This all sounds so Shakespearean! Well, 'tis to a tea leaf. The term "Agony of the Leaf" refers to the unfurling of the tea leaf during infusion. This can be very dramatic to see and a wonderful stage of tea brewing. This is best done by putting loose tea leaves in a clear glass pot and letting them infuse without the use of an infuser. If you do not have a clear pot then just enjoy in your own special tea pot, and when you you have enjoyed your tea, simply dump out the tea leaves onto a plate. It is fun and interesting to see and touch the whole tea leaves.
Because the leaves are not constrained in any fashion, they are able to fully share their beautiful shape and full flavor.
Above we have used an Oolong tea to demonstrate the difference between steeped and un-steeped tea leaves; Oolong Teas are excellent to witness the unfurling process.
Yet another excellent reason to drink loose leaf tea, even if purely for the fun of watching the tea leaves unfurl. If you are immersing yourself in the exciting world of higher quality ethically sourced teas, or just starting out on this wonderful road to good tasting fresh tea; there is no doubt you will enjoy and appreciate just what a tea leaf goes through. Ah, yes, the Agony of the Leaf.
ENJOY!!!
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