Tips

The Perfect Cup of Tea: 5 Tips for a Better Brew

A delicious cup of tea is the perfect way to start your day. But do you know the secrets to brewing the perfect cup of tea? Let's uncover these secrets and elevate your tea experience with every sip.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

1Choosing the Right Tea Brewing Equipment Size

It is recommended to use a teapot made of ceramic, porcelain, clay, or glazed earthenware for convenience when brewing tea. Alternatively, you may use a tea cup. However, regardless of the material, pay attention to the size to ensure it is suitable:

Teapot: Width of 74-78 mm, height of 83-87 mm, or a width of 64 mm and a height of 61-65 mm.

Tea Cup: Width of 49-55 mm, height of 57-63 mm.

Additionally, when brewing tea in a teapot, the water level should not exceed 318 ml, and it should not exceed 159 ml when using a cup.

2Type of Water Used for Brewing Tea

The type of water used for brewing tea must be the purest available. In the past, our ancestors often used rainwater or well water for tea as these were considered special and the purest forms of water. However, in today’s modern and polluted world, mineral water, purified water, or tap water filtered through a specialized filtration device is the top choice.

3Water Temperature for Brewing Tea

Black Tea: Water boiling at over 95°C.

Green and White Tea: Warm water at 78-85°C.

Oolong Tea: Warm water at 85°C.

Herbal Tea: Water boiling at 95°C.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use the following trick to determine the water temperature. When boiling water, the first appearance of steam indicates a temperature of 65-75°C, and water starts to shimmer and bubble at 75-85°C.

4Balancing the Amount of Water and Tea Leaves

We often think that the longer we steep the tea, the stronger the flavor will be, or that higher temperatures will enhance the tea’s flavor. This is completely wrong!

If you prefer a stronger brew, simply add more tea leaves than usual, using a ratio of 5g of tea leaves per 100ml of water, combined with the appropriate temperature and steeping time, to create the perfect cup of tea.

5Proper Tea Storage

Tea leaves can develop mold if stored in a damp place for an extended period. Therefore, when you buy tea, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Do not store tea in the refrigerator.

Additionally, tea easily absorbs odors from other foods. Spicy and pungent herbs and spices should not be stored with or near tea.

Rest assured that if you follow these tips and tricks, you will be able to brew a perfect cup of tea. Good luck!

Frequently asked questions

There are five essential tips to follow for a better brew: use quality tea, pay attention to water temperature, don’t oversteep, add milk and/or sugar to taste, and finally, use a cozy to keep your tea warm.

The ideal water temperature for brewing black tea is between 95°C and 100°C. If the water is too cold, the tea won’t brew properly, and if it’s too hot, it can burn the leaves and affect the taste.

Steeping time depends on your personal preference and the type of tea you’re using. As a general rule, black tea should be steeped for 3-5 minutes. Oversteeping can make your tea bitter, so it’s best to set a timer and taste as you go.

A tea cozy is a useful accessory to keep your tea warm. It insulates the teapot, slowing the cooling process and ensuring your tea stays hot for longer, perfect for those who like to savor their brew.

While it’s a matter of personal taste, milk and sugar are commonly added to black tea. However, some tea enthusiasts suggest trying tea without any additives first to appreciate the unique flavors of the brew.