@qualitygal
You might try a first flush Darjeeling. Also white teas are very mild. Never with milk. No sugar or very, very little.
Jasmine tea is also nice.
Remember do not pour boiling water over green teas, white teas and lighter teas.
You will want to check on this - some sources say bring to a boil, then let it drop to desired temp before pouring over the leaves, others say heat to the desired temp.
(I don’t make a lot of green or white teas as I don’t think
they go as well with a tea biscuit or other sweet goody!)
In the morning, I usually drink a tea that can take milk and a little sugar or honey. Usually Ceylon from the Kenilworth Estate - I find this a very soothing way to start the day and is nice with my toast.
If I am having a hearty breakfast (with bacon or sausage) it’s usually an Assam or Assam blend like Irish Breakfast.
In the afternoon, it’s time for a 2nd flush Darjeeling (Castleton or Margaret’s Hope are two of my favourite estates) or, sometimes an Earl Grey (Mariages Freres French Bleu is wonderful and uses a Ceylon tea as the base instead of the more usual China black tea)
Loose leaf always best. Better quality. (Various grades in abbreviations like SFTGFOP1 - even after decades, I still have to look them up!)
Larger leaves steep more slowly so, it is easier to control strength.
You might find you like a black tea if not steeped a long time. And, be sure to strain well so, the tannins don’t turn the tea bitter.
Usually for my black teas, I use 2 grams tea to 6oz of water. Because I brew different types, I usually weigh the tea (different teas weigh differently for the same spoon measurement and I rarely remember the various measurements for the gram weights!)
Most good tea sources put their recommendations on the tea packet, tin or website as to amounts and water temp.)
I like brewing in a pot, even when just having a single cup. (I prefer not putting the boiling water directly in my cup, it’s just too hot for me to drink for too long!)
Though I don’t always do it, (LazyGirl that I am!)
I do think I get a better result from putting the leaves directly in the warmed pot, then pouring the water over the leaves, then straining into a different pot.
@Sooner mentioned The Cultured Cup. They are great.
I, too, am a big fan of Mariages Freres.
(I had Mariages Freres Paris Breakfast this morning - it’s a black tea with a bit of caramel, brioche flavour. Just a touch of sugar to bring out the flavour and a smidge of milk. This one is good without milk as well).
Other good sources are Upton Tea in Massachusetts. They have a big variety of loose leaf teas.
Murchies in British Columbia is also excellent.
All three of these do mail order and I have had excellent customer service from all.
I have also ordered from Fortnum & Mason in London Because of shipping costs, I usually try to order as much as I can for the minimum shipping rate. Great marmalades and preserves too.
Sometimes I think I would be happy living on tea and toast.
Make that challah toast with Kerry Gold butter please.
And a little Fortnum’s Sir Nigel Marmalade.
However, sometimes one just has to have pound cake, petits fours, shortbread biscuits or madeleines with afternoon tea!
Sorry if I got carried away writing; I hope it is all coherent.
Enjoy your tea explorations. Mine have brought me joy, relaxation and comfort.
Time now for my afternoon tea and I’m feeling a bit peckish!
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