easily testing water temp with finger

[Ididnotinhale]

When making tea without a thermometer swim uses his finger to test how hot the water is. Generally it seems good if he can leave it in the water for about 3 seconds. Everyone's tolerance for heat is different, but does anyone have an idea of how long one should be able to leave their finger in the water before adding it to the poppies?
thanks a lot

[gunnaknow]

SWIM use to regularly test his bath water with a digital thermometer. Around 40°C was perfect for a bath. It was starting to get a little too hot at 42°C, although still tolerable for the duration of the bath. It was impossible to get into at 45°C, although one could hold their hand/foot in with some discomfort. At 50°C one would definately need to withdraw one's hand/foot immediately. A single finger would be able to tolerate more because of less nerve impulses than a whole hand/foot. If one can hold their finger in for three seconds then the temp is most likely around the 50-60°C mark. That temp. range happens to be ideal for brewing poppy tea. SWIY mentioned that he then adds the water to the poppies, bear in mind that this will cause the water temp. to drop, so make sure to bring the temp. back up again. Hope this helps.

[deviant_one]

Originally Posted by yowhatupU

...how long one should leave their finger in the water before adding it to the poppies?

Depends on how well-done you like your fingers!
SWIM prefers to enjoy his tea "sans le doigt" (without finger)
I'll be here all week...

d_one

[waltz#2]

lol. Burn fingers, or buy a $3 candy thermometer... decisions, decisions.

[fnord]

This is silly,your going to risk losing tons of super nifty alkaloids due to over heating this way,buy a candy thermometer,or borrow one from a friend.

[placidly]

not such a bad way actually. hot water from my hot water tap which is too hot for bare hands is only about 50-55 celcius. so if you stick your finger in for a bit it should be about 40. However, use a bit of commonsense, if you see vapour coming off, turn it the heat and check back in 20 minutes.

[gunnaknow]

As SWIM already said, bath water is about 40°C, so it will be hotter than that. Probably around 50°C.

[Ididnotinhale]

Thanks everyone for your responses to swiys slightly idiotic question. Swiy took the suggestions and bought a thermometer.