Tea Brewing

Brewing tea is not the arcane mystery it is sometimes cracked up to be.
Here are the secrets for brewing a perfect cuppa.

1. Start with cold, good tasting, water. If your tap water does not taste good, then use filtered or bottled water. (Use cold water because a typical hot water heater will often add contaminants and reduce the amount of oxygen in the water, which is needed for flavor extraction).
2. Bring the desired amount of water to a rolling boil. (Do not boil the water for a long period of time because this too will deplete the water of oxygen).
3. Put approximately 2 grams or 1 tsp. of tea leaves per 6-8 oz. of water into a pre-heated pot or cup (pre-heating will allow the tea to steep at the proper temperature).
4. Then add hot water.

These are just general guidelines. If your tea container has brewing instructions please follow those as they are probably ideal for that specific tea.

Tea Brewing - Water Temperature

The water temperature does not have to be exact. The main thing to remember is to not use boiling water for Green or White teas. They will burn and create bitter flavors.

A good way to guess at the water temperature without a thermometer is to bring the water to a boil, and wait about 30 seconds (for white tea) or 60 seconds (for green tea) before pouring over the leaves.

Tea Brewing - Steep Times

The time that tea steeps will determine it's strength. You may enjoy different teas at varying strengths. Good way of deciding is that when you buy a new tea, as it is steeping, check the taste every minute with a spoon. This way you can blow on it so you won't burn your tongue!

Let the first cup steep until it's either too strong or you notice bitter elements that are unpleasant. Then take note of when the tea tastes best to you and can write it on the package. Besides, who can tell you how you like your tea better than you!

Tea Brewing - General Guidlines

Tea Brewing - One Last Thing

If you are making tea from whole leaves, take time to enjoy the process. Watch as the tea unrolls and the colour oozes out of the leaves. It's a hypnotic experience. Don't just drink the tea, savor it!