Brewing Hot Tea
Most people will brew hot teas in boiling water, but many teas should be brewed at a lower temperature for full flavor. Green and white teas should be brewed in slightly cooler water, and steeping times vary tea by tea.
Teas should be brewed in a cup or teapot. It is a mistake to brew tea in a aluminum or stainless steel pan because the tannins will react with the metal, altering the flavors. Cast iron tea pots are preferred in Japan, as well as ceramic and glass.
Presentation teas should be brewed in glass, in order to enjoy the full effect of the beauty of the open tea.
Brewing Black Teas
Black tea can be brewed in boiling water. Bring the water to a boil, pour the boiling water into a cup or tea pot, add the tea and steep for 4-6 minutes. Brewing time will vary depending on the tea chosen and how strong you like your tea. Black teas are the most robust of the teas.
Brewing Oolong Teas
Oolong tea has many of the properties of both green and black tea. Brew Oolong tea at around 190 degrees F for best flavor. Oolong should be steeped longer than black teas, approximately 5-8 minutes.
Bring the water to 190 by watching for strings of bubbles rising from the bottom of the pan. Remove the water from the heat just before a rolling boil is reached.
Brewing Green Teas
Green teas are more delicate and should be brewed at a lower temperature than either Oolong or Black teas. Bring the water to 150 - 160 degrees F by watching for small bubbles rising to the surface. Once the bubbles form strings the water is slightly too hot. Steep green tea for only 2 - 4 minutes and enjoy the delicate, light flavor of green tea.
Brewing White Teas
White teas are another delicate flavor, but can be brewed at a slightly higher temperature than green teas. Bring the water to 180 degrees F, where the bubbles are more abundant but not yet stringing. You will need to let it steep longer than green tea however, at least 4 - 6 minutes. White tea is a very delicate flavor and should not be strong.
Brewing Rooibos Tea
Rooibos Tea or Red Tea should be prepared like black tea, using fully boiling water with a longer brewing time. Bring water to a full boil, then brew for 6 - 8 minutes.
Brewing Herbal Tea
Most Herbal teas can be brewed in boiling water and steeped for about 5 minutes to your taste. There are too many different herbs and blends to give accurate brewing instructions. Check the directions on your tea, or experiment until you get the perfect cup for you.
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