? about local oolong

[americanarmsdealer]

A local Asian market has Oolong tea that comes in a tin. I assume the leaves are just loose in the tin, as you can hear them rattling aroun when you tilt or shake the tin. It is pretty inexpensive, and I can't remember the brand. Would this be something worth taking a shot in the dark for, or would I be better off getting a small cake of something instead? I'm not sure if they have any cakes or not.
Also, how much tea would I need to use? I have absolutely 0 experience with loose tea. I would be using about a 10 oz mug that has lid/saucer and a ceramic insert that sits down in the top with holes in it for the leaves. The only other equipment I have is a stovetop kettle. No pick, scale, or anything else. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[P_K]

Tea at Oriental groceries are notoriously bad. You might look into a Wuyi oolong. Check with netsurfr....he has a good selection of oolongs at jas-eteas.

 

[americanarmsdealer]

What about bricks of Oolong? Comparing prices for about a 1 lb brick ($10-$20) to the per ounce cost of loose leaves, it seems like a no brainer to go with the brick, unless it would be an extreme case of "you get what you pay for." Anyone had good luck with bricks of Oolong, or have suggestions on a particular tea for a newbie steeper that won't break the bank?

 

[JEEP]

While I find that it is indeed possible to discover the odd good green tea at asian grocers, I have yet to find an oolong that is actually worth the money charged for it. I have 500 g. of a TGY I paid D.Kr. 99 for. Not a bad price, but the tea is really only good for making heavily sweetened iced tea, drinking it hot is no pleasure at all.

Asian grocers teas are often stored for way too long, in a way too hot environment and together with heavily scented products, like spices, aroma teas, vegetables, etc. All factors that ruins the aroma of the tea.


Regards.

Jakob