🚀 5 Simple Steps to Make a Great Cup of Tea 🚀

I've been receiving many questions about the correct way to brew tea and what it involves.

For all my beginner tea lovers out there, don't be intimidated.

Take heart as I say, "It's not rocket science."

There are five simple steps you can follow to make a great, not just good, cup of tea.

Step 1: Good Tea

The first and probably the most important factor is good tea. Loose-leaf tea is the best choice, as it is usually the freshest and most flavorful.

I can vouch for the quality of my tea.

If you start with poor-quality tea, there is nothing else that can improve it. Just remember the old saying, "junk in, junk out."

Step 2: Good Water

Next, you need good water. This means using water that tastes good and doesn't have an odd smell. If your tap water has an odor, consider using filtered or spring water, but avoid distilled water. Distilled water lacks essential minerals crucial for brewing a flavorful cup of tea.

Additionally, water heated in a microwave doesn't produce the same quality of tea as water heated on the stove or in an electric kettle. This is because microwaved water can have hot and cold spots, leading to uneven heating. You can definitely taste the difference between tea made with boiled and microwaved water.

Step 3: Water Temperature

Water temperature is also critical.

Black and herbal teas require water heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (boiling). Oolong tea is best steeped at 195 degrees, while white and green teas should be brewed at 175 degrees.

If you steep black or herbal teas at a lower temperature, you may lose flavor because hot water helps the flavor pop.

The flip side of using boiling water on green and white teas is that you can burn or scorch the leaves, resulting in a bitter cup of tea.

Step 4: Quantity of Tea

Do you know how much tea to use?

A good rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of tea for every 8 ounces of water.

If you have a favorite cup or mug, and I know I do, it's helpful to know exactly how much water your cup will hold. To measure this, grab a 2-cup measuring cup, fill it with water, and then pour the water into your cup to see its capacity.

For cups that hold 8 ounces of liquid, use 1 generous teaspoon of tea. If your cup holds between 10 to 12 ounces, use 1.5 generous teaspoons. For a 16-ounce cup, use 2 generous teaspoons. Starting with 1 teaspoon of tea per 8 ounces of water is a good guideline, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your personal taste preferences.

Step 5: Steeping Time

Finally, let's talk about steeping time. I use a timer both in my shop and at home to ensure my tea doesn't over-steep. Over-steeped tea often tastes bitter, and who wants to drink bitter tea? Not me!

Here are some general steeping times: for black tea, aim for 3 to 5 minutes; for oolong tea, about 3 minutes; and for green and white teas, 2 to 3 minutes. Herbal teas (tisanes) typically steep for 4 to 5 minutes but can go longer depending on the tea. If you want your tea to be stronger, add more tea leaves instead of steeping it longer to avoid bitterness.

When you buy tea from us, you set yourself up for success! My tea bags are labeled with the correct amount of tea, ideal water temperature, and steeping time.

You can confidently brew any of my teas by following these simple directions. I know you can absolutely do it! So pop onto my website, explore my large selection of teas, and pick a few new ones to try.

Most importantly, have fun! Now you know that making loose-leaf tea isn't rocket science.

Do you have any questions or need a tea suggestion? Feel free to reply to this email, call, or text. We're here to assist you every step of the way!

~Dani

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. It is not to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare or medical professional.