Brewing Hot Tea

Brewing a cup of tea is easy and takes less time than making a cup of coffee. You only need 2 things: a way to heat the water, and a way to keep the leaves out of your cup.

Heat quality water in a teakettle, saucepan, or microwave.  BRING fresh, cold water from the purest source available to a full, rolling boil in a tea kettle, saucepan, or in the microwave

ADD tea leaves to a teapot or infuser (teabag, tea-ball, tea-wand, or European Infuser). Use 1 teaspoon of leaves per cup (5-8 ounces) of water.

For black tea and herbal tea POUR boiling water directly over tea

For green tea and white tea allow water to cool for a few minutes before pouring water over tea.

INFUSE(steep) leaves for the time recommended, depending on the type. *Do not over-steep the leaves or the tea may become bitter.

REMOVE leaves/infuser from water. If using a teapot, pour tea through a strainer to remove the leaves.

How long should tea steep?

Experiment with steeping times to fit your own taste. Below are general guidelines:

Herbal Tea 6-10 minutes
Black Tea 4-5 minutes
Oolong Tea 4-5 minutes
Green Tea 3-4 minutes
White Tea 2-7 minutes

TIPS:

Use a good quality loose leaf or bagged tea

Teas must be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature

Always use freshly drawn boiling water

In order to draw the best flavor out of the tea the water must contain oxygen, this is reduced if the water is boiled more than once.

Measure the tea carefully

Use 1 tea bag or 1 rounded teaspoon of loose tea for each cup to be served

Allow the tea to brew for the recommended time before pouring

*If you prefer strong tea do not steep the tea longer, simply add more leaves. Steeping the tea for longer than recommended will only make the brew go bitter. If you prefer weak tea do not steep the tea for less time, instead add more water. Steeping the tea for less time than recommended will not extract all of the leaf's complex flavor characteristics and healthy antioxidants.