Brewing Tea

The methods used for brewing tea are actually dependent on a person's choice and preference. Although, there is no 'right' method to brew tea, there are certain steps to follow, which will determine whether you have the perfect cup of tea or not. Every culture has different customs and rituals associated with drinking tea. For example, tea ceremony in Japan has a long history and it is one of the strict practices which often takes many years to master. Are you planning for a tea party and are worried about brewing tea properly, then I will say calm your nerves and read the instructions below. I am sure, your guests will be happy.

Methods for Tea Brewing

When you plan to brew, it is important you use good quality water. The temperature of water will depend on which tea are you going to brew. If you are brewing green tea, then the temperature of water should not be very high. It should ideally be around 165 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is anything more than this temperature, chances are high that your tea will turn out bitter. However, if you plan to brew dark tea leaves, then you can boil water to higher temperatures. The quantity of tea leaves to be used is about 1 heaping teaspoon, whether you use green tea leaves or you use black tea leaves. The brew time will depend on the tea you are brewing. For example, if you are brewing green tea, then the brew time will be approximately 3 minutes. However, if you are brewing black tea, then the brew time can be more than 3 minutes. Before we see the method, we will see the steeping time and temperature required to brew different types of tea.

Type of Tea	Water Temperature	Steeping Time
Black Tea	205 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit	3 to 5 minutes
Oolong Tea	185 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit	3 to 5 minutes
Green Tea	165 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit	2 to 4 minutes
White Tea	160 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit	2 to 3 minutes
Herbal Tea	205 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit	5 to 7 minutes

Brewing Tea Bags
If you find using tea bags more convenient, then you would want to know how to brew tea bags. Just a word of advice, although you may find tea bags way more convenient, the taste of loose tea is much better than the tea bags. The normally used quantity of tea bags to be used per cup of tea is 1 tea bag per cup. However, if you decide to add milk to the tea, then you will have to increase the quantity of tea bags as well. When milk is to be added, use two tea bags per cup. Bring a cup of water to a boil and drop in the tea bags into the water. Cover and let the tea steep in water. If you want to add milk, then boil milk (if required with sugar). Strain the tea in boiled milk and serve hot.

Brewing Tea Leaves
According to most of the people, this is the most flavorful tea. Fill a kettle of water and bring it to boil. While the water is boiling, place desired quantity of tea leaves in a teapot. Pour the boiling water on the tea leaves. Let the leaves steep in the water, depending on the type of tea you are using. You can add sugar or honey, milk or lemon to the tea, strain and serve the tea. If you are going to add milk, then ensure you add hot milk to the tea.

Brewing Tea in Milk
This is a method introduced to the world by the British. They like to add milk to their tea to add some body to the tea. Take equal quantities of water and milk in a pot and bring it to a boil. Then add tea leaves and let it boil for a few seconds. Remove the pot from the heat and let the tea leaves steep for about 4 to 5 minutes. In a cup add sugar or honey and strain the tea. Stir and serve the tea. Often ginger powder, clove powder, cinnamon powder and cardamom powder can also be added to the tea.

If you ask me which is my favorite tea brewing method, my answer is all of them. It actually depends on the mood I am in. For example, if it is raining, I like to have tea brewed in milk. In the morning I like to have black tea and post lunch I am in a mood for green tea.