How to brew a perfect cup of tea
Want to know how to brew the perfect cup of tea? Follow our simple time and temperature guide above.
We’re all familiar with the camelia flower, tea comes from a variety of this plant family- Camellia sinensis.
Camelia sinesis is grown in tropical and sub tropical climates. There are two main varieties sinensis, a lighter more mellow tea that originated in southern China and south east asia, and assamica, a more robust earthy tea that thrives around India
Like grapes and wine, these varieties are now being grown in further reaching countries with exciting results.
Where they’re grown and how they’re processed is has become less well known as producers and retailers blend varieties with other flavours to suit our consumer palette. If you’re looking for “a cup of tea’ a black tea, in it’s most simple form this is commonly sold as “English Breakfast” and most likely grown in India or China.
Water Temperature
This is the most commonly overlooked factor when steeping your tea as most of us tend to think that boiling water should work for all tea’s right?
Boiling is fine for black and herbals but for for lighter teas can actually make them taste more bitter. There are kettles that allow you to set the temp when boiling – put it on your Ebay wishlist! Or use a thermometer to get the right temp for your brew
Life hack #1 Wait 3min after your full kettle boils, this should come down to 70-80 perfect for your green tea, OR throw a splash of cold water over the tea before pouring on freshly boiled.
Water Quality
We suggest 1tsp to one cup (250ml of water)
It’s suggest you use filtered water for tea, we use ‘freshly drawn water’ or oxygen rich water. When water is boiled too much it can deplete the water of oxygen levels which can affect how the tea will release flavour.
We supply and use loose leaf tea and steep in pots. Tea leaves need space for movement to release maximum flavour.
Small single cup strainers (and teabags for that matter) wont get maximum flavour from the leaf, Life hack #2 tea leaves make great mulch for your herb gardens and help hold moisture in the warmer months- you’re welcome
Sample our favourite teas
Tried & true teas we serve in our Tea Salon
