Palate cleanser prior to tea session?

[tieguanyin]

So it is always recommended to avoid strongly flavoured foods (chilies, garlic) prior to starting a tea session.

What if one has enjoyed a meal that included spicy enough foods that one's tastebuds have been scorched (ie you will be able to enjoy the mouthfeel of the tea but not the flavors). What is one to do ?

Some discussion on this topic has occurred here courtesy of Hobbes. Would like the B&B crowd's insight on this matter of grave importance !

PS: Another danger are foods that coats the mouth with a heavy oily film (hummus, babagenouj). Input would also be appreciated!

 

[thanks]

Isn't pickled ginger suited for this exact purpose when eating sushi? I've never tried it for tea, but it works when I'm switching from one kind of sushi roll to sashimi or something else.

 

[tieguanyin]

Isn't pickled ginger suited for this exact purpose when eating sushi? I've never tried it for tea, but it works when I'm switching from one kind of sushi roll to sashimi or something else.

Good point! Never thought of the pickled ginger one gets with sushi for that purpose.

 

[Maitre_Tea]

maybe try brushing your teeth before a session, and waiting a while for the mint to dissipate. Doing that right now...so I'll report back with results.

 

[tieguanyin]

maybe try brushing your teeth before a session, and waiting a while for the mint to dissipate. Doing that right now...so I'll report back with results.

Using mouthwash too or not?

 

[Maitre_Tea]

no mouth wash, and I think it's doing pretty nicely. Of course, I'm having a shu so maybe even w/o a cleansing of the palate I would be okay

 

[Dreaded_1]

Yes, I agree with the ginger aswell. I dont like to brush my teeth too close to my tea as it seems to alter the taste, but I do like some cucumber prior to.

 

[kimble22]

Sometimes some water will help as well... especially to help clear the huigan.

 

[Erik]

You only have to clear your palette if your not drinking enough tea in the first place.

 

[tieguanyin]

You only have to clear your palette if your not drinking enough tea in the first place.

Still, one cannot go from spicy food straight to tea enjoyment in one fell swoop. Intermediary steps are needed no ?

 

[netsurfr]

I am thinking that lemon water and bread would be good for clearing the palate. The lemon will help cut the lingering spiciness and the bread also provides a mostly neutral substance that will help in the process. When eating particularly hot Thai food, I often keep lemon water at hand just as a rescue measure in case I get one of those devilishly small peppers that is covered in sauce. Seems to be the only thing that will calm down the fire. So, I was thinking the lemon water might also be good for cleansing the palate when transitioning between spicey food and a nice tea session.

 

[Proinsias]

I recall people taking about using water crackers on pu-erh.net a few years ago, never tried it myself. I think they nicked the idea from the wine tasting world.

I drink tea to cleanse my palette. If I've eaten something spicy or just very strong a few brews of green tea clears things up nicely for the main event - more tea.

Fresh fruit is also a favourite. Doesn't quite give you a neutral palette but it certainly clears out tastes I don't enjoy with my tea and adds some that I do enjoy. I'd prefer to scrub my teeth via eating an apple before tea than with toothpaste.