Today we will explain how to properly prepare a perfect cup of tea. Often times we find people are afraid of using loose leave because they are unsure how to prepare them or they don’t truly understand the process. Well, we are here to guide you through the process and show you some tricks and tips along the way. Please note, that the topic below should be used for teabag usage as well.
Let’s talk heating your water!
This is the most important and key element of the process. If your water is not heated to the proper temperature, you are not getting the full taste and benefits from your tea. Depending on the type of tea you are brewing, the proper water temperature can range from 140 degrees (specialty green teas) to 212 degrees (usually black and herbal teas). If your water is too hot, you could burn your tea leaves, and if the water is too cold your tea could taste bland and weak. Not using the correct water temperature may also effect the caffeine content in your tea.
When heating water for your tea, you have a couple of options. You can use an electric or stove kettle, or you may use a pot to boil your water on the stove. If you don’t have a kettle and you are in a rush, you may use the microwave. The microwave should only be use to boil your water not to actually brew your tea (meaning do not add your teabag to your cup that will be going into the microwave).
After your water have reached the correct temperature for the type of tea you will be brewing, you will now need to infuse (steep) your tea leaves. Using your desired tea strainer, infuse your tea leaves for the recommended timing per your tea instructions. For the best results, we recommend pouring your hot water over your tea leaves verse adding your tea leaves to your water and cover the top of your cup/mug or strainer. Pouring the water over the tea leaves will ensure that all of the tea leaves are saturated, giving you a more flavorful tasting tea.
Some teas should only be infused (steeped) for a couple of minutes, while other teas may be infused longer. For the proper infusing time, refer to your tea package for brewing times. Once you are done infusing your tea, you should remove your leaves to prevent your tea from becoming too strong.
Remember: The longer you steep, the stronger your tea will be!
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