the same time to steep—I'd never steep the vast majority of my greens for more than a minute and a half, depending on what it is, and some oolongs for less than that. Other greens I have, I'd simmer in boiling water for 5 mins.
Colour is probably a more reliable indication of when to start pouring that time is, but generally you can't see the tea in the pot.
That's that's the point, though—I think you're lumping your tea into too big a category. Black teas, as well as needing a longer time to steep, I think are a bit more forgiving on that front. A lot of green tea wants quite a specific amount of time to steep, though.
Most of the tea that I drink would be bitter as hell after three minutes or even after two. Others will happily sit in the pot for three with no trace of bitterness, or even over the stove for five minutes.
Obviously your method works for you and that's fine while it does, though I think that one day it'll catch you out!
I haven't had a cuppa in a while.....maybe it's a cold weather thing for me ??? Still have my hot coffee....may need some info on some ice tea and give that a go...
Perhaps I am less of a connoisseur than you, mostly drink black teas (am trying to get away from coffee, mainly because I like it strong, sweet and milky or fattening if you prefer) and find that if the colour is about right then it'll taste about right too. Don't forget that I am an Englishman from a working class background where tea is from bags, strong as buggery, milky and sweet, or in my opinion undrinkable however if whatever finished product you make you enjoy them it is a good cuppa :D. In addition to this smiley I am also holding up my far to dry sense of humour smiley card that I have to carry around so people know I am speaking with a certain amount of jest.
I'll probably post it tomorrow, some time, or later in the week; I've just sorted though a bunch of photos I took while preparing masala chai because we haven't had a proper post on that yet.
Advanced warning: it will be picture-heavy. I have 20 photos to post. Hopefully it'll be worthwhile, though, either just to read or if anyone wanted to do it themselves.
I know it's exciting but please try to contain yourselves in the mean time...!
EDIT: Does anyone know if/what the image limit per post is?
The system will cut you off when it goes over limit.
I still like a good ol builders tea on a chilly or rainy day myself. There is a such thing as good bag tea. And bag tea works good for builders style anyway. So as we say here in the states or (did back in the 70's) "If it feels good,do it !":)