Any dragonwell or showmei drinkers here?

[GarageBoy]

seems like a pu erh only forum, lets spice it up

 

[arghblech]

We have a Green of the Day thread here. That's where you'll find the most traction on those types of teas.

Our oolong of the day thread is also pretty active.

 

[netsurfr]

I like dragonwell just fine as a green tea. I always have to be careful not to get too much so that it does not lose its flavor. This is partially my fault because I drink so much pu-erh. Also have acquired some that is definitely older than a year and does not have the flavor profile of a fresh, current year green.

 

[ouch]

I've heard that green tea only stays fresh for a month. Now this may mean that it's perfect for only a month, the way the freshly roasted coffee is only good for a few days. But considering how far it has to travel to get here, I would think that much of what we try may already be stale.

 

[WhosYerBob]

I drink Dragonwell on occasion.

 

[silvertip beard]

I drink lots of dragonwell. Green tea daily for me.

 

[netsurfr]

I've heard that green tea only stays fresh for a month. Now this may mean that it's perfect for only a month, the way the freshly roasted coffee is only good for a few days. But considering how far it has to travel to get here, I would think that much of what we try may already be stale.

Such a pessimist!
Or, maybe a realist!!!

 

[Proinsias]

I've heard that green tea only stays fresh for a month. Now this may mean that it's perfect for only a month, the way the freshly roasted coffee is only good for a few days. But considering how far it has to travel to get here, I would think that much of what we try may already be stale.

There's always the gyokuro option. I believe gyokuro is matured for around six months before being considered ready for consumption. About now should be perfect timing for the arrival of the new stocks of this year's gyo. The Japanese also don't tend to mess around with delivery times. Shincha can be pre ordered and is packed then shipped at an absurd pace.

Whilst the cheapest shipping for truckload of pu seems sensible I do enjoy paying a little extra for a pack of green tea to be rushed to my door, nigh on hermetically sealed, when the new harvests appear.

 

[silvertip beard]

wish i had learned that this time last year. knowing and exploiting the harvest cycles of green tea ensure primo freshness. nice tip!

 

[P_K]

It all depends on how it's kept. Many of the best Japanese Green tea vendors keep it refrigerated until it is sent. It is my understanding that O-Cha doesn't finish processing a certain amount of leaf until they need more product. I have not had a problem with Japanese greens. Now once you open them they have a relatively short shelf life....around three months, except for matcha which is even shorter.

 

[ouch]

Showmei?

Show me the way to go home
I'm tired and I want to go to bed
I had a little drink about an hour ago
And it went right to my head
Where ever I may roam
On land or sea or foam
You will always hear me singing this song
Show me the way to go home......

Everybody now!

 

[silvertip beard]

Unfortunately, my tea tuition began with a trip to the hometown teashop, where I proceeded to buy a little too much green tea of unknown age and provenance.

Despite this foolish error, I have everything under vacuum and so far (knock wood) it is still good enough to drink. I can identify with the sentiment of feeling "rushed" to drink the green tea. Lesson learned.

Thankfully, my learning curve has been steep (pun...ha!) and I'll only make the mistake once.

Again, gratitude is due to you all fine folk for kindly showing the way.

Cheers!