Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, next to water, and can be found in almost 80% of all U.S. households. It is the only beverage commonly served hot or iced anytime, anywhere, for any occasion.
Same Plant Different Categories
All tea comes from the same plant: the Camellia sinensis. How it is processed determines the type of tea it will become. Tea can be divided into four basic categories: black, oolong, green, and white.
Black Tea
Black tea undergoes full oxidation. The results are the characteristic dark brown and black leaves with more robust and pronounced flavors. It has a higher caffeine content compared to other teas.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea undergoes partial oxidation. The flavor is typically not as robust as black or as subtle as green teas and has its own fragrant and intriguing tones. These teas have a caffeine content between that of green teas and black teas.
Green Tea
Green tea is withered slightly. Then, the oxidation process is stopped very quickly. Green teas tend to produce subtle flavors. Green teas tend to have less caffeine.
White Teas
White teas are the least processed of all teas. It is withered and dried. They are appreciated for their subtlety, complexity, and natural sweetness. When brewed correctly, with a very low temperature and a short steeping time, white teas can produce low amounts of caffeine.
Start with Premium Ingredients
To make a great cup of tea, start with fine, premium loose-leaf tea. Loose-leaf tea is fresher, fuller, and more flavorful than bag tea. In addition, loose leaf has more health benefits since it retains more of the plant’s vital essence!
The best tea is only as good as the water with which it is prepared. Use filtered, spring, or bottled water. Distilled water is not recommended since water purified of its mineral content produces a flat-tasting infusion. Chlorine and other chemicals in ordinary tap water will unfavorably affect the taste of teas.
Ratio
As a general rule of thumb, use approximately 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea for every 8 ounces of water. The amount of loose tea you use will depend on the type and strength of the tea desired.
Temperature
Different tea leaves require different water temperatures to get the maximum benefits and best flavor. Steeping with water that is too hot for the leaf can scorch it, which can create a bitter cup. Water that isn’t hot enough may not get all the flavor out of the leaf, resulting in a weak cup. Don’t let the water boil too long or the oxygen content will be reduced and result in a flat and dull tasting tea with little aroma.
Provide Plenty of Room
Loose-leaf tea will expand and needs lots of room when steeping, so be sure the infuser or strainer is large enough. If too much tea is put into too small a steeper, water will not be able to move in through and around the leaves, the leaves will not be able to expand fully, and it will waste the tea. Experts prefer stainless-steel strainers with deep wells rather than tea balls or chambered teaspoons.
Each tea type has an optimum steep time. Of course, much of this will depend on personal taste. There are guidelines that can be helpful, but it is up to the individual.
The Correct Way to Brew Tea
- Preheat a teapot or cup by pouring boiling water into it Let it stand until the vessel is warm. Discard the water.
- Put the tea in an infuser, strainer, or directly in the bottom of the teapot. Start with one heaped teaspoon per cup of tea to be made unless you have instructions that say otherwise.
- Pour fresh hot water over the tea. This super-saturates the tea, allowing the perfect extraction of the flavor. Steep the tea for the recommended time. Experiment to find your ideal time, but take care – don’t steep for too long, or the tea will be bitter or acidic. See the guide below.
- Remove the infuser/strainer from the pot or pour the tea through a strainer into the cups. Many teas can be infused multiple times, so repeat the above steps, increasing the steeping time with each infusion, to get the most out of the tea.
Suggested Tea Brewing Guide
- Black Teas: 205° – 212°F water temperature, steep 3 – 5 minutes
- Oolong Teas:190° – 210°F water temperature, steep 3 – 5 minutes
- Green Teas: 175° – 190°F water temperature, steep 2 – 4 minutes
- White Teas: 170° – 180°F water temperature, steep 2 – 3 minutes
Tips
- Store the teas in an airtight container away from moisture and direct sunlight. Don’t store teas in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Pyramid-shaped tea sachets are a good choice that allows the leaves some room to steep. In addition, there is an acceptable alternative to the commercial tea bag: filling your own.
- If you live in a mountainous or high-altitude area, the lower boiling point can make it difficult to properly steep teas that require a high temperature.
- Consume teas within two years to ensure the best flavor.
In creating a perfect cup of tea, fill it with intention—whether it be joy, gratitude, healing, peace…whatever is called for at the moment. Sip. Let the infusion please your palate. Enjoy the nuances, the complexity, and the character. This is drinking tea!
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator
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