Tea brewing 101: How to brew every tea on your shelf
Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally after water and embodies an enduring legacy and a cultural richness steeped in traditions and ceremonies. Whether savoring the boldness of black tea or relishing the delicate notes of green and white tea, there exists a tea variety to complement every taste and occasion.
Brewing tea is an art but one that’s easy to learn. When brewed correctly, you get to experience the real flavors and on the flip side, an incorrect brewing approach might even incur the displeasure of the tea gods!
Brewing tea is both a science and an art and here’s how to brew tea perfectly.
Black Tea
Black tea is known for its bold, robust flavor and is often enjoyed with milk and sugar. Here is how you can brew the perfect cup.
Hot Preparation:
Using Tea Bag
1) Boil 200 ml of freshly drawn water at 90-100 degrees Celsius.
2) Place a tea bag into a cup and pour the hot water over it.
3) Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, adjusting the time based on your preferred strength.
4) Remove the tea bag and enjoy your cup.
Using Loose Leaf Tea
1) Boil 200 ml of freshly drawn water at 90-100 degrees Celsius.
2) Select a high-quality teapot, preferably ceramic.
3) Warm the teapot by adding hot water and swirling it around.
4) Add 2 grams (0.07 oz) of your favorite black tea to the teapot.
5) Pour hot water into the teapot, ensuring leaves are submerged first before adding water.
6) Switch off the heat, cover the teapot, and let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, adjusting to taste.
Cold Preparation
Serve over ice and garnish with lemon or honey if desired.
Green Tea
Green tea is known for its grassy flavor and is a great choice for those looking for a lighter, more refreshing tea. It’s best to be had without milk and sugar. Here’s how to brew green tea.
Hot preparation:
Using Tea Bag
Boil 200 ml of freshly filtered water at 80-90 degrees Celsius
Add a tea bag to a cup and pour the boiled water over it
Let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes depending on the desired strength
Enjoy it while it’s hot
Using Loose Leaf tea
Boil 200 ml of freshly filtered water at 80-90 degrees Celsius
Add 2 grams (0.07 oz) of your favorite green tea blend to it
Switch off the heat, cover it, and let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes depending on how strong you like your cup to be.
Strain into a cup and sip while hot!
Cold preparation:
Serve with ice and add lemon or honey, if desired.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are not true teas, meaning they aren’t made with actual tea leaves. Instead, they are made from a variety of herbs and plants and flavors. Here are the steps to making a perfect cup of herbal tea.
Hot preparation:
Using Tea Bag
Boil 200 ml of freshly filtered water at 90-100 degrees Celsius
Add a tea bag to a cup and pour the boiled water over it
Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes depending on how strong you like your cup to be.
Enjoy it hot
Using Loose Leaf Tea
Boil 200 ml of freshly filtered water at 90-100 degrees Celsius
2 grams (0.07 oz) of your favorite herbal tea to it
Switch off the heat, cover it, and let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes..
Strain into a cup and sip while hot!
Cold preparation:
Serve with ice and add lemon or honey, if desired.
Infusions
Infusions, in a broader sense, refer to the process of extracting flavors, aromas, or beneficial compounds from various materials by steeping them in a liquid, typically hot water. While herbal teas fall under the category of infusions, not all infusions are herbal teas.
Brewing Instructions
Using Tea Bags
. 200 ml / 7 oz Freshly Boiled Water
Brew 2g (1 Tsp) for 3-5 Mins
Add Sweetener as Per Taste. Enjoy!
Using Loose Leaf/Ingredients
Add 1-2 tbsp of loose leaf to a tea infuser.
Heat water to 200°F (93°C).
Preheat the infusion vessel.
Pour hot water over loose leaves/flowers/herbs.
Steep for 5-7 minutes.
Taste and adjust the steeping time if needed.
Remove the infuser or strain.
Serve and enjoy your flavorful infusion.
Oolong Tea/ White Tea
Oolong and white teas are known for their delicate, floral flavors and are often enjoyed without milk or sugar. Here are the steps to make a perfect cup of oolong or white tea:
Hot preparation:
Using Tea Bag
Boil 200 ml of freshly filtered water at 80-90 degrees Celsius
Add a tea bag to a cup and pour the boiled water over it
Let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes depending on how strong you like your cup to be.
Sip the tea while it’s hot!
Using Loose Leaf Tea
Boil 200 ml of freshly filtered water at 80-90 degrees Celsius in a saucepan
Add 2 grams (0.07 oz) of your favorite green tea blend to it
Switch off the heat, cover it, and let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes depending on how strong you like your cup to be.
Strain into a cup and sip while hot!
Cold preparation:
Serve with ice and add lemon or honey, if desired.
Matcha Tea
Matcha is a unique green tea that is made from finely ground green tea leaves. It has an umami, earthy flavor and is often used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Here are the steps to make a perfect cup of matcha.
Hot preparation:
Using Matcha Tea Powder
Boil 200 ml of freshly filtered water at 80-90 degrees Celsius in a saucepan
In a cup, add 2 grams of Matcha green tea, add a bit of hot water and stir it to make a fine paste.
Add the remaining hot water and keep whisking/stirring to blend it properly.
Lastly, sip while it’s hot!
Add milk of your choice to make it a latte.
Cold preparation:
Serve with ice and enjoy.
Instant Lattes and Mixes
An instant premix is a convenient and quick way to make a latte at home or in the office. It typically consists of a pre-measured amount of instant tea/coffee, powdered milk, and sugar, all mixed in one sachet or packet. Here’s how you can easily make yourself a delicious cup.
Add 1 Tsp/2.5 g to 200 ml Hot/Cold Milk.
Blend it well.
For vegan latte, add nut milk. For iced latte, chill & add iced cubes.
Can also be served with water.
For Iced Tea Premix:
Some instant latte premixes also come in different flavors such as mocha or caramel. Instant latte premixes are a great choice for those who want a quick and easy way to enjoy a latte without the need for specialized equipment or ingredients.
Iced Teas- Pitcher Preparation
Most of us find ourselves leaning toward iced teas in summer. If you too love the fruity and floral flavors of refreshing iced teas, here’s how you can brew yourself and your family a delicious tall and refreshing glass.
Place 1 tea bag (10 g) in a pitcher
Add 8.45 oz/250 ml of freshly boiled water (212°F/100°C)
Cover the lid & steep for 5-7 mins
Remove the tea bag & allow it to cool down
Add 25.36 oz/750 ml of chilled water & refrigerate for 1-2 hours
Add sweetener as per taste
Add ice cubes & enjoy it chilled
Brewing the perfect cup of tea can be simple if you know the right steps to follow. Remember to use fresh, cold water and adjust the steeping time and temperature according to the type of tea you are brewing. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your perfect cup of tea. Happy brewing!
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