Brewing tea is a bit of an art & science both. Do it right, you will notice the addictive effect (personal note). Not only you get the best taste, but most importantly your body will benefit from many phytochemical properties gifted by the mother nature. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect cup of tea: There are different customs in brewing tea depending on the culture or region, but the basics are more or less the same, to extract the best out of your tea!
1. Choose Quality Tea
Start with high-quality loose-leaf tea or tea bags. Loose-leaf tea often provides better steeping while pre-packaged tea bags provide convenience.
2. Use Fresh, Filtered Water
The quality of water greatly impacts the taste of tea. Use fresh, filtered water rather than distilled or previously boiled water to retain natural oxygen levels.
3. Heat Water to the Right Temperature
Different teas require different water temperatures:
- Green tea: 70-80°C (158-176°F)
- Black tea: 90-100°C (194-212°F)
- Oolong tea: 80-90°C (176-194°F)
- White tea: 75-85°C (167-185°F)
- Herbal tea: 100°C (212°F)
4. Measure the Right Amount of Tea
Use about 2 grams or 1 teaspoon or of loose-leaf tea or one tea bag per cup (200-240 ml) of water. Adjust to taste for a stronger or milder brew.
5. Steep for the Recommended Time
Over-steeping can make tea bitter, while under-steeping results in weak flavor. Follow these steeping times:
- Green tea: 2-3 minutes
- Black tea: 3-5 minutes
- Oolong tea: 4-7 minutes
- White tea: 4-5 minutes
- Herbal tea: 5-7 minutes
6. Enhance Flavor (Optional)
If desired, add natural sweeteners like honey, lemon, or milk. Avoid adding too much sugar to maintain the tea’s authentic taste.
Pro-tip: If you are trying expensive & delicate teas like Ceylon golden tips or white teas or all natural herbal teas like the award winning Blizzon Cinnamon Tea, do not add sugar or milk, rather enjoy your tea with a little sweet like jaggery or sesame roll. Train your palate to enjoy the subtle flavor profiles & how it transforms with every sip to the bottom. Milk binds with beneficial enzymes like catechins when added to tea (more on that in a different post). If you really want, add a little sugar or honey but do not let it overpower which kills the true taste of tea.
7. Enjoy Your Tea
Pour the tea into your favorite cup and savor the fresh aroma and taste. Drinking it mindfully enhances the experience and health benefits.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of tea every time. Experiment with different varieties to discover your favorite flavors and brewing methods.