Preparing Your Tea Properly
THE GOLDEN RULES FOR TEA PREPARATION
For the perfect tea preparation, always use fresh spring water or filtered water. It’s best to heat the water in a kettle rather than a saucepan, as the latter may retain flavors from previously cooked foods.
Before steeping your tea, scald the teapot by pouring in boiling water, then discard it. Cast iron, porcelain, or ceramic teapots are ideal as they do not absorb tea aromas. In contrast, “memory” teapots made of unglazed clay should be dedicated to a single type of tea, as they retain its fragrance over time.
WHAT ARE THE IDEAL TEMPERATURES AND STEEPING TIMES FOR TEA?
Water should never be boiling. To achieve the perfect tea infusion, adjust the water temperature based on the type of tea.
To fully appreciate the quality of your tea, it’s essential to respect the correct dosage, infusion time, and water temperature. Below is a summary table, and you can also find these details on your tea packaging.
Steeping Guide
| Tea Type | Temperature | Steeping Time |
|---|---|---|
| Herbal Tea & Infusion | 95°C | 7-10 min |
| Rooibos | 95°C | 7-10 min |
| Green Tea | 70-80°C | 2-3 min |
| Black Tea | 85-90°C | 3-5 min |
| Oolong Tea | 90°C | 2-3 min |
| Pu Erh Tea | 95°C | 3-5 min |
Oversteeping can cause an unpleasant bitterness. Always cover the tea while steeping to preserve its full aroma and flavor.
