Silver Yeti Preparation
Brewing Instructions
Water Temperature: 175-185 degrees
Water Quality: Best with Spring Water
Amount of Leaf (per 6 fl oz water): 2 rounded Tbl. (2.5 grams)
Steep Time: 2-3 minutes
Number of Infusions: 3 +
Silver Yeti may be prepared in a standard teapot, or in your favorite mug or lidded gaiwan. For best results, we recommend that you pre-warm your vessel, and place approximately 2.5 to 3 grams of leaf per 6 oz of liquid, before infusing with 175-185 degree water for up to 2-3 minutes. As with all white teas, Silver Yeti can be infused at least three times. (I've actually gotten up to 5 very tastey infusions.) Increase the time and temperature approximately five degrees with each subsequent infusion.
The Kanchanjangha tea garden recommends using approximately 2 grams of leaves per 8.5 fl. oz. of water at 180º and steeping for 4 minutes. I've tried this method and while it does produce a very nice infusion, in my experience I find that my above method accentuates the interesting complexities of the tea more. Experimenting with your own temperatures and steeping times is encouraged. Cooler temperatures and shorter times yield more mellow, fruity elements, while hotter water and longer times produce more floral and full-bodied complexities. Always use the best-tasting water you can find, and adjust steeping times, quantity of leaves, and water temperature to your personal preferences.
We highly recommend brewing your tea in a teapot or mug with a removable infuser so that you can remove the leaves at the end of the steeping time. Whole leaf teas of this quality need room to unfurl and expand in the water in order to perform their "magic." If you don't have a removable infuser, you can brew the loose leaves directly in the pot. At the end of the steeping time, pour all of the tea into a warm serving pitcher or pot.