Tips

Don’t Squeeze That Tea Bag! How a Common Habit Can Ruin Your Brew

Introducing the ultimate guide to tea bag brewing! You might be tempted to squeeze every last drop out of your tea bag, but hold that thought! This common practice may be doing more harm than good. Join us on a journey as we uncover the secrets to the perfect cup of tea and explore why ditching that squeezing habit is the way to go.

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Tea is a delightful beverage when prepared and consumed correctly. With just a few simple steps, such as infusing the tea bag in hot water, you can instantly enjoy a refreshing cup.

However, a common habit among many tea drinkers is to squeeze the tea bag with a spoon or a hard object against the cup after infusing it. This is a crucial mistake as it releases Tannin, a compound present in tea.

When Tannin is excessively released and mixes with the water, it alters the taste of the tea, making it bitter and astringent. It also increases the likelihood of teeth staining. This is similar to over-steeping your tea, which diminishes its flavor.

Resist the urge to squeeze the tea bag to avoid bitterness!

Avid tea enthusiasts would certainly cringe at this alteration in taste. Moreover, squeezing the tea bag is not considered proper tea-drinking etiquette. Thus, it is best to infuse the tea bag, patiently wait for the flavors to unfold, and then remove the bag after a sufficient amount of time.

The Proper Way to Brew Tea with Tea Bags

Start by placing the tea bag in a cup and pouring 200ml of hot water over it. Allow it to steep for a maximum of 5 minutes. Then, remove the tea bag and add sugar or honey if desired.

Let the tea cool down for about 6 minutes, aiming for a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius for the best taste. Leaving it for too long will result in a cooled and bitter drink, affecting its flavor.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable insights on how to properly prepare and enjoy tea, especially when using tea bags. Wishing you good health and delightful tea moments!

Frequently asked questions

Squeezing a tea bag can actually make your tea taste worse. When you squeeze, you release more of the tannins, which can make your tea bitter and astringent. It’s best to let the tea steep naturally and then remove the bag without squeezing.

For the perfect cup of tea, use fresh, cold water and bring it to a rolling boil. Use a high-quality tea of your choice and follow the recommended steeping time and temperature for that particular tea. Do not oversteep, and always remove the tea bag without squeezing to avoid releasing excess tannins.

Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in tea, and they contribute to the astringent and bitter taste. While some tannins are desirable for a full-bodied flavor, too much can make your tea unpleasant. Squeezing the tea bag releases more tannins, which is why it’s best to avoid doing so.

Yes, using water that is too hot or oversteeping your tea can also negatively impact the taste. It’s important to follow the recommended steeping guidelines for each type of tea to ensure the best flavor. Additionally, using poor quality or old tea will not give you a pleasant cup.