Making tea is relatively straightforward: put some leaves in water, wait for a few minutes, and enjoy! But slight differences in temperature, timing, and the amount of tea can make a big difference to the end result.
With a bit of knowledge about how to make tea, you can achieve more reliable results, and start to understand more about the flavour profile of the tea you’re drinking.
First, consider the tea itself
Because different teas have their own characteristics, there isn’t a universally “correct” way to make tea.
Tea made from green, white, oolong, black, and dark tea leaves can be prepared at different temperatures and steeped for different lengths of time.
Before you begin, look up the instructions for the tea you intend to brew.
Consider the tea leaves
Depending on the type of tea you’re using, the leaves will expand quite a lot when they are infused.
Make sure you give the leaves space to unfurl, particularly if you are using a large-leaf tea. If the leaves are bunched up in the infuser, they won’t be able to open out, which could lead to an uneven brew.
Get the temperature right
One of the main variables when it comes to brewing tea is temperature.
If the water is too hot, your tea may pick up strong, bitter notes. Conversely, if the water is too cool, you might end up with a watery, flavourless brew.
Basic guidelines
Of course, the correct temperature varies according to the tea you are preparing. However, as a general rule:
- Green tea: cool water
- White tea: cool to lukewarm water
- Oolong tea: warm to hot water
- Black tea: hot water
- Dark/fermented tea: hot water
Keep in mind that these are just starting points; you’ll have to play around to find what works best for you.
Get the steeping time right
Just like water temperature, the length of time the leaves spend steeping will also affect the quality of your brew.
A longer steep will generally produce a stronger brew, but don’t automatically assume that this means a better one.
Start short
When brewing a tea you haven’t tried before, start with a short steep and sample the tea.
If the flavour is too light, try extending the steeping time slightly next time. This is likely to be more helpful than deliberately making the tea extra strong.
Consider the tea to water ratio
The amount of tea used in the brew will have an impact on its strength and overall balance.
Too much tea can overwhelm the rest of the ingredients in the cup, while too little will yield a weak brew.
Use the suggested amount of tea for your blend and tweak from there, depending on your preference.
Consider the water
You’ll probably be aware that the type of water you’re using can affect the flavour of your brew.
Whether you’re using bottled water, tap water, or filtered water will change the end result.
Usually, freshly drawn water is a better choice to start with.
If the water from your tap tastes or smells like anything other than pure water, you might want to use filtered water instead, to help you detect more of the tea’s flavor.
Watch the tea while it’s brewing
The brewing process doesn’t have to be purely mechanical.
You can watch the leaves unfurl, see the color of the water change, and smell the aroma that develops. This can give you a sense of how various teas behave.
Taste the tea mindfully
Rather than drinking it right away, pause to identify any qualities of the tea you notice. For example, is there:
- Aroma?
- Sweetness?
- Bitterness?
- Acidity?
- Body?
- Aftertaste?
You don’t need professional terminology to do this; just describe what you notice.
Taste different brews of the same tea
Try brewing the same tea with different water temperatures or for different amounts of time. Drink them next to each other and see how the flavors differ.
This is probably the simplest way to get a feel for the effect that brewing methods have on the taste of the tea.
Avoid common mistakes
Brewing all teas with boiling water
Some delicate teas can become astringent if they’re brewed with very hot water.
Steeping too long
Steeping tea longer than necessary can lead to excessive bitterness and mask subtler flavors.
Not paying attention to how much tea you’re using
If you change the amount of tea but don’t change the amount of water, it becomes harder to make a fair comparison.
Trying to brew every tea the same way
Each type of tea may benefit from different brewing methods. Consider each tea as its own unique ingredient.
Make a simple tea journal
To hone your brewing skills, it helps to keep a record of your experience. Write down which tea you’re brewing, how much tea and water you use, the temperature of the water, the length of time it’s steeped, and your thoughts on the flavor. Over time, you’ll build your own guidebook and learn to recognize which brewing methods are most effective for each tea.
Brewing as a cultural practice
The preparation of tea isn’t merely about extraction. In various parts of the world, the act of brewing and serving tea represents hospitality, mindfulness, community, ritual, or daily life. Learning about these practices can deepen the experience of making a cup of tea.
In conclusion
There are no special tools required to brew great tea; just the ability to pay attention. Determine an ideal temperature, a steeping time, a proper ratio of tea to water, and carefully evaluate the result. Make small changes as needed until you get the desired taste.
As you practice, you’ll begin to notice how much character there is to a cup of tea. This is what TeaHorizon is about: developing a deeper understanding of the culture, the craft, and the history of tea.