
Brewing Instructions
Brewing tea is both an art and a science. While tea bags may be more convenient and perhaps less expensive, for the discerning tea drinker loose-leaf teas are preferred for their quality and depth of flavor. They allow for better water flow around the leaves during brewing, which results in a more flavorful cup.
Knowing how to brew tea is an essential skill which goes well beyond just pouring boiling water over tea. Understanding the nuances of tea brewing is the key to transforming weak, flavorless brews into robust and aromatic cups that are sure to please a novice and the most discerning tea drinker. Following are the steps to brewing a perfect cup of tea. Keep in mind, everyone has their own personal taste preferences, so feel free to experiment with the amounts of tea, steeping time, and/or water temperature to suit your taste preferences.
01
Measure the Tea
Use about one teaspoon of loose tea per one cup of water. If you're serious about your tea drinking, invest in a small digital scale for more precise measurements, especially as leaf size and density can vary.
02
Heat Your Water
The ideal water temperature varies by tea type. Measure the water temperature with a kitchen thermometer or a kettle with a digital scale. This will prevent delicate teas from being burned or more robust teas from being under-extracted. Follow this guide for achieving optimal results:
03
Steep the Tea
Steep times differ based on the type of tea. Herbal infusions need 5-7 minutes, white teas 4-5 minutes, and black, green, oolong, and dark teas around 3-5 minutes. Always set a timer. Over-steeping can lead to bitterness, especially in black, green, and white teas. Taste at intervals to find your preferred strength.
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Black Tea: Brew at 200-212°F (93-100°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Green Tea: Best brewed at lower temperatures, around 175-185°F (80-85°C), for 1-3 minutes to avoid bitterness.
Oolong Tea: Brew at 185-205°F (85-96°C) for 3-5 minutes.
White Tea: Requires a gentle touch, so brew at 160-185°F (71-85°C) for 4-5 minutes.
04
Enjoy Your Tea
Let the tea cool slightly before drinking. This not only prevents burning the roof of your mouth but also allows the flavors to develop fully. Try tasting your tea at different temperatures. Some flavors become more prominent as the tea cools.