TIPS FOR BREWING THE PERFECT CUP OF TEA
Tea infusionist offers tea making tips for the perfect at-home brew
The centuries-old art of brewing loose-leaf tea is experiencing a renaissance. With the growing popularity of tea as many American’s beverage of choice, it is important to know just how to make that perfect cup of tea.
Jody Rudman, founder of Tempest Tea in Dallas and experienced tea infusionist, provides some tips for brewing the ideal cup of tea in the comfort of your own kitchen.
- It all begins with the water - Be sure to use fresh, cold, pure water when making tea. If using tap water, to achieve full tea flavor let the water run for a few minutes to ensure the water is filled with oxygen. Avoid flavorless distilled water and never re-boil old water.
- “Hot” the pot and cup - Preheat your teapot and cup by rinsing with boiling water, swirling and then discarding the water. If you skip this step, the water temperature will drop drastically when poured and the tea’s flavor will suffer.
- Water temperature - Bring the water to the desired temperature for the type of tea you are preparing. The higher the quality of leaves the lower the water temperature should be. For green, Darjeeling, oolong and white teas the temperature will be lower than for black, rooibos and herbal teas. If you’re not careful, boiling water can “cook” delicate tea leaves.
- Brew by the clock - Add the water to the tea leaves and let steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on the infusion time of your tea. Brew with the leaves loose to fully develop the flavor of the tea. Cover the cup to keep in the heat, and carefully watch the clock. Steeping for too long may result in bitter tasting tea.
- Remove the leaves - Using a tea strainer, remove the leaves from the tea before drinking. This process prevents further steeping of the leaves and preserves the tea’s desired flavor.
- Sweeten the pot - Some popular sweeteners include honey, sugar (solid, liquid or substitute), lemon and milk. When using milk, be sure to add the tea to the milk to avoid scalding the milk.
- Tea storage - Correct storage of tea is essential for preserving the flavor. Store tea leaves in opaque containers, tightly sealed, and away from the light in a cool, dry place.
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TEMPEST TEA BREWING GUIDELINES
*Use one full teaspoon of leaves per cup |
| Tea |
Water Temp |
Infusion Time |
| Green |
175° |
3 min. |
| White |
175° |
5-6 min. |
| Black |
208° |
4-5 min. |
| Rooibos |
208° |
5 min. |
| Herbal |
208° |
5-6 min. |
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- Host your next special event at Tempest Tea.
If you are looking for a unique place to have your next
party, event, shower, fundraiser or any special occasion call Tempest Tea. Whether
it is a small intimate luncheon
or a large baby shower, Tempest Tea can cater to fit your needs. Call
214-351-4TEA (4832) to learn more and
book your party.
- Tempest Teas now distributed in Canada: Contact Coffee
Concept in Calgary to order.
Email or 403-258-1976
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