How to Brew a Tea

HOW TO BREW TEA

The most simplistic method of preparing tea is to: Place about one teaspoon of the loose leaf into an 8 oz cup of boiling water, allow the tea leaves to settle, and sip.One can also add about 1 tablespoon of loose leaf to a teapot with nearly boiling water and let steep for 3 to 6 minutes.If one prefers to strain the leaves out before enjoying your tea, one can pour through a strainer, brew in an infuser, fill a tea bag, or use a teapot with a built-in strainer.For those who want to brew “the perfect cup” follow the instructions below based on your tea variety.

WHITE AND GREEN

Heat water until a visible pillar of steam materializes (170F to 185F). Add approximately 1 teaspoon of loose leaf to every cup of water. Steep 2 to 3 minutes.

OOLONG

Heat water until large lazy bubbles start to break the surface (185F to 200F). Add approximately 1 teaspoon of loose leaf to every cup of water. Steep 1.5 to 2 minutes.

BLACK, DARK, AND AGED

Heat water until it is almost at a full boil (195F to 208F). Add approximately 1 teaspoon of loose leaf to every cup of water. Steep 3 to 5 minutes.

TISANES AND ROOIBOS

Heat water to a full rolling boil (200F to 212F). Add approximately 1.5 teaspoons of loose leaf to every cup of water. Steep 2 to 5 minutes.

OOLONG TEA

Tea leaves that are destined to be oolong are sometimes withered, then they are either rolled or crushed and oxidized about 50% before being dried. Green-style oolongs tend to be oxidized less and steamed or pan fired and darker-style oolongs tend to be oxidized more.

HOW TO STORE TEA

To ensure the freshest tea, enjoy a cup everyday and store your loose leaf in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Forego the instinct to save the tea for a distant rainy day. On the off chance that tea is set-aside for a special occasion, store in a cool dry dark place (not be confused with your grandmother’s basement). If you keep tea in your kitchen, choose a cupboard far from the oven.