Brewing tea

teapot pours water into teacup


Brewing the perfect cup of tea is an art that requires precision and care, much like preparing other quality fresh foods. When making pasta or rice, you adjust the heat and cooking time to achieve the best possible result. Similarly, it is important to fine-tune the water temperature, amount of tea leaves and brewing time when preparing tea.

The importance of water temperature

The key to a good tea brew starts with the right water temperature. Different teas require different temperatures to release their finest aromas without becoming bitter:

      • Green and white tea: These delicate teas should never be exposed to boiling water. A water temperature of between 70°C to 80°C is ideal. Higher temperatures can scald the leaves and give them a bitter taste.
      • Black tea and oolong: These teas tolerate higher temperatures well. Here, it is best to use water that is between 85°C to 100°C, depending on how robust the tea leaves are.

The amount of tea leaves

The amount of tea leaves you use has a big impact on the intensity of your tea. A general rule of thumb is that more tea leaves will give a stronger flavor. This is especially important if you want a tea with a richer flavor or are brewing tea for more people:

      • Standard measurements: A good rule of thumb is to use approximately 2 grams of tea per 200 ml of water. This can be adjusted according to personal taste and the type of tea.

The importance of brewing time

The brewing time is crucial for the flavor development of the tea:

      • Green and white teas: These teas should not be steeped for too long, typically between 1 to 3 minutes. Too long a steeping time can make the flavor overpowering and bitter.
      • Black tea and oolong: These can be brewed for 3 to 5 minutes. Longer brewing times produce a deeper and more pronounced flavor.

The interaction between the elements

It's not always necessary to follow recipes to the letter when it comes to tea. It's the interplay of water temperature, amount of tea leaves, and steeping time that creates the perfect brew. By experimenting with these factors, you can find your ideal combination that suits your taste best.

The importance of the right equipment for tea brewing

To get the most out of your tea leaves, it is important to use the right equipment that allows the tea leaves to fully unfold. This is essential for all the flavors and aromas to be released effectively.

  • Teapots and infusers: Ideally, you should use a teapot or infuser that allows plenty of room for the tea leaves to expand and move freely in the water. This is especially important for full-leaf teas like oolong and certain white teas, where the leaves can open up significantly during brewing.
  • Avoid small tea infusers: While small tea infusers or compact tea infusers may seem convenient, they often limit the space the tea leaves have to unfold. This can prevent the water from circulating effectively around the leaves, resulting in a less flavorful and less effective brew.
  • Tea presses and filter bags: If you prefer simplicity, a tea press is a good option that gives the leaves more space than a tea strainer. Filter bags can also be a good choice, but only if they are spacious enough to allow the leaves to fully unfold.

For easy brewing of loose tea, we recommend this tea infuser

Summary

Mastering the art of brewing tea is all about balancing temperature, quantity, and time. By understanding how these elements interact, you can improve your tea brewing technique and enjoy a better cup of tea every time. Remember that each type of tea has its own requirements, and it's best to start with the recommendations and then adjust to your personal preferences. Happy brewing!