Tea Brewing

Tea brewing is quite a simple process. Did you know that the amount of caffeine in your tea depends on how long you brew it? The shorter the brewing time, the less caffeine there will be in your tea.

Infusing tea leaves in hot water for three minutes results in a caffeine content of 20 to 40 milligrams, while infusing for just one minute results to 40 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.

Tea brewing is best done in china, glass, or stainless steel and never in plastic or aluminum. Don't use an aluminum kettle for boiling water for tea brewing either. Always fill your teapot with hot water to preheat it. Always use fresh bottled water for tea brewing. Tap water contains chemicals that can alter the taste of a brew.

Heat water depending on the tea you are using. Never reheat water left in the kettle. Reheating water results in a flat cup of tea.



TEA BREWING FOR GREEN TEA, ROOIBOS TEA AND HERBAL TEA:

Steep in water in the first boil. Water at the first boil should register 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It's better to steep delicate teas a little longer using water at a lower temperature than it is to force the leaves to give up their essence with high temperatures and end up with a bitter brew.



TEA BREWING FOR OOLONG TEA, WHITE TEA AND CHAI TEA:

Steep in water at the second boil. This water is dancing and hissing with impatience. Water on the second boil will register between 180 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit.



TEA BREWING FOR BLACK TEA:

Steep in water at the third boil. Water at a full, rocking boil is what's necessary to release the full flavors of heavy traditional teas.

When the brewing water is ready, empty the teapot and put a suitable amount of tea into it that is, one teabag or one rounded teaspoon of loose per cup. Add boiling water, cover, and let steep for three to five minutes (three minutes for light flavor and five minutes for full rich flavor).

Flavor increases with the length of the steeping period. Some teas produce color quickly but don't judge when a tea is ready solely by its color. You need to take a sip test. A full rich flavor of tea requires a full five minutes of steeping time.