I. Tea storage
The perfect cup begins well before the water has been boiled. Tea leaves are fragile and easily compromised by heat, light, moisture and air, so storing them correctly is essential. Use a resealable pouch or a tea caddy with an airtight lid, and keep your tea at a neutral temperature away from light – it will stay at its best for much longer.
II. Water quality
Tea experts pay the same attention to the water as the leaves. Water quality can make a big difference, so use either filtered water or natural spring water with low or medium mineral content. Always use freshly boiled water too, as re-boiled water will have lost much of its oxygen.
II. Water quality
Tea experts pay the same attention to the water as the leaves. Water quality can make a big difference, so use either filtered water or natural spring water with low or medium mineral content. Always use freshly boiled water too, as re-boiled water will have lost much of its oxygen.
III. Temperature
Different tea types infuse best at certain temperatures. While black teas flourish with freshly, fully boiled water, more delicate white and green teas will be scalded by the extreme heat. For these teas, let the water cool to 70°C-80°C before infusing.
IV. Quantity of tea
When preparing a single cup of tea (200 – 250ml), one heaped teaspoon (or 2-2.5grams) of loose-leaf tea will be enough. For a teapot (500 ml) use at least 2 heaped teaspoons (approximately 5 grams).
IV. Quantity of tea
When preparing a single cup of tea (200 – 250ml), one heaped teaspoon (or 2-2.5grams) of loose-leaf tea will be enough. For a teapot (500 ml) use at least 2 heaped teaspoons (approximately 5 grams).
V. Length of infusion
The length of infusion depends on the type of tea and your personal preference. Tea bags require less time as the leaves are smaller, and the increased surface area lends itself to quicker infusions. Loose-leaf teas require slightly longer, with black teas and tisanes needing the longest infusion. Generally green teas require 2–3 minutes to infuse, oolongs 3–5 minutes and black teas and tisanes up to 5 minutes.
BREWING GUIDE
LOOSE LEAF TEAS
TYPE OF TEA
Black
Green
Oolong
White
Pu Erh
Tisane
WATER TEMPERATURE
Boiling
80°C
Boiling
70 – 80°C
Boiling
Boiling
QUANTITY PER CUP
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 – 2 teaspoons
LENGTH OF INFUSION
3 – 5 minutes
2 – 3 minutes
3 – 5 minutes
2 – 3 minutes
3 – 5 minutes
5 minutes
TEA
Black
Green
Oolong
White
Pu Erh
Tisane
TEMP.
Boiling
80°C
Boiling
70-80°C
Boiling
Boiling
QTY
1 tsp
1 tsp
1 tsp
1 tsp
1 tsp
1-2 tsp
TIME
3-5 min
2-3 min
3-5 min
2-3 min
3-5 min
5 min
TEA BAGS
TYPE OF TEA
Black
Green
Oolong
Tisane
WATER TEMPERATURE
Boiling
80°C
90°C
Boiling
QUANTITY PER CUP
1 teabag per person
1 teabag per person
1 teabag per person
1 teabag per person
LENGTH OF INFUSION
2 – 3 minutes
2 minutes
3 – 5 minutes
3 – 4 minutes
TEA
Black
Green
Oolong
Tisane
TEMP.
Boiling
80°C
90°C
Boiling
QTY
1 p/p
1 p/p
1 p/p
1 p/p
TIME
2-3 min
2 min
3-5 min
3-4 min