Brewing Loose Teas
The number one question we are asked is:
How do you brew a perfect cup of tea?
Teas differ in their preparation depending on their variety. For example, black teas are best prepared using boiling water and being allowed to steep longer than green teas, which also require lower water temperatures.
No matter what kind of tea or infusion you are preparing, you should always begin with fresh cold water and clean utensils.
For a one-cup portion, place a teaspoonful of loose tea into an infuser or strainer.
When brewing black teas, bring the water to a brisk boil and pour the boiling water over the tea leaves. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes depending on the desired strength of the tea.
If you are preparing a green tea, heat the water only to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the water over the tea leaves, and allow the tea to steep for one to three minutes.
When adding flavorings to tea, the best results are obtained by adding sweeteners first. After the sweeteners have been thoroughly dissolved in the undiluted tea, lemon or milk may be added to taste.