Brewing tea might seem simple, but there are specific techniques to ensure you get a flavorful and health-beneficial beverage. Unfortunately, many people lose these qualities due to improper preparation. Here’s how to brew both black and green tea the right way.
Black Tea
To brew black tea correctly, the water temperature should be between 95 to 100 degrees Celsius.
- Steeping Time: Allow the tea to steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Tea Strength: Adjust the strength of the tea by varying the amount of leaves:
- For a rich, robust flavor, use 2–3 tablespoons of loose-leaf tea per 500 ml of water.
- For a lighter brew, use 2–3 teaspoons of loose-leaf tea per 500 ml of water.
Steps to Brew:
- Measure your desired amount of tea leaves.
- Pour boiling water over the leaves.
- Cover and let steep for 3–5 minutes.
- Pour into a cup and enjoy.
In Western cultures, this tea is often referred to as “black tea.” However, in China, it is called “red tea” due to its rich reddish-brown color and strong aroma after brewing.
Green Tea
Green tea is renowned for its health benefits and therapeutic properties. To preserve its delicate flavor and nutrients, proper brewing is crucial.
- Water Temperature: Heat the water to 70–80 degrees Celsius.
- Steeping Time: Let the tea steep for 1–3 minutes.
- Tea Measurement:
- For 180 ml of water, use 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea.
- If the leaves are larger, you can use 1 tablespoon of tea.
Steps to Brew:
- Heat water to the appropriate temperature:
- For Chinese green tea, wait about 8 minutes after boiling.
- For Japanese green tea, wait about 10 minutes after boiling.
- Place the tea leaves in a teapot.
- Pour the water over the leaves and cover the teapot.
- Allow the tea to steep for 1–3 minutes.
- Pour into a cup and enjoy.
By following these methods, you’ll unlock the full potential of your tea, savoring its rich flavors and health-boosting qualities.