Tea Brewing and Storage Tips
If you want to get the best from your tea then it's important to follow a few
basic tips. For every day tea drinking I think it's not really necessary to worry too
much about exact preparation but it sure helps you to make a more tasty brew. If you like
to buy expensive teas then it's definitely worthwhile following the recommendations.
The first thing to consider is storage. If you buy good tea then you will want
to look after it well. Although if you're anything like me it won't last too
long! I tend to drink good tea fast. Storing tea is relatively simple; it needs
to be in an airtight container and out of direct sunlight. So preferably in a
wooden, metal, glass or ceramic container. Make sure the container is fully
airtight. Obviously the tea needs to be kept dry and it can also be affected by
strong odors and heat.
When brewing tea the next thing to consider is the water. For most people general
tea consumption will occur using water from the tap. This can be a problem in
areas where there is excessive chemicals in the water. So if you wish to use tap
water it's definitely better to filter it. The small kitchen filters available
from companies such as Brita and Kenwood do a pretty good job. More expensive filtration
systems can also be purchased if desired.
So for the best brew use freshly drawn filtered tap water or bottled spring
water. Do not use distilled water as the minerals have been taken out which
affects the taste. The water should be boiled then allowed to cool to the
correct temperature for the type of tea you are brewing.
The temperature of the water can really affect the taste of the tea so following
the guidelines for the tea you have purchased will help you to get the best from
your brew. You can experiment with different temperatures to see if you can
notice the difference in the taste.
To do the job properly it's best to buy a water thermometer which will give you
a fast and accurate reading. After a while you will get to know roughly how long
to leave the water before adding it to the tea. This will save you from using
the thermometer all the time.
Steeping time is also very important to produce a fine brew. It is very much
down to your own personal tastes how long you should steep. Having said that
there are guidelines which you should follow and they are often provided with
the tea you buy. Steep too long and you could end up with a bitter and very
strong brew. Steep not enough and you will not get the most of out the tea.
As a rough guide the following timings and temperatures apply;
Green Tea and White Tea 1-4 mins 150-170 F
Oolong Tea 1-3 mins 165-195 F
Pu-erh Tea 2-10 mins boiling
Black Tea 2-5 mins 195 F
In order to appreciate the tea as it's brewing it's really good to be able to
see the leaves as they open. Using a glass cup or pot enables you to do that very
well. There are many choices for brewing equipment including Yi Xing teapots, Guywans,
infusers, filters and good old cups. It's really up to you to experiment with all the
different equipment which is on offer.
The most important thing is to enjoy your tea and enjoy the company in which you
drink it. Don't worry too much about times and temperatures in the beginning; there
is plenty of time and plenty of tea to discover the different techniques of brewing.
About the Author
Tea drinker and creator of the Green Teas Guide. Come and learn all about Green Tea with the Green Teas Guide. Sign up for the Free Newsletter.